Fourth of July festivities

Sunday we had some of my family over for a little July 4th celebration. It was such a nice day so we swam and played all afternoon. The kids love the new pool we just put up. It is 12 feet wide and about 2 1/2 feet deep...perfect for them.

Uncle Nick, Grandma Karen and Great Grandma Shirley hanging out by the pool

Riley enjoying the slide

Snack time!

"hey guys, watch what I can do!"

Princess Hailey floating around the pool

Hannah having a blast making waves

After everyone left we headed out to Brookfield to save our spot for the parade the next morning. We had never been to this parade but we reserved our spots where everyone else was...we figured they knew what they were doing!

We decided not to take the boys to the fireworks this year. But after we put them to bed, Matt and I went across the field and we could see the Waukesha fireworks pretty well.

On Monday morning we headed out to meet our friends the Weis and Krause families at the parade. Our plan was a success...we had great seats! We all agreed it was a great parade and it had awesome candy!

Gretchen could hardly wait for the parade to start!

Caleb loved the parade. "want mo cany"

Can you tell how Casey felt about it?

Friends for life!

Momma taught Caleb how to fill his bag! Smile and wave baby!
(notice Casey in the background)

Following the parade we enjoyed being entertained by some of the UW-Madison Marching band as they put on their famous "fifth quarter" show. It was so neat! Casey said he really enjoyed having a picnic and watching the band. I was surprised seeing as though his ears were covered for most of the parade!

After leaving we headed back to our house so the little ones could rest. Casey and Lilly had the pool to themselves and boy did they have a great time! We even talked the adults into taking a little dip!

After dinner we surprised Alyssa with a birthday cake that Gretchen had made for her. Happy birthday girl! You look great!


We then ended our celebration by heading to Mitchell Park in Brookfield for family fest. The kids enjoyed playing on the playground and watching the juggling show. Gretchen and Matt made their debut. Don't be surprised if you see them in a juggling show in Vegas in the future!



Happy Birthday America!

Makena Marie Westind has arrived!

Matt and I are the proud Uncle and Aunt of yet another niece (#5). Makena was born this morning weighing in at 6 pounds 6 ounces. We can't wait to meet her!

Welcome to motherhood Nikki! We love you guys!

Family fun

Our weekend was jam packed with family fun. On Friday we met my brother in law Nick and the girls at Fox Brook park in Brookfield. It was an absolutley PERFECT beach day here in Wisconsin. We got their early and the kids enjoyed playing in the sand. As soon as the lifeguard came on duty the big kids had a blast swimming. Hannah and Casey were out to their necks! Caleb and I stayed about waist deep and splashed and kicked. He is really becoming a little fish like his big brother!

Casey and Hannah playing in the "deep water"

Here's Caleb giving me "the look"

On Saturday Matt helped a friend from church move so I took the boys on a morning bike ride. We ventured to Frame Park to see all of the carnival rides. Then it was back home to get ready for the parties!

The first party of the day was Hailey and Riley's 4th birthday party. Casey said his favorite part was the pinata. Caleb seemed to enjoy playing with the balloons.

Happy birthday princess Hailey and princess Riley

Caleb got a quick nap on our ride out to the Prohaska Paradise...or cousin Wendy's house. We call it a paradise because it is...there is a pool, hot tub, and a trampoline on beautiful piece of land. The boys LOVE it there. The weather was perfect for a pool party!

The water was perfect and the sun was hot. Casey was in the pool from 2:30-6:30 (with a short potty and dinner break). We strapped on his bubble belt and he swam like such a big boy! He had a blast with his cousins that day. I'm surprised he didn't grow fins!



Today was our church's annual Amerifest event where we celebrate all of the men and women who have served our country. The weather wasn't the greatest but the entertainment and food sure were!

We had such a great time at Devil's Lake this weekend. For the past couple of years we have gone camping on father's day weekend. This year we invited my sister's family and my dad and Sheryl. The kids had such a great time with their cousins.

We arrived on Thursday night and began to set up right away. We made hot dogs and brats for dinner and explored the site. We headed to bed to rest up for all of the fun we had planned for the next day.

When we got up we took an impromptu bike ride to the beach. It was beautiful so we let the kids swim in their underwear! Because it was impromptu I didn't have the camera...bummer.

We headed back to the site to get ready for our trip the the Riverview Water Park...it was dollar days. All 9 of us got in for $27! You can't pay that for one ticket at any of the other water parks. The kids had a blast riding go karts, going on the water slides and splashing around.

Casey was so excited to ride the "race cars"

Casey enjoyed the slide...no surprise.
The surprise was how much Caleb enjoyed it too!

Friday afternoon we headed back to the site for some campfire stew. The kids enjoyed hanging out and biking around. I also got them started on a collection of caterpillars.

Here is Caleb and Hailey relaxing in their camp chairs.
All the kids watching Oscar...the caterpillar

Saturday morning the Buntrock boys decided it would be good to get a jump start to the day...so we were up at 6:00 am! Matt took the kids to the lake to fish. The boys enjoyed throwing rocks in the lake while daddy fished. I joined them for breakfast on the rocks.



We headed straight to the beach to enjoy the sunny, but windy day. The kids had a blast playing in the sand and swimming. Matt made an awesome sand island for the kids.


Saturday afternoon my dad and Sheryl joined us. They made us ribs for dinner...yum!


The kids had a great time hanging out at the site that night. It was really a beautiful night.

Sunday we had a Father's day breakfast...made by my dad. Then it was time to pack up. Since it was a nice day we decided to hang out at the beach and take the boys for a little hike.

What's a family vacation without a dead battery?

Casey and Matt had some fun out in the "deep water"

Caleb enjoyed throwing rocks around (it was the closest thing he had to a ball at that time)

Cuddled up and ready for lunch

This is my favorite picture from the trip. Casey looks like such a big boy out on that rock

So long Devil's Lake...thanks for the memories!

Full weekend

Friday night my mom watched the boys so Matt and I could have a date night with some friends of ours. We started off our night by eating at Sonic. We both agreed the burgers were yummy. I have to say I was rather fond of the cherry limeade as well!

After stopping for dinner we met up with our friends at the Brewer's Game. The ladies had a great time chatting while the guys cheered on the Brewer's...who won!

Saturday we packed up the boys and headed down to the lakefront to watch the airshow. The weather ended up being cold and cloudy so the planes didn't fly. The kids had a great time playing in the sand. Thanks to our friends who stuck it out with us:)

Saturday evening we had Lucy and Hannah stay over night. We introduced Hannah to the Wii and poor Lucy was bullied by Caleb most of the night. After awhile (when Caleb realized she was there to stay) they began to play nicely with one another. It may be another special cousin friendship like the one Casey and Hannah share. Time will tell.

On Sunday evening we had our friends over for a "dinner of 6". It was actually 12, 6 kids and 6 adults. Here are the little ones eating. The adults enjoyed dinner on the patio while the kids played. We actually were able to have a conversation or two!

Daddy Camping Trip 2010

Matt organized the 2nd annual daddy camping trip for our Sunday school class. The first part of the weekend was beautiful. The kids got to swim, fish, hike and play. The second half of the weekend was a bit cold and rainy. High five to those of you who stuck it out!