Random Summer Fun

I don't really have a lot of time to devote to blogging, so here are a few random pictures of what we've been up to.

Some bouncing fun at a good friend's summer party (Thanks Michelle!)

Checking out the kiddie roller coaster.

A quick favorite for Clara Rose!

More fun at the Spray Park.

Lots of action at the Family Fourth of July Clam Bake!

Clara Rose took control of filling the kiddie pool with water.

Her bigger sis and cousins couldn't wait to jump in and splash around.

Becky and cousin Emily cooling down.

Heating the rocks for the clam bake.

That is Wim on the left by the tree-- with a water hose-- regular size water hose.

Gabrielle and Abbie watching the fire from a safe distance.

All the male pyros keeping busy with the fire and yucking it up.

Josie, Clara Rose, and Nate taking some time from the pool to blow bubbles.

The day after the 4th-- playing at a beach.

Clara Rose catching waves.

Xavier, Bob, and cousin Emily playing in the sand.

Cousin Nate say, "CHEEEESE!"

Gabrielle and Wim-- relaxing with the surf.

Nate and Josie splashing in the water.

Josie jumping waves.

Clara Rose- running in and out of the surf.

July 6th, Clara Rose pins Josie flat!

Summer Wonders

We have lots going on these days and since pictures say 1000 words and I don't have much time to write-- here you go-- in  a nutshell . . .

Noting beats the nature you find in your own backyard!

Josie learned to swing herself!

It is a really big DEAL!

A little more nature in our backyard.

Lots of time to stop and smell the flowers.

Love is in the air.

Did I mention that Josie has learned to swing herself and it is a REALLY HUGE DEAL!

Race car dreams.

Grand opening of the splash park.

Clara Rose's first encounter.

Josie just can't say enough about how much fun it is!

Beach season!

Body surfing.

What could be more fun than turning cartwheels on the beach?!

Gabrielle and the Big 14!

Memorial Day weekend is always a big weekend for our family-- there are lots of birthdays at the end of May-- beginning of June. This year is a big year for Gabrielle who turns 14 and will begin high school in the fall!

My My! How time flies!

Look at how lovely she is!

The little girls were very excited about their Jie Jie's birthday and the party we were having.

The girls were very excited to give Gabrielle the Dora Happy Birthday card they picked out for her.

Later in the day, Grandma, all the aunts and uncles and cousins arrived to have a fun party  and celebrate Gabrielle's birthday.

Grandma gave Gabrielle a special vase that belonged to Great Grandma is of Dutch heritage.

All of the cousins had a blast on the swing set. We now know for sure that is well anchored because it would have surely toppled over with all the activity!

Grandma was a big hit with all the kiddie-pops in the little pool.

Stick-m up Grandma-- this is a hiest!

Ethan and Nate running around in the sprinkler.

Josie running around the swing set after the sprinkler.

She had the best time hanging out with her cousins!

Xavier threatening an attack if someone doesn't suggest something fun for him to do!

Emily was a little scared about Xavier's threats-- but Clara Rose didn't pay him any mind.

The answer was quickly found in a rousing game of ultimate frisbee.

Grandma was a little nervous trying to find a way to pass through without being tackled.

Fun times relaxing and chatting-it-up.

Aunt Becky's Birthday is June 1st. She is turning 29-ish.

Soon it was time for cake and Wim started lighting the candles.

Wim still lighting the candles.

How long is this going to take?

We want cake!

insert crickets playing a somber song . . .

"Dad-- before I graduate please?!"

Yeah! We can eat cake!

Happy Birthday Gabrielle!