Virginia Beach

I have been meaning to post these pictures for several months now, but shockingly, I kept forgetting. I am thinking about them today because it is 70 degrees outside and it makes me want to be at the beach. And it is supposed to snow tomorrow and I would rather it not. And I don't think my sister-in-law Brooke brought her camera that day and I wanted to get some pictures to her. And that's all.

I don't have any commentary about these other than I love going to the beach and so do all of our kids. They had a great time!

Rookie Season

We are proud of our two rookie baseball players! I'd say they both had great seasons. The league we found was perfect for their ability levels. They learned a lot, and also had a lot of fun. A double bonus I suppose. We also liked the fact that twice a week, the whole family got to enjoy a few hours outside enjoying those nice, warm summer evenings.

A couple of notable stats for Donovan. He never stuck out. He struck out one batter. He made several outs in the field. He was always smiling.







Some notable stats for Howie. He only had to use the tee once. He caught a pop fly his very first game. He also fielded several balls and helped to get some outs. He smiled part of the time.







I think everyone is looking forward to next summer.

The Worst Campout Ever

It started out so beautifully.



We had been looking forward to our annual camping trip with the Milligans and Lips for a long time.



We got to the campsite, unloaded and set everything up.



The kids ran around and explored, found weapons and made forts.



We started a fire and cooked our dinner.



Some of us even ate our dinner.



And then it started to rain, so we headed to the car for shelter. But it rained and rained and rained. For 6 hours. Which isn't so bad right? Except that our tent majorly leaks when it rains. And the rain soaked Rex's crib, most of our blankets, and all of the kids' backpacks with their dry clothes. Big deal. So since their wasn't enough dry bedding for everyone, we split up. Matt took Nina and Cameron to the tent while Donovan, Howie, Rex and I slept in the car. We contemplated driving back home and coming back in the morning, however it's hard to do that when your car battery decides not to work. Luckily it stopped raining a little after midnight. Just in time for Cameron to puke all over Matt and himself. So Matt cleans that lovely mess up and at about 4 am, he starts to fall asleep. But it was hard to stay asleep when your air mattress starts to deflate and the kids start caving in around you.




To make a long story short, we packed up in the morning and went home. After Paul and Rachelle helped us get our car to start again.



It'll be better next year right guys?

A Happy 4th

This year our Fourth of July included some water balloons.



Chickens.



Otter Pops. Which are so much better than any of the cheapo kinds. Just saying.



And some food. I got some help to make these beauties. I made a bunch of other stuff, but nobody helped with that. Just the cool stuff.






Bet you want to know what we did with the chickens. You'll just have to come next year and find out. All I will say is that it's crazy. Okay, not really.

Zoo Friends

We really don't have any friends at the zoo, but I took our kids to the zoo and I suppose we are friends. Matt thought hiking to some remote mountain lake and fishing sounded like more fun. To each his own. For me, it was a day of enjoyable weather, no field trips, and behaving kids. I even took them in that tropical place. By myself. Some of you will know how awesome that makes me.

I am glad they moved the hippo to a shaded spot. It makes for happy climbers.





And happy on-lookers.



And happy peacocks.