4th of July

I think this is the first year since the kids have been born that we have really celebrated the 4th of July - staying up until dark to watch the fire works.  Now, I am the first to admit that I'm not a huge fan of this holiday...not because I'm unpatriotic, more because the constant loud booming is unnerving.  I am not exaggerating when I say that our neighborhood is crazy.  Certifiable.  There were so many fireworks, I could almost see the money burning!  Washington has very liberal fireworks laws, so some of them really were incredible.  They started around 8:00 and went steadily until after midnight.  I love to watch fireworks (from a safe distance) and there were definitely some beautiful ones.  And the kids loved it!  Especially Carter - I think staying up late made him feel quite grown up.

We headed up two blocks to our friends, the Borreviks, who are also in our small group. Their street does a big dinner and then gathers together to put on an incredible firework show. I loved the socializing and really enjoyed spending time with our friends. The kids were off and running, having a great time, as well. (Kennedy wasn't feeling well earlier in the afternoon - she had an ear infection that was diagnosed the next day - but she rallied and enjoyed the party for a couple of hours)

The kids tricked out their bikes and had a little parade with the neighbor kids. 

 a fun activity for them, which they took very seriously

Enjoying one of the yummy, festive treats that I made for the block party.

Such a simple, fun idea - thanks pinterest - ice cream sandwiches rolled in sprinkles.

Someone is looking a little too grown up...

Had to snap a few pictures before we headed up the street.  Kennedy was still on the couch at this point, poor thing.

Happy 4th!

Not one to miss a party, Kennedy was ready for some fun after a little Tylenol.

love that little crinkled nose smile

Getting ready to ride around the block in a parade of sorts

It was fun having Nana with us, too.

Kennedy and Kaitlin

They were so sweet and played very well together

dear friends

thanks for having us, Sheri!

The Washougal fire department even made an appearance

Kennedy was right up front trying to snag a few pieces of candy!

fun with sparklers

I think my heart was racing the entire time the kids were playing with the sparklers and then again the entire time that the fireworks were going off...it all just seems so dangerous.  At what other time do we find it acceptable to let kids play with fire?  They loved every second of it.

I felt better with the girls sitting next to Dan...figured his reflexes were good and he'd keep them from catching on fire.  It was so cute to see Kennedy warming up to him - he's a great dad and a lot of fun.

Kennedy called it quits a bit after 8:00 - she still wasn't feeling very good and was getting tired.

I rode Carter's bike home, which elicited a lot of giggles from Kennedy and Nana.

Staying warm (and safe) while we watched the big fireworks.

Happy 4th of July!

Ahoy Matey!

A Pirate Party 

Happy 5th Birthday, Brevin!

The kids and I had a wonderful time celebrating Brevin's 5th birthday at Blue Lake Park.  Unfortunately, the weather wasn't too warm, but the kids didn't mind a bit and ran and played and had tons of fun.

Eye patches and bandannas were waiting for the kids along with a yummy snack...I love how my two jumped right in and had fun dressing up.  They were ready to have fun!

ARGH!  Pirate Kennedy

The kids found a treasure map and went on a hunt for the hidden treasure.  There was an old map, a ring, some rope, a shovel and finally a chest of treasure - it was an awesome idea and all of the kids had fun playing along.

the wee pirates with their hearty treasure

Kennedy and her loot

more sugar!  

delicious cupcakes with a hidden Hershey kiss treasure baked inside

Even though it was cloudy and cool, the water beckoned the kids and before we packed up, my two were fully swimming in the freezing lake.  What started off as wading and dipping their toes quickly led to splashing, jumping and then swimming.

A super fun party for a super special boy!

a visit with friends

My dear friend, Ali was visiting from Medford with her family, and we were lucky enough to be able to get together for a morning of fun with the kids.  It was our first time meeting baby Drew, so we did our best to catch up on the last 3+ months since he was born.  It was non-stop talking on our part (always too much to cover and not enough time to do it!) and non-stop playing on the kids' part.  Such a great way to spend our time together.

An attempt at a group picture

Kennedy (3, nearly 4!), Carter (6), Luke (silly and 3!), Emi (6) and Drew (3 months)

The big kids played outside and had so much fun...being crazy, throwing balls, playing tag, building pretend fires - they were busy!

