tie dye

Each summer the kids try their hand at tie-dying. This is the result of this year. They used more dye and we left it on longer so the shirts really turned out pretty neat. Makayla did mine as well and it also turned out very nice. Good job guys!!

pottery

 I had a group on that allowed the kids to pick out a piece of pottery and paint it. They were very happy with this surprise I had for them on one of our Thursdays off.  I never did have an after picture, we had to go back a week later to pick our pieces up after they were fired and glazed. Each of the kids did very well and were happy with their projects!

pool

 So the kids got a pool for Christmas and thanks to some very sweet friends we got the pool assembled and the kids have enjoyed it this summer. It is 14 foot across and runs about 40 inches deep. It has seemed to be the perfect size. We are hoping to close it just right as to be able to use it again next year! I have gotten in a couple times and it really is relaxing! of course we had to have one splashing picture!

ball season

 Baseball/Softball season runs June and July for us thru the YMCA.  It is fairly laid back and the kids seem to enjoy it.  This is after PJ's final game, nothing like waiting till the last minute for a not so great team picture....
Then you have the girls' team photo which was not obtained until the end of season swim party! ugg, fail. None the less the girls went undefeated for the 2nd year in a row. Way to go Wolves!! Maggie played on Kayla's team this year per our choice, trying to save on running kids too many directions. Having never played before Maggie did great and really improved a lot! Next year Kayla and team moves on, however Maggie will have to join another team but I think she liked it enough that she will be happy to play again.

 I did not order pictures of the kids but took them myself instead. Not too shabby for just backyard pictures on the way out the door! Makayla 11, PJ 6 and Maggie 9.

 Some batting pictures, a little action.  Very determined looks on all of their faces.

 on the field... the girls REALLY pass as sisters when dressed alike and have their hair done the same. look at PJ, he is just so cute! He is really ready to play REAL ball, with outs, points and innings... maybe next year buddy!

Maggie is getting ready to bat and Makayla is offering a few words of encouragement. This was taken at the first game and it was very sweet to watch the protectiveness of the big sister. I think they both really enjoyed being on the same team this summer!

 Grandma was even in town a couple weekends and we were able to enjoy watching a few games together. Of course one weekend was super HOT and the other one we got completely rained on!

Vacation Bible Fun

 The kids attended the school bible camp this year. Kayla had to be a volunteer but ended up loving it! She was a dancer that helped the kids with each of their routines. Brie was very excited to be able to be a part of the "big kids".  I had not attended before so I was not ready for the picture moments but this is what I ended up with.

puppy Gus

We had the honor of babysitting puppy Gus again while my friends were on vacation. After a big picnic weekend I surprised the kids when we stopped and picked him up. He is such a great dog. I told my friend we were going to hire her when the day comes for our home to get a puppy. Needless to say the dog was very happy to return to his adult home and I think he probably slept for a week! Thanks for sharing Smiths we love your puppy Gus!!!

Grandma Betty potluck

My dad's family has taken on the tradition of getting together every 3 years. We spend the better part of the weekend together, as many of the 170 of us that can make it. This year some people put in some time and wrote out how many of us there really are.  The above photo contains a majority of the 170. My dad by Christmas this year will contribute 80 people to this collection!

I had to include a picture of Greg, eldest cousin and main organizer of this event, and the one who was taking the above photo.  It really is a fun weekend and so nice to get to see so many family that we just do not see very often.