A half-Birthday party

We celebrated Grace's half-birthday on Tuesday, combined with her friends Cora & Alicia who also have a winter birthday. We were able to have the party at a cabin on Lake Florida so that was totally great for our Hawaiian/Beach party theme. They had a good turn-out of friends and spent hours swimming, building sand-cities, playing games and getting good and worn-out before they all went home - love that. I'm thinking that half-birthdays are a good idea worth repeating but, for now, I'm still trying to catch up! the "beach" cake, not too bad I think ;)
the birthday girls

the younger siblings (that were invited by default) enjoying

some cake and other good stuff

Anna & Gabe trying to dual with fun noodles

Grace doing the Limbo

I think that Anna has an unfair advantage over the other kids at Limbo...

Soccer Camp

Grace did a park & rec soccer camp in July.

She learned some new skills and had a great time!

She can't wait for the next soccer sign up. Go Grace!
Micah & Anna had to get in on some action too!

Fun with Grandma & Grandpa

My family was here and stayed with us for a few days over the SonShine festival. It was fun, but it was cold! That's right, C-O-L-D. In July. Notice our jeans, jackets and sweatshirts. That's what we get for living in Minnesota right?! I guess it'll give us a good story that we can repeat over and over again to our grandkids and anyone else who will listen to us when we get that old. ;)

Micah & Grandpa Guy
Grandma the Brave & Grace the Monkey

Deep thinkers? Deep conversation? Or maybe just thinking about that

DQ ice cream that's calling to them. Yeah, I think that's it.

"You want Chocolate or vanilla?"

Naps with Daddy are the best!

T-ball

Micah played T-ball this year. He had a lot of fun and we had fun watching him. Watching 4 year-olds "play" T-ball (or anything for that matter) is quite entertaining! So excited to play with his friend Malachi
the Purple team

Camp Shamineau

The week of July 4th we went to family camp at Camp Shamineau and had a blast! The kids still cannot stop talking about it and asking when we're going back. Awesome memory making!

Ryan, Grace & Micah after playing night games... That's Grace waaay up there on the indoor climbing wall

Anna & her little friend Gabe, or as she says "that's my Gave!"

Morning cuddles with Daddy

ahhh summer!

my girlies!

my handsome guys ;)

Not the best picture of the kiddos but enough to prove

that the camara lady really was there too!

Anna Joy sleeping with her glowstick - so sweet!

love it!

Micah & Grace went on many horse rides...

It just wouldn't be summer without getting good 'n messy

with melty ice cream dripping down all over yourself. Yum!

Daddy & Anna in a pink Kayak (of course! Are there other colors?)

Ryan got in on some beach vollyball

Grace and her friends Cora & Alicia watching

fireworks in nearby Brainerd

Princess Day

The kids decorating cookies at Prince & Princess Day at the library with Willmar Fests Princess candidates. Cookies, frosting, stories, and lots of sparkles and bling = another funtastic summer day!

Cousins

Anna and new cousin Will
Anna & Alayna wearing their matching dresses Grace and Ella selling goodies at the garage sale -
Cute is totally good for business!

Crocodile Dock

This year's Vacation Bible School was at "Crocodile Dock." The kids loved it! They still ask to go back. Great Job VBS Team! :)

Grace's last day of 1st grade

Last day of school 2009 - We went to an awards ceremony in the morning ... Grace received awards for great attendance (only missed 1 day) and perfect Bible memory for the whole year. She was also given the character award for Gentleness (expressing personal care appropriate to another's emotional need). Way to go honey-girl! :)Grace & her teacher Mrs. Greene
Friends being silly!

I was able to help out with a field trip to the bowling ally too -

Here's me & my girl!