Playdate at the Zoo

Our local playgroup scheduled a zoo playdate. We were able to run into some friends there. However, the kids were more interested in playing at the park inside the zoo than seeing the animals, (notice no animal pictures). We did make it to feed the ducks. We also played by all of the animal statues that sprayed water.

Brooklynn is 8!

Here is my girl, growing up. I had such a fun time shopping for her this year! I started getting ready a few months before her birthday. She found a few things on eBay that she wanted. I would buy them and she would notice that they were gone and be disappointed. I would be smiling inside knowing how excited she would be when she got to open her presents. One thing she really wanted this year were the 'teeniest tiniest littlest pet shop' toys- no longer manufactured. The perfect eBay find.

Her new friends, Jameson and Jacob, inspired her love of bugs and bug collecting. These were from Jeffrey.

Malia gave her a few outfits for her dolls. I found a super cute baptism dress for her doll to where when she is baptized next month!

We can't forget the Littlest Pet Shop play center. We ended the celebration with cupcakes and ice cream.

Rachel and Derrik's visit

Cousin Rachel came for a visit! Horray! It's always a joy to see her and her hubby! Becky, her sister, was kind enough to let us have a bar-b-que at her house: watermelon, tube steaks (a fancy name for hot dogs), salad, and of course a build your own sundae bar.

Rachel dishing up ice cream to the kiddos.

Becky serving ice cream to the kiddos.

The kiddos enjoying the ice cream.

And, my favorite, Derrik taking a picture of me taking a picture of him.

We had a great time preparing the food. Just like our old college days when we were roommates and cooked for the masses (Rachel is an excellent cook and taught me all the basics). We made Becky sit and relax. She had a c-section planned for a few days later. Oh, and Rachel made the most ADORABLE quilts for her two new nephews. I wish I had a picture. They were jungle themed quilts. She made all of the stuffed animals pop off the quilt. Very cool. I'll have to see if I can get a picture from her.

So, now she's back to her home and I miss her already!

Malia's Secret Napping Place

This time Malia disappeared and I found her on the floor of Mark's closet with her baby.

4th of July

We woke up the morning of the 4th with 2 flat tires. Argh. By the time we had the tires fixed and realigned, all of the morning and early afternoon were over. Onto the evening: we found the PERFECT spot for watching fireworks! Outside in the cool air and you could see the entire valley. A few cities let off their displays.

Waiting for the fireworks to start.

Brooklynn had fun rolling down the hill with other kids.
I had to trick Jeffrey to get his picture.

Say, "Cheese!"

July 2nd

Our nephew got home from basic training the evening of the 1st. I think he looks fantastic! He and his family spent the night. He really wanted to stay busy. We didn't have much for him to do so he decided to clean. Yes!! (That kind of help is never turned away around here.) He cleaned under bookcases, behind the couch, organized, cleaned under the stove, etc. We had a nice visit.

I spent the afternoon with my dad's family for their reunion. (I left Mark and the kiddos at home so they could stay out of the sun. They were all bright red from swimming the day before.) I had so much fun chatting with cousins I hadn't seen for years. (One of them I hadn't seen since '93.) It was fun talking with my aunts and hearing about all of their kids and grandkids.

We gathered for a bar-b-que.

My 2 Aunt Carols

My dad and his brother, Richard.

My dad spent the evening and night with us. The kids really had a good time keeping him entertained. My favorite memory was watching fireworks off of our balcony together. We have a view of the entire valley. So fun!

July!

We started July with a bang! Mark's brother and family came for a visit from out of state. Mark was able to take a day off of work and all of his family in the area was able to get together. We spent time in the morning chatting and catching up. We ate pizza and then hit the pool. We had fun watching the kids play and the grown-ups have a diving contest. Although we put sunscreen on twice, Mark, the kids, and I all got sunburned pretty bad. The rest of July we swam indoors.

Jeffrey and Aunt Elaine Jeffrey jumping off the diving board.

Mark's entry for the diving contest.

My cutie

My other cutie.