VBS and Bay Beach

It's HERE! Fine Arts week!!! 

You kids have been loving Fine Arts together for years.

You are looking forward to a week of fun programing,

building, painting, dancing, pom-poming, cooking, eating,

creating, music, and finally, performances!!!

I am looking forward to some one on one time with my Lee!

We are going to go to Bay Beach EVERYDAY.

We have some choo-choo trains to ride! :)

+ 1 = 4

In the past we have had Jada right along with Kaila and Leo. Last year we didn't have Jada at all because she chose to spend her summer time away with her Aunt Jenny (Ninny) in MI. This year, she is doing a little of each. She's been with Ninny for awhile, and today, Ninny brought her to us. 

(Leo loves his Ninny like no other, and it is the sweetest thing)

I'm looking forward to having some girly girl time - maybe some nail paining, some chick flick watching, a little dress up, hair dos, and photo session… Let the fun begin! 

Lee's Baaaaack

Auntie Robin and Uncle Deuce brought Kaila back to us 

and gave us Leo as well last weekend. We are glad to have both home with us. 

Of course Leo has been loving our Thomas the Train set, as always.

You and Kay have been joining him sometimes. 

Even the cat seems to like it. 

(While Chuchi has been chewing on the wooden pieces!)

You have been enjoying having a little company to play with things

you wouldn't normally think to play with anymore.

We finally made our way to the Pizza Hut buffet, 

which has been a favorite tradition for you guys every year.

And of course, our beach! 

Zach joined us for this fun day, 

and the weather couldn't have been better.

Nothing like being lake side in the sand for this mama!

Leo has been very entertaining. 

He loves Ralph, and insists that he's a "wabbit".

The other day he was watching him in his tank when I said,

"Oh, do you love the bunny?"

Leo replied, 

"Him not a bunny. He a wabbit." 

Too much!  

Mr. Golf

Today I took you golfing for your first time ever. 

You are a natural, and we had SO much fun. 

Something I can see us doing for years to come. 

I love to golf.

It happened to be "Restaurant Week", 

and we decided to have lunch out after our game.

We ate at Abravo, and you were in such a good mood from play golf

that you actually ordered and tried some really fun and unusual things.

It was fun.

Then we went biking on some trails on the E. side. 

I'll never forget it and I hope we have more summer days like this to. 

Family Reunion in MI

We had our family reunion on Gra's side over the holiday weekend.

We stayed at our favorite "Inn" at Uncle Pie and Aunt Bobbie's with Gra and Pepere, and Auntie Ducky. It was just right, as always.

You, Daddy, Pepere, Uncle Pie, and Cousins TJ and Donald all cut and hauled the wood for our first huge family bonfire.

It was so nice to see so much family in one place, together. 

Gra has a VERY big family.

  

You have A LOT of cousins. 

We got to take you to the Breakers. 

It has been closed for years,

but to my delight and surprise it is opened again! :)

You fell in love and wanted to go every single day we were in MI.

We made sure to take you a few times.

Uncle loved the Breakers, too.

You, Gra and I went to the quarry you climbed the last time we were in MI. 

You climbed ALL the way to the top this time. 

I was a little nervous and prayed a lot that you would be okay.

We had a day at the Beach with nearly everyone who came.

We ate, played, visited, and got some group pictures.

It was a nice time.

One of the days were were there, you, Daddy, Gra, Pepere and I 

went on an adventure to explore the UP. 

We drove on a long, very rough trail through the woods 

at the end of Highway 41N.

We also enjoyed the coast of Lake Superior.

Even though we all look very happy in this picture, 

you might remember that Mom and Dad weren't getting 

along so well on this day during this trip. 

I love that we are a close little family who takes good care

no matter what our moods or attitudes are like. :)

On our last day there was a morning race and run 

sponsored by Gra and Pepere for anyone who wanted participate.

You were the only one of the several kids who ran 

the entire way with all the adults. 

It was a great morning for a run/walk with family, 

and a great time to head back and get to our own home and beds. 

Friends and Fire

Today we had Zach over. 

We enjoyed lunch on a bonfire and some outdoor play. 

The three of you played Payday and watched a movie together in the theater, too. 

I love that you and Zach are still so close and compatible, 

and that he is so friendly and comfortable in sharing you with your KayKay.

Summer Dayz

We've been enjoying our park dates on Wednesday

for my own Bible study with the ladies, 

and your play time with all their kids. 

This is the tree the Mama's sit under during our time. 

We've also been enjoying soccer Mondays and Wednesdays, too.

You are the one in the orange shin-socks.

Your team is called the "Shooters", 

your coaches are awesome,

and you actually play!

(when you were younger and in soccer, you refused

to touch the ball on game days, because you thought it 

wasn't fair to take it from the other kids.)

Your Dad and I, and often Kaila, are on the sidelines

with our friends, cheering you on! 

It's such a relaxing stop in the day for us.

Aunt Pam's Place

 

Today we went to a Birthday Party at Aunt Pam's. 

Zach turned 11 and Nick turned 14.

It was a beautiful day of quick passing thunder storms,  

warm sunshine, and a few favorite friends and family.

Can't wait for more time at Auntie Pam's house! ;)

Strawberry Time

Today I went to another Birthday party of Miss Maria's. 

Later, you, Kaila and I went strawberry picking up the road for the first time this summer. 

We had to do some good hunting to find the ready ones. It's early in the season.

It was wonderful, and so were the strawberry ice-cream shakes we made after dinner!