An afternoon at the fair

Not wanting to appear bored, :0), I thought I better post about our day at the local (for Carrie) fair. Carrie had called a few weeks ago asking if we would go, and then she wanted the boys to stay over for a few days, since they never got their second sleepover of the summer that was promised to them. So the plan was put on the calendar, and I even managed to get Kevin to do double school in some subjects to make up for the time he would lose (just in case there are those wondering if I ever homeschool! For the record, I don't think I have had one school day completely off yet!) So here is some of our fun with my side of the family!

Carrie and Kylie

Kevin and Meika

Kade

Jeremy and a friend on the scrambler.

Pony rides for Meika

Kade

and Kevin.

A ride on the Wells Fargo Stage.

And Kylie who runs off at every chance she has, gets into mischief, yet charms most who give her a second glance!

And of course you can't go to a fair without having cotton candy - look hard, there is a little bit left, though it was very quickly consumed!

Rock Lake - Round 2!

When opportunity knocks, you had better answer. This is what I thought, but was not convinced of, when Jo called on Monday and said that we could have the cottage till Friday. In fact I had pretty much convinced myself that it would be crazy to go. I would have to cancel things, rearrange my schedule, pack, and drive. It sounded like a lot of work. But another last minute very pursuasive phone call and I was committed to going - in the morning. And again there were no regrets. We had a really nice time there, enjoyed some beautiful weather, and the kids really enjoyed another chance to play with their cousins - and they played so well together too! So thanks to Jo for convincing me, thanks to Jonathan for encouraging me (in a rather bossy way) to go:) and especially thanks to U. Klaas and A. Ann for the wonderful opportunity to spend more time at such a great place!

Some action shots off the dock.

Kade

Kevin.

MaryBeth
Kate.

Since there were no guys around to laugh at our attempts at horseshoes, we thought we'd try a few rounds. We had a lot of fun and are now ready to challenge . . . uhh . . . . somebody?!!

This is Sabrina. She endured a day of much loving and special care from about 5 sets of hands. She was trained to do tricks. She was prodded to do tricks. She did tricks she did not mean to do. She lived in a canoe aquarium which was carefully designed by young minds.She almost did not survive. But she seemed to come back to life and I think hopped for her life after being set free.

We thought this would be a good time to take a picture of these three girls who are so close in age and who are sure to have oodles of fun in the years ahead.

The photo shoot did not go so well!

We also enjoyed many games of an ammended version of donkey formulated for . . . US.

And not one to be left behind when fun is being had, Jonathan showed up Thursday morning and the fishing began. Here he is kissing one of the fish goodbye after being eagerly encouraged to do so by the kids.

And then it was Sunday

This was going to be the year I hosted my first birthday party for one of my kids and I was kind of excited about that. A few holidays, some sickness which resulted in the party being postponed and much busyness later, I was not quite as thrilled at the prospect. But onward we went - goody bags were prepared, food was bought and driving arrangements made and we were ready. Sunday dawned - gray, cloudy, cold and rainy. Hmmmm. After first service, we loaded our vans beneath the carport and headed home. On arrival, we gave special instructions on exiting the van in order to avoid the massive puddle our driveway had become. This was going to be interesting. Clothes were changed, a bag of chips eaten and I began pacing our small house trying to think of some bright and brilliant way to entertain this group of boys in a very small area. Nothing entered my mind, though Jonathan suggested a sock fight! But, something better happened that made the party a grand success - the rain stopped, and the sun even came out! It even got hot enough for the boys to have a grand water fight against Jonathan and go for a swim. Time flew and before we knew it it was time to get ready for church again. What a fun time I had and I think the boys did too. They all played so well together. We'll definitely have to do this again!
Here is the gang!

Jonathan told Kevin that after he opened each gift, he should give each person a big hug and a kiss! Though he was not convinced that this was a good idea, some had other ideas!

Enjoying the lack of rain and the great outdoors.