Camper's Cove

We made several camping adventures during the summer, this being the first. We tried a local camping facility. It was fun- windy but fun. We had some memorable experiences, like EVERY one of my children falling into the lake. It wasn't warm at all. Adelle's entire body when under. Cade just a leg, and Brinly just a leg. It was amazing...everyone at a different point of the trip. Anyway, here's proof of our fun endeavors.

We burned our cinnamon rolls and shared them with our neighbors:). Ate several meals in the wind, enjoyed a fun little train ride, attempted to fish, and slept very little due to our (always present) noisy neighbors.

Michael and Carrie's Visit

We have enjoyed a visit with Michael and Carrie and fam every spring since we moved here. It's been a lot of fun to have them come. This year was no different. We enjoyed pre- 4th of July sparklers and a few fireworks (for Shane's birthday festivities).
Charlie was a pro.

Cade was a little worried, but got into it.

These cute girls just wanted to cuddle and watch. It was quite chilly for late June.

Brinly loved it! Look at that cute face!

We stayed up a little too late:) Ha, ha...look at those faces!

We flew kites on the beach.

Shane played stratego a few times...I'm pretty sure tears were involved.

And what would a Ford visit be without a marshmallow roast! It was cold, but everyone enjoyed their 'mallows.

Adelle was bundled.

Fishing Frenzie

Fishing with Daddy at the local little lake next to our house was fun for the family. Cade was very much into the entire adventure, and Adelle was quite intent on watching, as you can see. Brinly and I kinda hung out together, waiting patiently for any action:).

Cade did eventually catch a little thing. There was pride beaming from him and Brinly.

Adelle thought it was pretty cool too.

Learning how to grab and unhook the fish. They released this little guy back into the lake. It was a fun afternoon.

Later that month, we traveled over to Traverse City for a church meeting. Shane was just called in April as Branch President of our little congregation here. So, we were there for some training. While he was in his meeting, I took the kids to this great kids fishing festival. They stocked an area of the lake, provided poles, bate, and volunteers. The kids LOVED it, especially since they actually caught something, both Brinly and Cade. They had more than just fishing, and it was all fun- but the fishing was definitely the highlight.

Brinly, "fishing" with help from the nice volunteer.

Brinly, unhooking her fish, with the help of the volunteer:).

Brinly's Catch:

Cade's Catch:

This nice volunteer could see I had no clue to what I was doing, but willing to try for the sake of my children even if it involved embarrassing myself to the extreme. That is maternal dedication, right?:) It was really embarrassing b/c it was so painfully obvious I really didn't know what I was doing, nor was I coordinated enough to even cast the darn pole with so many people around. Fortunately, this volunteer helped us through the entire process of Brinly and Cade's fishing endeavors.

Watching the fish being cleaned. Pretty cool to a little boy.

Maybe we will be able to catch this next year. It was pretty fun and all free!

Adelle's 2nd Birthday

Pink and green dominated our birthday theme for Adelle. She was thrilled to have a day of attention.

Her birthday dinner consisted of finger foods, dippable finger foods- her favorite way to eat. Hot dogs on a stick, bread sticks on a a stick, veggies and dip, chips and dip, cocktail shrimp, etc. It was a fun dinner and everyone enjoyed it:).

Here are the many faces of Adelle:)

I hope never to forget them!

Opening birthday gifts. Second birthdays are always fun because it is the first year they really understand what is happening...its all new and exciting.

We are so happy to have you in our family little Adelle!! WE LOVE YOU!

Last Day of School and other Random Photos

Brinly found a radish in our garden. Isn't she adorable. I love that happy face.
Our free-roaming chicken and ducks. At least for now, until the fence is built. Sadly, the ducks disappeared shortly after this.

One day we enjoyed water painting. Adelle is very much a girly, girl. She decided to paint her toes;).

Pre- bath.

Brinly really loved her 1st grade teacher, Miss Manning. This is the last day of school, which proved to be quite exciting actually. A powerful thunderstorm started ragging a few hours prior to the end of the day. Fortunately, I was there volunteering... The electricity went out and we all went home early!

Cade is obviously a little concerned. He didn't care for the storm at all.

They were both a mess.