Labor Day = Family Fun!!

It's always a great day when our entire family is able to spend time together.  With 5 kids under the age of 6 (soon to be 6), we fondly describe our family gatherings as "controlled chaos", but we all love being together.  Since at some point we will have cooler fall temps (please, God!), we decided to enjoy possibly one last pool party of the season, and Labor Day was the perfect opportunity--a gorgeous, sunny, hot day, and everyone was available.  In a few weeks the days may still be warm, but nights will drop down and render the water too cool for comfortable swimming.

Here is my lovely Jenni (46 days til her due date with Cribblet #4) and precious 19 1/2-month-old Maggie, just relaxing on the steps with a snack cup of slightly soggy goldfish crackers.

Our entire family of 10 (sans me, designated photographer) enjoying the sparkling water and prompting the idea that we may need to think about a larger pool.  Notice my basil, mint, and freakishly huge rosemary plants along the fence, growing strong, healthy, and forgiving despite my total neglect.

My beautiful girls with their beautiful girls.....Erika holding almost-20-month-old Etta, and Jenni holding Maggie with Zoey (who will turn 6 in December) in front.

Leo, who just turned 4, has really come into his own in the pool this summer.  He's not only an expert "jumper-in-er", but he also loves to be tossed breathtakingly high in the air between his parents, and he's also learning the basic elements of swimming.

Not to be outdone by her big brother, fearless Etta also loves being airborne above the water.

And Zoey's already an old pro in the pool after spending the entire summer at camp, much of it in the water.

Here's 3 1/2-year-old Ruby, also wild about jumping in and learning some swimming basics.  The 3 young Cribbies gain so much confidence during their 3 months spent with wonderful camp staff and campers.

Sun-kissed Etta enjoyed a spin in her floating island.

And Maggie had fun splashing in the security of her daddy's arms.

My Favorite Five, who graciously indulged Grammy's request for a quick group pic while yearning to get back to water play.  Sweetest kids ever!!

Before we move inside, here's a cute video of Zoey jumping into the pool, all gangly arms and legs which keep moving even after she's airborne.

An afternoon of sun and water gives everyone a hearty appetite, so we gladly dried off and came in for dinner.  We are now officially a 2-table family, and I couldn't even get both entire tables in a single frame.  Maybe along with the larger pool we should consider a larger house?

The kids' table, more or less.  I love that all five kids enjoy being together and get along so well.  It's such a blessing to be able to have everyone together so often.

After dinner, Etta decided the pictures on my fridge needed to be rearranged.  I have several family photos in magnetic frames for the little ones to look at and move around.

Then Maggie's creative juices started flowing and she completely reorganized Etta's handiwork.

As usual, Grammy and Papa breathed a sigh of contentment and total exhaustion after everyone left, and it wasn't 5 minutes later we wished they'd all turn around and come back.  I love my family!!

"24 days til Baby Cribby is due!"  Here are Jenni's thoughts from her blog as she approaches her due date

Next up:  Random videos.  Check back Oct. 4! 

 

**And watch soon for my coming post which will follow a very eagerly anticipated trip to Disney World Oct. 5-8. Some long-time favorite high school girlfriends are meeting for a weekend of fun at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, and I'm sure there will be lots of pictures to post when I get home.