rock what?

My wonderful mom came into town again and hung out with us for a couple days! We enjoyed her company and all her help again. Her visits this summer have come at the perfect time, always. It seems to be just the time when we need a little extra help. Again I failed to take any photos with her and the kids. However, this is something I found after she left. I am not sure of the story behind these but my imagination brings me to think of the beach and the little crabs. One of the kiddos broke apart the tiger lily petals and took some favorite rocks and created these. They certainly look like crabs to me! maybe tomorrow I will ask the story or maybe I will keep my imaginary story.....

St. Louis visitors

 My cousin was in from St. Louis with her twins. The last time the six were together we think was 2 or 3 years ago. Things have changed a bit since then. This time instead of puddle jumping they played Wii, a lot! and so enjoyed each others company. Time went by way too quickly and they all look forward to playing together again hopefully before next summer! Thanks again for making time to hang out with us!!

Air Show

P-38 Lighting with an F22 Raptor, Pop's favorite plane. This was the first plane we saw as we approached the Air Show. Pete immediately wished for his dad to be there as this is one of his favorite planes.We met my niece and her family, and all had a great time! Random shots from the day. We even found some Star Wars friends who were happy to have their picture taken!

Views from up high were enjoyed by the littles throughout the day.

 Cockpit close ups. PJ was on cloud nine sitting inside an actual airplane.

 The show ended with the Blue Angels. The kids had no idea what kind of show they were in for. Each of them absolutely loved watching the 6 planes fly within 18 inches of each other at 400mph. It was crazy but very entertaining! It was definitely my favorite part of the show and I think we are all looking forward to see them again.

K

Ms. Kelsey(our summer sitter) Tye-dyed with the kiddos! The shirts turned out very neat and then they made tie-dye plates with the leftovers, I found this one particularly pretty! good job Kelsey!

Princesses at the game

 The neighbor came through once again with tickets to the baseball game; and it happened to be "princess night"! The kids were thrilled because they heard Elsa was going! This time we sat on the berm and watched the game from the outfield. PJ enjoyed this view and was taking some mental notes. The kids were goofs and enjoyed rolling down the hill and just being silly! We did not stay for fireworks but even so the kids had a good time.

No Brie not that way! you silly goose!

Happy 4th!

 Happy Fourth of July! We were lucky to have my brother and his family join us for the holiday! I think all 8 kids had a good time! We took in a parade locally, all the kids were disappointed by the lack of candy but fun none the less.

 The backyard proved to be a hit once again! Between water and sand what more could a kiddo want!

Then off to the neighbors to enjoy some pyro techincs by the amateurs. A driveway full of people who were all entertained into the night by all the beautiful firework displays.

 First cousin friends!

 The evening grew chilly and the girls made themselves comfy with a couple blankets.

Our final one was a launch of the ever fascinating lantern. While the picture is blurry everyone was elated! The neighborhood lit up well into the night and I think my brother and family were quite impressed by the city fireworks!

Park time out

Thursday is my day off and this past week I decided the heck with laundry, cleaning etc. The kids and I went and got donuts and went to the park! We had a blast running the trails and just taking a time out to smell the flowers, climb in the trees, and look at a mushroom that was a toadstool. Everyone had a good time just being free of any stresses and worries. I need to make time for a few more of these before my summer days are gone with my kiddos!

Random sibling pairing up. 

A few close ups once again!

 Climbing limestone creations and just being kids....

PJ was cracking me up! Pete acquired a fire pit and PJ was determined to pick up every stick possible to ensure we had plenty for his daddy! It got to the point of him needing help as his hands were too full. He was very proud to unload the van and show off his haul to Pete!

Miss Kelsey

Miss Kelsey is our summer babysitter and the kids are having a great time with her! She has many pictures on her phone and I need to obtain those but here are a few from a recent zoo trip.

 PJ picked up a hitch hiker in the butterfly area.

 This is an air conditioned area of the zoo so I bet they spent a little time in here resting before running another 100 miles! Good thing Kelsey is young and fit, I think the kids keep her on her toes.

We so appreciate having Kelsey with us this summer.

babysitting Grandma

We have had the pleasure of grandma babysitting the ends of each month. She comes into town and watches the kids for us on the Friday and then hangs out for the weekend. This time she was able to see the kids' baseball games and then we treated her to ice cream! Grandma is always a sucker for a soft serve vanilla cone. 

We so enjoy having her visit once a month, she is such a lifesaver each time she is here! We so appreciate all her help and love to the kids! September will be sad when our scheduled monthly visits come to an end, maybe we will just keep her coming!! Thanks again mom, we all LOVE YOU!!!

GUS, a little pet therapy

My friend's dog came to stay the week after our vacation while his owners went on vacation. Gus was a wonderful distraction for my kiddos that week! Everyone was so fascinated by Gus that he was very happy to return home to rest. He is such an awesome, well behaved dog. He is non shedding and such a great listener! Maybe we too will become an owner of a little friend like him! (I need to talk his owners into training ours!!) he is dearly missed and the kids are asking for us to sign up for Gus babysitting again next year.

Play Ball!

 We signed Makayla and PJ up for summer ball thru our YMCA. PJ started on a pee wee team, half the team was only up to his chest, then because he did so well they suggested we move him up. Now we are on a much more appropriate level for him and he is having a great time. The teams still do not play an actual game with outs and real running of the bases, this part he finds frustrating, but at least he is getting to play!

 Makayla has found her sport. This is her first year playing softball and she is loving it!! Again a lot of learning is taking place for her as well, but she has the right concept and I think she will do well!

I loved this picture, she got to first with this hit and another was able to run home! (look at the determination on that face!) LOVE IT!