4th of July 2016

We spent the holiday weekend at home, trying out a little bit of everything, but mostly just enjoying being together!

Little festive decorating of the driveway.

Hadley's version involved making 'fireworks' with her feet :)

Time to wash off in the sprinklers!

Kyle took Hadley & Piper out for a few lessons in gun safety and target practice at the land.

They loved it!  Couple of hunters in the making.

Family bike ride to the park one morning.

Beautiful backyard BBQ another evening.

Time for black cap raspberry picking at the land already!

And finally, a day to celebrate our independence. We are so happy, and thankful, and proud to live in the USA!

We finished the night out with Bryndel's first experience with sparklers :) 

60.5

We had a 'little bit' of fun over the weekend... Dad threw Mom a surprise 60 (and a half) birthday party on Saturday! Mom was very surprised to say the least, and touched as well.  Next to Mike & Jill's wedding, and Nathan & Heidi's pre-wedding party, the lake has never seen SO. MUCH. FUN!

We didn't want to scare mom with a big SURPRISE, so all 18 of us greeted her in our pajamas and party hats Saturday morning.

The kids beautifully decorated the path out to the party with chalkboard signs.

We used Mom's own bike to welcome guests.

Grandpa, Heidi, Kenzie, Piper & Brooklyn (and Kyle's long arms) hanging a birthday sign and flowers from the trees.

 

The muscley ice men.

Piper & Nolan helping to fill the wagon with juice boxes.

Little down time with cousins before the party gets started.

Nice, Nathan!

Mom's very first surprise guest, her sister :)

Followed by lots and lots of special surprise guests!

Jazz band playing lakeside, ahhhhh.

While the kids swam, and swam, and swam!

It was such a blessed afternoon filled with all kinds of special people.  All who love Mom.  Happy 60.5, Mom!
 

First Week Off

The girls certainly made the most of their first week off of school!

Hadley & Piper had their first ever piano recital, and played beautifully.

Hadley & Piper also had golf lessons this week, Piper started TBall, and Hadley started learning to help out in the kitchen (she made that Teddy bear Toast!). At the end of the week we spent a lovely morning hiking and picnicking with Cyndy!

Kyle & I went our favorite date of the year - a day touring the local Parade of Homes.

We wrapped the week up with a visit with Grandpa A, and Hayden's graduation party. Summer is off to a pretty great start!