Summer fun party

We went to a summer fun party last week at one of Kyle's friend's house. We were there with other moms and other kids and had a great time. Thanks for having us Jennifer!!!!

Romy, Emma Grace and KyleErinRachel, Jennifer and KristineCarly

Senice and Mary Jane w/Carly

Jennifer and Erin say hi...

Kids and ice cream go together...

Fun....

Going Crazy at Crazy Bounce

Last week we went with four other moms and their kids to Crazy Bounce in Holland. It's a huge indoor area with lots of big inflatables to play on and slide down. We went during toddler time so that our wee ones would not get trampled by any big ones. Kyle had an absolute BLAST. He loved it!! He climbed up all the big slides with no problem and came shooting right down. He keeps asking to go again. Erin also had fun, although there wasn't as much to do for her. I had fun as well, although I left quite a bit of elbow skin on one of the slides... owwww! They even had popcorn and lemonade for the kids part-way through. Afterwards we all went to Red Robin for lunch. It was a great outing!!

Toddler area...

Wresting... Mary Jane and Carly, Carly looks like she's winning, or maybe Kyle looks like he's winning.

And he's down... and he's up.

Fun times...

Time for a snack. Carly with Erin at snack time.

Happy Wedding Day!!! ... and a great weekend

Yesterday we went to my cousin's wedding... congratulations to Bryan and Kelly Campbell!!!!! Bryan is the son of my cousin Kathy. It was so great to catch up with family that I seldom get a chance to see because of the distances we live apart. I LOVE that family is always family, and no matter how long it's been you can just pick and talk with them like you just saw them. We really had a great time.

Here is a picture of the happy couple. May they have many, many years of bliss!!

Here is a shot of some cousins... seated are my cousin Debbie, me, and my sister Beth. Standing are Mike, my cousin Donny, and Beth's husband Troy.

Here's a picture of Mike and I.

Today we got the chance to see my cousin Debbie and her family again when they came over to South Haven for the afternoon. They live in Texas, so it was great to get to spend more time with them.

Here's a group shot... Mike with Erin, Kyle, me, Justin, Logan, Debbie and Dillon.

Here are Logan, Kyle and Justin.

We also fit even more fun into the weekend when we went to a church picnic after church today and the park after meeting up with my cousin.

The Beach Boys... and a girl... and a couple moms

We went to the beach today for the first time all summer. Other than stopping and running in the sand and playing on the swings and other play ground equipment, it just really hasn't been warm enough yet. And, actually, when we got there today we realized it still wasn't quite warm enough! The breeze was cool and the water cold, but that did not stop Kyle and Thomas from playing in the surf and sand. Jill and I sat on blankets with Erin, except for when we had to rein a boy back in. The guys really had a fun time!! (And so did the girls!)

A Fabulous Fourth

We had a really great Fourth of July weekend. Mike had much of the day off on Friday, so it felt like our weekend started early. Saturday we went to the local parade, which, for a small town, is really fun. Kyle and Erin love parades, so it's great to see them enjoying the festivities. We also went with friends of ours and Kyle's, so that was fun as well.

Saturday afternoon we headed down to Eagle Lake to celebrate Independence Day with the Mullauer family. We always have a great time there and it has become one of my favorite days of summer. This year was no different. While it was a little on the cooler side for swimming in my book, Kyle had no problem. And with his life jacket it was fabulous that I could safely keep an eye on him from shore.

Sunday we went across the street to our neighbors for a really fun cook out. After we came home we were able to enjoy the South Haven fire works from our own front yard.

Ahhh... what a great weekend in a great country.

The parade...

Erin dressed for the occasion. Normally I would crop this picture to just Erin, but I love Gracie and Kyle up in the corner. They are such good buddies!

Kyle and Vinnie playing as they wait for the parade to begin.

Me with my patriotic kiddos.

The parade group.

Eagle Lake...

Group shots:

Kyle on the paddle boat.

Kyle and Daddy before we took a pontoon boat ride around the lake.

Kyle on the raft

Erin with Jessie, who is a fantastic girl who always helps out with the kids. I don't think Erin left her arms all afternoon; she even fell asleep and slept in her arms for ages. Jessie really lets us have a chance to visit more with friends... thanks, Jessie!!

Kyle and a baby turtle. Three were caught, and Kyle loved having the chance to hold them.