Cousin Danial introduced Annika and Lauren to glow sticks while Great-Grandma watched. 
Searching for rocks to throw in the river. 
Lauren's face is worth a close-up look. I'm guessing she was a little worn-out. 
Dress-up fun at Grandpa and Grandma's. 
Can you guess where Annika and Lauren are going to preschool? As you can see, they were pretty excited to head off to school. So far loading all 4 up in the van twice a day 4 days a week has gone well. Most of the time the twins take a nap during preschool and I can get some things done around the house. Yeah! 
We were going to have a campout in the backyard, but it rained so we moved it to the basement. Here they are watching their first episode of Little House and eating popcorn. 
Good thing we were inside. . . otherwise there would have been no way for Lauren to "check her email" on our old laptop. 
We went downtown on Labor Day and just happened to run into the Labor Day Parade. As you can see there were lots of semi trucks and union-promoting vehicles (that loved honking their horns). As you can tell, Karl was VERY excited to be there. We quickly moved on the to the bike races. 
The Tour of Missouri started downtown. 
A trip downtown wasn't complete without a stop at the Citygarden (this time we remembered swimsuits!). 
Proud as punch.
Sami still has quite a bit of "the lean" going on, but she's not about to let her sister get ahead of her developmentally. 
So cute! 
Can you see me now? 
It was a cool day, but that didn't stop Annika from running through the water fan. 
Stroller/shoulder hopping is a common occurrence these days. 
We're smiling, but we definitely do not trust that goat to the left. 
Yes, this is a real meerkat. Don't you just want to take him home? 
Do you think the lady helping the girls wants to go home? 
Can't wait to come back!
Road trip ready. . .
Karl's sister-in-law Lesley made the 10 hour trek to Michigan with me and the girls. It went much better than I anticipated. Thanks, Lesley!
Lunch stop - at the McDonalds tollway overpass. There is no such thing as a "quick stop" with a 4 year old and 2 year old to feed and take potty and 2 babies to bottle and diaper. Oh yeah, Lesley and I needed to eat too. 
We made it to Michigan and we're still smiling! 
We spent one of our days with my dear friend Shanda. She took us to Deanna's Playhouse which was lots of fun. 
Snack time with Garrison, Noel, and Simon. 
Annika and Lauren were all about dressing up like princesses and dancing with Mrs. Shanda on the dance floor. 
Naptime video at Mrs. Shanda's. 
First beach visit for Audrey and Samantha. 
The babies make great weights to keep the blanket from blowing. Good thing we have two! 
Lauren went underwater unexpectedly and needed some comforting from Grandpa. 
Uncle Jay, pick on someone your own size! 
We went on a picnic with Mrs. Sue, Liesl, and Annemarie. 
Grandpa was up to the challenge of taking Annika and Lauren fishing for the first time. Let's just say it was a learning experience. 
Grandpa is taking out the worms. . .and, yes, that is Annika running down the dock in the opposite direction. 
Grandpa and Lauren (between the slats) are fishing. 
Can you tell that Annika is having SO much fun? It may be a while before we try this again. 
Hanging out with cousin Emma at Meijer Gardens. 
Using yummy Michigan blueberries to make pancakes with Grandma. Good thing she had all that help. 
Brianna and Samantha - the toe suckers. 
Fun at the water park with Uncle Jay.
Grandpa pushing one of the babies. . .again. At least this time he is enjoying a Margarita?!
Hanging out in Uncle Jay and Aunt Elizabeth's backyard. 