Sweetness

I don't know what it is about these two, but from day 1 they have been sweet friends.  Carter typically doesn't enjoy playing with girls but he and Emi have a special bond and get along very well.  Carter is calmed by Emi's sweet spirit and they have so much fun together.  I have loved watching this relationship grow and remain a constant for them.

lots of loving when it was time to say our goodbyes

group hug!

sweet girls

Ali is one of the most loving and faithful people I know, and I'm so thankful for her friendship.  I only wish we lived closer and could see one another more.

Our time together is always precious!

Our brood 

Me, Ali, Drew

Kennedy, Emi, Carter and Luke

A very special day, indeed!

time with family

My mom and I were fortunate enough to be able to attend the wedding of my cousin, Ashley, a few weeks ago.  It was at a beautiful vineyard in the Willamette Valley and it was fun getting to celebrate a very special girl.  Our family is small and is spread all over the western half of the country, so it really was fun to get together.

Our family

My cute (2nd) cousins, Courtney and Alex

my Aunt Sandy, cousin Kelli, my mom and me

Sonrise National Park - VBS

We spent our first week of summer vacation learning songs, doing fun crafts, playing games and learning more about Jesus.  It was a wonderful week praising God and I am always very proud to be a part of it.  This year I organized and ran the preschool program which I (sort of) did last year, as well.  I had a great time and knew a lot of the kids, which made it even more fun.

I tell you, nothing can give me goose bumps like 220+ kids singing their hearts out for God.

It is a site to behold - the sanctuary full of young kids, all focused and participating, soaking in the message of God's love.  It'll never get old for me.

Carter was in fun group, the Scampering Squirrels, with his good friends Ryan and Samuel.  His leader was Mrs. Hartman, who I've known forever and is married to my junior high English teacher.  I was always happy to hear a good report from her each day.  Carter really seemed to have fun this year.

Just some of the amazing decorations that our talented decorating team put together to transform the church into a national park.  I have heard so many compliments (from non church members) about how wonderful our VBS was, and it makes me so proud.  There were over 90 volunteers during the week of VBS and many others who worked behind the scenes preparing for the week.  I love to see how it all comes together each year.

The Barczaks and the Phelans

Emory, Ryan, Carter, Kennedy and Weston

I love these kids, they are sweet, funny and so well behaved.

Crazy hair day

Carter's hair kind of stole the show - it was in desperate need of a cut, but I kept it long and put lots of little ponies (we called them spikes for his benefit) and then sprayed the whole thing.  He chose green and Kennedy chose pink, of course.

Just one of the sweet crafts decorating the house after a fun day at camp!

Goodbye school, H-E-L-L-O summer!

We welcomed in summer vacation and celebrated the last day of school with a wonderful dinner with our dear friends, the Zeamers.  They were such gracious hosts, each special detail was carefully executed so that all would have a fantastic time.  And it was fun...relaxed, easy, filled with great conversation and well behaved kids.  We could not have asked for a better way to celebrate a successful year of school!

I found this cute little idea on Pinterest and made them for the five kids.  They were fun and my kids have loved using their silly cups. 

The kids ate at the picnic table - I was so impressed how well everyone did together.  There was no arguing or whining, just fun and laughter.  Carter really took to Matthew (he's 9 and being older is a big deal to Carter) and they had fun discussing the intricacies of Pokemon.  Carter left with a hefty little stack of cards and a new friend, thank you Matthew, for being so kind and generous!

Sunny flowers and a cute table helped set the festive mood

Dan and Kathy - our wonderful hosts!

Fun times with Pop-Its

The kids had a ball!

I love Andrew's face in this picture - such a silly expression.

Andrew is a sweet, caring little boy who is so gentle and kind to Kennedy.  He's always ready to greet us with a smile and a wave.  I adore him.

This is a face of happiness...who knew Pop-Its could provide such enjoyment?!?

Nothing says summer like roasting marshmallows to make s'mores.  How fun is that?  Such a special treat fore the kids.  It was so fun to watch the different personality coming through...some were rushed and just wanted to eat while others took their time to roast the perfect, golden brown marshmallow.  

Matthew was sad when his caught on fire - he was very precise in getting his just right.

Again, such joy in his smile.  Oh how I love my boy!

Yummy, s'mores!

Kennedy gobbled down two of these sweet treats and probably would have kept going if we hadn't cut her off.  She certainly has a sweet tooth!

Thank you, Zeamers, for a wonderfully special evening.  Everything was perfect and we all had a lot of fun!

We look forward to doing it again soon.