A Visit From Grandpa

July 17, 2009 - My Grandpa came up to visit and see our new place. He is not the type of person to sit around so of course he earned his keep while he was with us =). MaKayla and Noah enjoyed taking turns on the mower with Grandpa. It was like looking back in time when I was a little girl sitting on my Grandpa's lap while he cut the grass. It was awesome to see my children enjoy the same things with Grandpa that has given me so many fond memories!

Noah's turn on the mower!

Grandpa cut down the two burning bushes that had overtaken the front of the garage and one on the side of the house. Andy pulled the stumps out with his truck and a chain.

Grandpa and Andy cutting the evergreens.

MaKayla is curled up with Grandpa while he reads her a book.

Grandpa and Noah

Grandpa was tired after a long day outside working in the yard. He laid on the couch to watch the Nascar races and MaKayla decided to join him. She even covered him up with a blanket. It was so cute! This was another time that I can look back in time and see myself.

July 18, 2009 - In the morning, MaKayla discovered Grandpa's bird tattoos on his chest. I loved these tattoos when I was her age.

Grandpa, MaKayla and Noah

My Grandpa and I

Grandpa and Andy

It was nice having my Grandpa up for a visit. The time went by in the blink of an eye! I look forward to his next visit!

Saying Goodbye is Hard to Do!

July 10, 2009 - Saying "Goodbye" is always hard. I am not sure when I will get the chance to see my nephew and niece again so it was especially difficult to say goodbye!

Mike & Rylee

Zach is at that age that hugs are just not cool. So, I had to steal one!

Zach, Mike & Rylee, I love you guys and miss you a bunch. It was so much fun having you stay with us. Please come back again soon!

Happy Birthday Zach, Mike & Rylee!

Zach and I

July 9, 2009 - I took all four kids to the Children's Museum. We had a blast! We started by making clay bugs in the Divinci Studio.

There was a room with levers and widgets. When you pulled a lever it affected how the airflow to the balls. Periodically, the balls would fall from a plastic collection side up above.

MaKayla is driving the fire truck.

Noah is ready to fight the fire.

Rylee, Zach, Noah and MaKayla all dressed up.

Zach is asleep on the job.

I was surprised at how realistic everything was at the museum.

Noah playing at the water table.

Nurse Rylee and Nurse MaKayla are getting assistance from Dr. Zach.

Rylee, Noah and Zach are getting ready to get this bird in the air.

The kids were able to learn about aviation in the flight simulated plane.

Later that day, everyone went to Monkey Joe's. The kids were able to burn off some more energy. Here is Zach sliding down!

I couldn't get a picture of MaKayla sitting still.

Daddy and Noah in the jump house.

Mommy and Noah jumping.

Rylee jumping high.

Happy Birthday Zach!

Happy Birthday Mike!

Happy Birthday Rylee!

One BIG Bass!

July 8, 2009 - Rylee caught a large bass on her little barbie fishing pole. Mike cleaned the fish and I grilled it for dinner. What a catch for a little girl! Way to go Rylee!

Special Memories Zoo

Our nephew Zach came to stay with us for a few days before his big flight back to Arizona all by himself. We also had my Brother-in-law Mike and our niece Rylee with us from Texas. We had a full house which was so much fun!

July 7, 2009 - While Andy was at work, I took Zach, MaKayla and Noah to our Special Memories Zoo. Rylee didn't feel like joining us. It is a small zoo but perfect for a day with the kids. It has the best petting area with all kinds of exotic animals that you can pet. Here is MaKayla with an goat, okay so not all the animals are exotic.

Noah likes the bunnies.

Zach's favorite animal was the white tiger. He kept telling us how "rare" they are.

We took a snack break at the playground. I thought this was cute of the three of them.

The four of us on the train ride through the wild exhibit.

Zach is petting a baby bobcat. He was so soft!

One tuckered out little boy!

July 7, 2009 - After dinner, Andy took Zach for a little manly bonding to build a car for his birthday present. They both had a great time. Zach even talked Andy in to going back the next night for Andy to build a Challenger. They both spent time working on and racing their cars.

Andy spending some bonding time with Rylee. He even played dolls with both the girls.

Happy 4th of July!

We went "Up North" for the 4th of July with my family. This is one of my favorite times of the year! Our family is growing and we had 15 people and one shower. You would think that would cause problems but it always works out just fine. This year my nephew Zach was able to fly in and join us! It was great having him here!

Papa showing the MaKayla and Zack how to handle a blue gill.

Papa and Nana relaxing at the lake.

Dylan and MaKayla hanging out in the baby pool.

Noah and Daddy having some fun in the water. Noah thought the sand tasted good, Yuk!

Miss Julia finally sleeping! It didn't last for long though, she is not much of a napper!

July 4th - Zack, Caden and I took the row boat out.

Joe and Caden after tubing behind the boat. Papa gave them a good workout.

Happy 4th of July! I am proud to be an American and so grateful for our freedom!!!!!

July 5th - Miss Julia and Joe

The 2nd annual (or semi annual) fishing tournament. The women won!!!! Jen caught a Northern but the guys didn't make it to the boat on time before it broke the line. We didn't know that we should have let the line out. It played dead and jumped when both were looking at it. I think most of the county hear us scream!

We had a great time fishing, especially since we beat the men!

July 6, 2009 - Our last day "Up North". The time always seems to fly by! MaKayla was pretending to march in a parade and throw pretend candy. We all were roped into playing along.

A family picture before everyone departs. We really missed my sister Roxy, Stephen, Logan and baby Abigail!

Nana, Papa and Zachary - This was Zachary's first time to the cabin. It was also his first visit all by himself. He was very brave on the flight.