Just before the 4th of July holiday weekend, Andy found out that he could have an extra day of leave added to the already extended weekend. So, at the last minute we decided to pack quickly and headed North to see family. The Brennecke’s celebrated on the 4th at the cabin. We were actually able to surprise Andy’s parents by just showing up there. It was the quintessential July 4th with blackberry picking, lake swimming, fireworks, tire swimming, and duck racing. Really, what more could you ask for? We had a wonderful day! The next day we went to Mary & Tim’s to celebrate and visit with them and my parents. We swam in their pool and had a nice lunch together. It was so great to be able to spend time with family, especially unexpectedly!
We also had a chance to deliver some big new to our families…we are expecting baby #3 in December! We are so excited and our families were too!
Yesterday we took the kids to see the sights and sounds of Baton Rouge--the state capital, yet another Mississippi bank settlement, and home of Louisiana State University (LSU). It is about an hour from our house and there are many fun things there, so I am sure we will be going back for more. We visited the USS Kidd, a WWII Naval destroyer, which is docked on the Mississippi in downtown Baton Rouge. The kids had a great time climbing all over the ship…and really how better to spend a 100+ degree day? We stopped at a Cabela’s on our way home, which for two animal-loving kids was the topper to the trip. 
