Fourth of July Weekend

We had a family photo shoot and Lorel took the real pictures, but I snapped a couple too.

We had a fun time playing with the Marshall side of the family. Matt's family was in from Colorado, so that was especially fun!

My mom made these sand cakes and they were delicious!

The kids put on a talent show!

These boys did a Kung Fu Fighting Routine

Ella and Sydney sang while Katherine danced.

Donovan did a Rubix cube demonstration.

Hailey and Nina performed together a song and dance.

Hailey showed us how to finger weave. She was so sweet to give her creations to her cousins too!

Katherine sang "I am a child of God."

Another girl performance

A David and Goliath skit by Grant and Danny

And we ended with a dance party!

Sparklers

Cool snacks

Funny pictures

Playing on the water!

Red, white and blue drinks and Old Navy tees

Water balloons

Fishing

Relaxing for a bit

Fireworks!

Watermelon on a perfect Summer afternoon

Mowing grass

Victoria learned last year, and Christian felt ready too. They still need a bit of supervision, but this will be a very good thing. Kids need responsibility and need to feel valued and trusted.  This is a good thing. I think he was nervous at first, but then proud of himself.

Nevermind the riding lawnmower for the smaller yard. Our push mower broke and there is no need to replace it when we have this bad boy. It was more necessary in Farmville. Also nevermind the seat. We ruin things. This is part of our family craziness.

Fun with the Grandparents!

I think a few of you know that I would prefer to live in the same town as my parents. But alas, I do not. It isn't too far, but it is hard to get there too often in the school year. We are glad to see them a bit more in the summer.  These are some pictures from one of our Richmond overnights. 

We went to 3 Lakes Park. 

We looked at the turtles and plants and the lake first. Then, we enjoyed the nature center. Then we let the kids play on the playgrounds. It was hot though! We were glad when this cool truck arrived. They give you the ice and then you pump the flavors yourself. Pretty cool idea.

Nice treat! Thanks, Mom!

And some random pictures from playing there afterward. 

Raingutter Regatta

Another fun pack meeting!

C-Bass did very well! The sail shape was awesome for catching the air!

Christian's party!

In lieu of a birthday party, Christian wanted to take a few buddies to see a movie. We first went by dollar tree to grab some candy and drinks (I know, I am probably the reason why they now check bags and purses. Sorry.) We got popcorn and then saw The Minions. It was fun and the boys seemed to enjoy the movie and each others' company. I really enjoy Christian's friends. They are good kids and they are really funny to listen to. I also like that Christian counts Grant as one of his best friends. They are extremely loyal to each other, and that is cool.  

Only a few shots. Due to "no flash photography," of course. And maybe because it is just annoying and not that cool to have your mom taking hundreds of pictures of you.  He is 10 now, after all!

Saying Goodbye

I feel bad that I did not write a post about each family that we met and grew to love here that have since moved. I was just not blogging regularly at the time. My fault, not yours! Just to name a few... the Kemps, the Rodebushes, the Gardners, the Parvins, the Shipleys, the Sawyers, the Dickinsons, the Chadwicks, the Harnois, Those were just the ones I thought of first in 10 seconds. I know there are more! More good friends will be moving soon. It really is sad! Just when we start to get to know everyone, we need to say goodbye. Many of these friends move because of military orders. Please know how grateful we are for your service. Moving is hard, and that is just a small chunk of your sacrifice!

Dress like a cow day

Of course this happened too! We were going to take some pictures there, but it was pouring when we went and we were a mess. It was still fun though! Thanks Chick-fil-A, or as Katherine says 

"Chick-a-lay"

Trampoline fun!

Wildcat 5k 2015

They did it again!