Fourth of July Fun!

It is tradition to spend the 4th of July with our dear neighbors and friends, the BARBERS. We go bigger and better with the fireworks EVERY year. I wish I would've taken more pictures but I was pooped and just sat and watched the kids this year. (LAME!) Here a couple of photos I took before collapsing in my chair. Playing with sparklers, waiting for it to get dark... John wasn't sure about all the NOISE, the "big stuff" freaked him out. Dan eventually let him wear some ear phones used to protect your ears when shooting...again, wish I had a picture!

Ruby had LOTS of fun.

I love these two pictures because at first it looks like John is enjoying the sparklers and

then it is quite evident that HE IS NOT! EECK! SUCH A FUNNY KID.

HAPPY FOURTH ONE AND ALL!

Take my picture Mom!

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOA!

MUCH BETTER. "CHEESE!"

A day JUST with Kirk (oh and HUNDREDS of other Webelos)

I got to spend a WHOLE day at Webelos day camp with Kirk and his pal Jared earlier this month. It was at Eagle Island State Park, which I had never been to, but it was a great place to have day camp. The boys fished, played ultimate Frisbee, learned some fancy knots, made rockets, learned about nature, did some leather work, shot b.b. guns, learned about music and shot sling shots...WHAT A DAY! All but maybe three of their stations were in the shade too, it was AWESOME. It was such a treat to be with such nice boys! 10 and 11 year old boys are so pleasant. Hannah ROCKS and came to the rescue, watching Ruby and John for me, THANK YOU HANNAH!!! Here is Kirk, giving it a go with a fishing pole. Here is Jared. Kirk was all business when it came to the B.B. guns! I know what he is going to ask for when Christmas rolls around...THANKS A LOT Ore-Ida Boy Scout Council!!! ha ha Jared was a pro when it came to shooting. Kirk was a great shot too. GOOD JOB BUD!

WHAT A GREAT KID! Thanks for letting me tag-a-long Kirkelton!

THE BIG 35!!

Wow 35, really? YIKES! I didn't want to post about this monumental birthday of mine, but I decided that my sweet family might think I am ungrateful. Rich went all out for my birthday...which is TYPICAL. He always spoils me, I am one lucky girl! This year he ordered me my favorite, CARROT CAKE from a fun bakery up here...IT WAS DELICIOUS!! I think I ate, 98% of it. YUM! My parents and sweet in-laws gave me some money, which we put towards a darling patio set, which I have wanted forever, THANKS GUYS. Rich got me a fun little camera that I can keep in my purse without throwing my back out! It is cool...it will take videos AND IT IS WATERPROOF. Very cool. I hope to get lots of underwater shots this summer. THANKS FOR SPOILING ME! WHAT A GOOD BIRTHDAY!! Here I am with my sweet Ruby. HERE IS MY CAKE...cute huh? It looked like it had glitter on it, very hip for a 35 year old! :)

A little funny...

Yesterday I took the wild ones to the water park. While I was running around gathering towels, water bottles and the gallons of sunscreen it takes to keep my children safe, I asked Ruby to help John into his bathing suit. It was great, she is quite the helper. They had been playing together all morning and having a grand time. Just as I walked in to ask them to grab their sandals, I saw Ruby smile and say, "Oh John, you are out of this world!" How cute is that? They were full of giggles and smiles...what a perfect way to sum up John! HE IS "OUT OF THIS WORLD!!" And Ruby, you make our WORLD complete! I love you sweet girl!