The party

Hello out there! I have been inconsistent in my posting, mainly because there's just been so much else happening lately! We are finally enjoying some hot summer weather, and the kids have been spending their days in the pool. Our 4th of July bash was lots of fun! We BBQ'd, had water fights, roasted marshmallows after dark and watched an outdoor movie. Fun for everyone! Unfortuantely the weather was cool so the kids didn't spend too much time in the pool. We had about 30 people, and missed our friends that couldn't make it this year! 

I just couldn't get Cole to take a decent picture that morning!

Happy 4th of July Gracie!

A very chilly pool waiting for some willing kiddos?

Thanks to Amy for this yummy treat!

The girls enjoying some refreshment!

Lee and Colleen

Let the waterfight begin!

Sean looking for a safe place to hide?

This guy looks dangerous!

but not as dangerous as THIS guy!

King of his grill

The grub

I forget what Wade was upto in this picture?

Oh, NOW I remember....

Three old friends

and...the AFTERMATH!

These were taken after the first round of clean-up. No worries, it was all worth it! Looking forward to next year!

Garden business

We enjoyed our first head of broccoli this week....So good!

Gracie took over the camera and took a video of our garden. It's a bit shaky, but cute!

4th of July

Happy 4th of July to all!! Hope everyone has something fun planned for the afternoon and evening. We are having a big 4th of July bash this afternoon.....should be a fun time! It's pretty much a free-for-all for our friends and family, so if you don't have plans, come on by! Enjoy swimming, a campfire, games and an outdoor movie. Party is from 3pm until ???? Bring your own meat, chicken (for your own family), and a salad or dessert to share!

Ballet recital

Gracie had her first ever ballet recital last weekend. It was titled "Shipwrecked" and was an amazing production! Gracie was a "fish", and did a beautiful job...she was adorable! The show was over 3 hours long. Can you say LONG? Still, it was a great memory!

A photo with Grammy

A kiss from Daddy....

Gracie and Mommy...

Lesley (also known as Bubba) and Gracie...

Bathtime

and don't they look thrilled?

Lemonade anyone?

Kayak adventure

Amanda, Sara and I took our kayak adventure today. The trip started out rough, as it was pouring down rain. We put on our rain ponchos and best rain gear and braved the weather anyway...

No, I didn't actually wear this...but I do look cute in it dontcha think?

Here's Amanda...who at this moment was VERY glad that Denise stopped and picked up ponchos!!

Here I am in my kayak...I loved it!

Amanda...looking like a pro.

Sara, Amanda and I...

       Tons of beautiful scenery...

Throughout the second half of the trip I commented that I seemed to be "sinking"...and my kayak was filling with water. Amanda and I steered our kayaks off to the side and I attempted to climb out of mine onto the shoreline. I DID get out of the kayak but not without getting completely drenched from the waist down. I tried to tip the kayak to the side to drain some water out...and then promptly let my kayak drift away. Amanda did her best to hang onto both oars, and steer my kayak back to me...upstream. It was quite a sight. I paddled a bit longer and realized I still had a problem, so I steered back to the shoreline again. And got drenched...again. Then we saw a young moose!! It would have been fascinating to watch if I weren't so concerned with A) my sinking ship and B) the fact that I didn't know where the mama moose was.

You may be wondering where Ron, our trusty tour guide was when all this was taking place. He was right....about....here...

actually, he was much farther than that. We were wondering if he was coming back for us or not. Finally, he reappeared and switched kayaks with me. He drained about 10 gallons of water out of the hull of my kayak! Next time I'll try not to pick the kayak with the HOLE IN IT. No wonder I was sinking. Oh well, at least Amanda has plenty of stories to share at work tomorrow at my expense!!

                             At the end of our trip, we had a catered luau dinner waiting for us. Sooooo good!

festive decor....

So, Amanda....when's our next adventure?