Mollypalooza

Today, Molly turned 8 on the 8th, making it her "Golden Birthday." We were lucky enough to celebrate over the weekend in Nebraska with approximately 30 to 40 O'Gradys and Molly's BFF, Ryan.

It was the most Midwestern of road trips. We drove through corn to get to more corn. The kids went free range for a few days while the adults talked and drank beer. Occasionally, you'd hear exchanges like this:

"Have you seen the girls?"

"Pretty sure they were heading North with the hula hoops."

Or this:

"Where'd Evan get to?" (My 3-year-old nephew)

"I told him to go pee by the side of the house."

It was glorious.

We stayed at Jason's Aunt Donna and Uncle Chuck's house and they pretty much rolled out the red carpet for us. It really couldn't have been more fun. We had an epic water war with the kids vs adults, caught fireflies and toads every night, rode in the tractor, ate junk food and didn't care. Molly loved it all.

It was a pretty special way to celebrate a special girl. Happy birthday to the Molls!

Checking out the view from the tractor

Taking as many Gator rides as they could get

Bowling with Ryan, who was such a good guest and earned her spot as an honorary O'Grady

Our fabulous hosts -- Donna, Becky, and Chuck

The birthday girl with her mom and dad

Cousin Will - the MVP of the water war, with Jon, Joe, and Jeremy

Corinne and I getting our turn in the tractor with "Farmer Steve"

Mini tractor rides in the shed

Hanging with my sisters in law and hopefully my soon-to-be sister in law ... no pressure, Jon! :)

Kids in the bean field at dusk