Summer is almost over

Before it all fades away, here are a few more pics of summer...

A Little More Cake, but not on the Lake

For David's birthday this year, we went camping at Blue Ridge Reservoir.
(It was also for Aaron's birthday, so Crissi and Aaron came along,
and we met Nat, Roland and crew there too.)

The boys loved hiking down to the beautiful lake.

Josh found a new stick.

The whole family

Another shot of the boys

Sam & his new pocketknife. (Josh got one too.)

Lexi enjoyed her first camping trip.

Do you like her pinecone hat?

When we got back home, we had a birthday cake.
Not something I can cook over the open fire.

Happy Birthday David!

A Teeny Tiny Curl

If you look really closely, you can see a tiny little curl on this cute little girl. We're hoping for Daddy's genetics when it comes to hair, and not Mommy's.

Tupperware Party

Lexi has figured out that she can open every cupboard in her mommy's kitchen. The tupperware cupboard is by far her favorite. She dumps out enough plastic containers that she can climb in there and then she plays for quite a while. Sam and Josh also loved to play with these containers when they were this size, but I think Lexi loves them the most. Unfortunately, she's a lot faster than Mommy, and can dump those cupboards in record time. When Lexi is missing, we know where to look for her.

4th of July Fun

We had so much fun this Independence Day. We had a swimming and BBQ party at our house and then went to RAWHIDE, a "western town" near our home, that evening to watch fireworks.

We've gone here many times before, but this was Lexi's first trip.


Sam loves to pose for pictures.


Josh does not.



Sam visited the jail house.


Was it Sheriff Josh who made the arrest?

Then, Sam learned roping skills from a real live cowboy.

Josh tried his hand at being a cowboy as well.

He's very serious about his work.



The highlight of the evening was the buffalo show. We even saw the buffalo (and the rider) jump through a ring of fire. Sorry we didn't get a picture of that.


Then we enjoyed the fireworks show as a grand finale to a fabulous day. We had so much fun with Lori, Matt & Shayla hanging out all day. We are grateful for all those who've gone before us to ensure a land where we are free and those who continue to fight for our freedom today. Happy Independence Day!

Sam's Baptism

Sammy turned 8 years old this year. We are very proud of him and his decision to be baptized. He was so happy that all of our family in town as well as both of his grandmas and grandpas could be in attendance. This was a very special day for him that he will always remember.

The Week of Cake

During the first week in June, we have to eat lots of cake. Lots and lots of cake.



Sam had a POOL-PIZZA-PINATA party so the cake was an ocean theme - from the artic to the beach. Yes, I made the cake with a little help from Sam. (Don't worry about the watermelon all over Sam's face.)

We had lots of friends, and we were so glad to have lots of help! Lori, Matt, and Allysha did lifeguard duty and then waited tables.



Later that week, we celebrated my birthday next (my birthday is first, but Sam's party was early). My cake (just a slice) and dinner was supplied by Joe's Barbeque. I know you are all jealous!


Josh had a POKEMON birthday the next weekend, and again, Matt and Lori along with Crissi and Aaron kept our little swimmers safe, while Lexi and Shay worked in the kitchen.
Lexi is still working on her "sharing" skills.



Of course there was a POKEMON cake. Yes, I made that one too.



Decorating tip: Put actual toys on the cake and your kids will think you are cool.


And Lexi celebrated Birthday #1 with her very own chocolate cake. She wasn't quite sure what to do with it. We tried to help her dig in by putting her little fingers in it, but she just thought we were crazy.



"What is this sticky stuff on my fingers?"



Thank goodness we have a couple of weeks off before David needs a cake.