Happy 4th of July!

The kids and I spent the morning and early afternoon of the 4th at Mom-o and Pops' house. I was heading back home later in the day and wanted to make sure the kids were worn out enough to sleep for most of the trip. Wearing out he kids is no problem at Mom-o's house. The kids spent a couple hours in the pool having a great time.

Natalie floating.

Nolan floating on his back.

Nathan. He was really into having his picture taken.

Mom-o, Nicholas, and Natalie.

Natalie....she won't let go of her floaty.

Mom-o helping Nicholas float in the duck.

Granny & Poppy's Anniversary

My mom's parents have been married for 60 years, WOW! I look up to them so much, and admire their marriage...the ups and downs, the tears and smiles, the sorrows and joys. They are truly an example of what life is.....not always perfect, but when you stick together, you can get through anything.

We spent the day at the church building for food and time with extended family and friends. Then we (my brothers and all of our kids) headed to Granny and Poppy's house to watch the kids play, "country style." Granny got out her slip and slide and blow up pool, and I brought along our jump and slide. It has been a year since all of these kids were together, so it was a true delight to watch them all have so much fun. I love that my grandparents wanted nothing more for their anniversary other than to be with family and friends and to see their great-grand kids. I cannot express enough how much they mean to me.

Here are just a few pics of the kids at play.

Judson getting a running start for the slip and slide.

Nolan sliding down for a splash landing!

Nathan and Nicholas kicking around in the kiddie pool.

Natalie and Nicholas bouncing around.

Kids' Photo Shoot

Nolan, Natalie, and Nathan like it when I take their pictures, and ask me to do so frequently. Nicholas, on the other hand, doesn't always get in on the action. I attempted to take pictures of all the kids together, but Nicholas wasn't quite up for it. Here's the product!

My big three were ready to cooperate and looking so cute!








Big smiles :)





















Nolan's pose.




















And, Natalie's pose too.










Isn't she sweet!?!




















Looking like he's about to stir up some trouble!












"Forget it, Mom, I will not take this out of my mouth!"