Two Little Gutt Girls: Action, Action, We Want Action...A-C-T-I-O-N

Ella had a very busy holiday weekend. Friday morning we attended the children's parade along Lake Avenue. It's a grueling five block walk from the park/beach to the park/boat launch. It was really cute. Everyone had decorated strollers, bikes, wagons, etc. We walked with our neighbors. When we got to the end of the parade, there was watermelon, lemonade and games. The games included three-legged races, spoon races and wheelbarrow races. Ella loved watching all of it.

Ready for the Parade!

Liam and Ella

During the parade

Rowan and "Guy"

Blowing bubbles

Lemonade after the parade...Ella thought she should have some.

Later that day, we hosted our Third Annual 4th of July BBQ - Now With More Ella. We had a great turn out, lots of friends, family and food! We watched the fireworks from the end of our street which turned out to be just as great of a spot as the beach and with less of a walk. Ella slept through the fireworks and only awoke at the end when everyone started clapping and cheering.

Bocce ball competition between Adam, Alex, Chelsey and Christy

Manning the grill

Ella with Great Grandpa and Grandma Straight

Ella meets Lucas

Lucas liked playing with Ella's hands

Saturday morning we met Rich, Heather and Lucas at Springbrook to go for a walk. The kids enjoyed seeing one another and liked the animals in the nature center. This was followed up by brunch at Keys.

Sawyers and Gutts at Springbrook

Watching the fish

After our busy morning, we were off to the Shady Lane Bike Rally. Loran and I participated and Ella stayed with Katie - her first paid babysitter. Ella had a blast with Katie and friends and we had a blast on the bike rally with our team. Our team took third place which was a great showing. I was the only one who'd ever participated prior and then my team was in last place (proving it helps to actually live in WBL to play). After the rally, there was much food, friends and relaxation listening to the band and catching up and meeting new friends. Ella was a hit with everyone.

Sunday morning we were off and running to Stone Lake, WI. We picked up Nathan and Lisa and Ella was just thrilled to have friends in the back seat with her. It was a nice, hot day to be at the lake. We were able to see a lot of family and Ella did a super job of socializing having not napped much. Once again, a great day for food, family and fun.