Sweet Summertime

Summertime, my favorite season of the year.  We've been crazy busy, but we've had so much fun.  Here's what we've been up to the last 2 months!  I swear I'm never going to get so far behind again, ha!

Fourth of July weekend, 'camping' at Grandpa and Grandma's house, playing with cousins for four days straight. 

Home for a couple of days and then off to Cadillac for 10 days.  Family, friends and lots of time at the beach!

The week after we came home was dedicated to potty training, which meant several days of not leaving the house.  Our #2 child is strong willed, to say the least ... it was a battle, but I was determined not to give up, and I won. :)  She hasn't had an accident since, has a much better overall attitude and cannot wait to start Sunday School and Kids Club in the fall.  I think it was huge relief for her too, to get that overwith.

We've harvested lots of goodies from our garden ... Grandma helped us freeze beans one afternoon, notice Noelle's perfectly stacked pile of beans, definitely takes after her mother. :)

Spent an evening at the fair ... Noelle decided on the ferris wheel for her ride (she is hiding in the corner).  Wasn't sure she was truly brave enough to go through with it, but they both loved it!

Friday night picnic at the beach ... Emma sneaking sand in her mouth when mommy wasn't looking

Daddy's company picnic ... always lots of fun activities for the kids

Bday party #1 for Addison, celebrated with Lani, Gabe and Josiah, whose birthdays are all within a couple weeks of eachother.

This was Noelle's first year of swimming lessons too.  I was so impressed with how much she learned in a week and a half!

Fun to have her friend Josie in the same class!

On the last day of swimming lessons we headed out to TriPonds for the annual church campout.  Very fun campground for kids and of course lots of friends to play with!

Emma has been such a wonderful little camper.  Couldn't ask for a more content little baby.  Happy to be outdoors, loves the water, sleeps great, and the rest of us are enjoying having a sweet baby to snuggle with!

Making the most of a rainy day

Weekday picnic at the park, on a blanket, because according to Noelle, it is not a real picnic without a picnic blanket

Bday party #2 with the Geurink family ... Happy 3rd Birthday Addison!  She has had this cake picked out since Noelle's birthday this spring, another fun one to make!

This past weekend we decided kind of last minute to head out to the beach for a few days, fit in as much camping as possible. :)  Just our family this time, loved it.

Daddy made Mickey Mouse pancakes on Saturday morning, the girls were thrilled!

Emma's first boat ride, she doesn't cry about many things, but she was NOT impressed with the life vest.  She pouted about it for 15 minutes or so, and then went to sleep for the rest of the ride.

Life is good. :)