Reflections of Summer

Summer is a relaxing but busy time for us, as it is for many of you. Not only are the children home from school and ready to party, Chris is enjoying time away from work as well. We like to take the extra time that we all have together and do some family activities. This year, as you know we spent a lot of time gardening together. We also took a day and went to Columbia to see the zoo! Despite the fact that Sam's face says otherwise the kids all love the zoo. They love learning about different animals and seeing new things. The were able to feed some zebras and "converse" with some parrots. ( Sam did enjoy himself he was upset that it was time to leave and "Mom made him get his picture taken.)

At the end of June we packed up and headed North to visit with family. This year we planned 5 wonderful weeks to reconnect and enjoy Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and of course cousins. While we were they we celebrated my parents 40th wedding anniversary with a family day.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

It was at this time that we had our annual struggle to get pictures with all the kids. It does not matter what stage they are all in there is always someone who is not happy about this picture.

All 15 Grandkids
Jake, Madelyn, Clayton, Mya, Sarah, Ben, Chloe, Hannah
Sam, Lydia holding Grace, Sophia, Ellie, Garrett and Eli


We were invited to my Uncle Paul's cottage to spend some time with my Dad's side of the family! This was a highlight for the kids. They spent a lot of time in the water fishing, paddle boating, swimming and trying new things like skiing and tubing!

Sophia, Ellie and Sam

I was not sure that these 2 should be on a paddle boat...alone...in the middle of the lake, but they made it back unharmed!

Clayton and Ben working on their catch.

We spent a day at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park with my sister Lisa and her family. We hiked some, stopped at the education center, had a picnic lunch, swam in lake Michigan and climbed the dunes...all in the rain. It rained most of the day but that did not keep us from having a great time together.

Ben and Jake playing at the top of the dune.

Eating lunch...in the rain.

We were able to help Grandpa put up the bat house that we made him for Christmas!

Sarah was able to climb the ladder to help with the drilling.

Grandpa and Grandma took all the kids to Crazy Bounce to play...like crazy people!

We rode the train to Chicago and spent an afternoon in the Museum of Science and Industry.

We all enjoyed our time in Chicago. The Museum was awesome but I think that the highlight for the kids was riding the train!

MMmmmmm smores!

Sam and Ellie waiting patiently for the fire works at Grandpa and Grandmas house.

and more waiting

Ben's back dive

We love swimming!

Watching the chipmunk trap! I am pretty sure they did not catch a chipmunk that day!

Driving the tractor

Once our time in Michigan came to an end we ventured back home again...to the heat...and our own beds:) We weeded, and tended to the garden. We are even trying a second crop since our growing season is so long! (We will let you know how that goes)

The kids are getting ready to head back to school next week. Sam is all ready for preschool, but that is another post!

I hope that you are all enjoying your summer as much as we have!