fun with family

We had more visitors out to see us! Jim's Dad, Mom, sister and nephew all flew out and we kept them busy!!! Because there is so much more to do in the summer than in the winter when they visited last, we planned adventures nearly every day. Almost wore us out completely!!

Day #1: Paddle Boating at the park, followed by frozen custard, boys baseball practice and dinner in.

Day #2: I took the 3 boys to play at a park while Daddy, Grammy, Poppy and Julie watched Ky's 3 hour gym practice. Then, we drove up north a little ways to visit a dairy farm and go fishing. We got to come home and grill the fish the kids caught for a yummy dinner that night!

It's great to see Poppy sharing his love of fishing with all his grandkids!!

Day #3: While Daddy and Poppy were out golfing, all the kids and moms went to the police department to decorate bikes for the upcoming parade. We spent the afternoon resting up for a big cook-out (BBQ) and swimming in the evening!

Poppy definitely made a friend in Ky while constantly playing one of her favorite games - tag!!

Day #4 We spent the day at Lake Michigan and had great fun in the sand and water! We came home for another cook out and to bake and decorate cookies for Independence Day!! The cousins also spent time together jumping away on the trampoline.

Day #5: This was the true 4th of July, but because it was a Sunday, our city didn't celebrate until the following day. It was a good thing, though, because Jimmy and I were up most of the night in the ER with baby and, after church, needed some time to rest and relax. That evening, our wonderful baby sitter came to watch all the kids so that the adults could get out for a nice date in the big city!!

Day #6: This was the day we celebrated Independence Day, and we were busy with parades, the family fest and fireworks (as documented previously) . What a fun day!

Day #7: While I took Kylee to another 3 hour gym practice, Jim stayed home with baby while the maintenance men came to try and fix our broken air conditioner. Grammy, Poppy, Julie and the boys had a fun day at Flabbergast and McDonalds!! Then, Daddy, Grammy, Poppy and Julie got to watch Ky's ballet class. That evening, we celebrated our nephew's birthday a bit early, so we could see him open his gifts in person.

Day #8: Jim had to return to work so we were down to 1 car, which left us with not enough room to travel. I took baby to her visit, but other than that, we had a much needed day of rest. It worked out perfectly, however, because thunder pounded in the sky and flash floods poured down from the heavens most of the day long. It was fun and exciting... and my kids got to show Trent the wonder of "rain walks" during the storm.

Day #9: Our family was going home. Many tears were shed as good byes were said. I have noticed that since that one awful good bye last October when all of our hearts were pierced, good byes have become much more difficult. Our family and loved ones are so very precious to us!!