Flipping for birthdays

Saturday morning started off with Jeff and I putting together Maddie's big birthday present...a trampoline.  If you have never put one of these things together, let me tell you, they are heavy and time consuming.  The directions say two people are needed.  I would say unless the two people are crosses between Hulk Hogan and Einstein, at least three people, if not four, are needed and a physics degree would be a plus.

Sisters, Friends

While we were struggling with assembly, Riley had the harder job of keeping her sister away from any windows and entertained.  So, she resorted to lots of picture taking.  Thank goodness for me, because I really got to see the loving bond between the two sisters.

The kids jumped and jumped and jumped some more.  In fact, Riley was so sore the next day, she could barely move.  Check out the videos of their stunts.  (I should probably insert disclaimer here--you know, the kind that says 'don't do this at your house'.)

The day continued on like this for quite a while, even with the summer sun beating down on the kids.  

We decided to wrap up the evening with a small backyard bonfire.  Of course, Cole wanted to light the fire. 

Again-Don't do this at home!

The excitement couldn't end there. Nope, right before the s'more marshmallow toasting got underway, the neighbors called out for us to come look in the front yard.  We couldn't believe what we saw.    

Cole tried to catch him to release elsewhere, but was unable to do it.  We checked the next morning and the snake had left the tree, but we did see that there was a bird's nest up there.  Maybe, he was just looking for dinner.  

That pretty much wraps up August 7, 2010.  My baby turned 12 and I got to spend a wonderful day with the family.  I don't think it gets any better than that.