Wordless Wednesday: Grandma Ann and Grandpa Paul

Campin' on the 4th

On the 4th of July weekend we had the privilege of going to Campers' Paradise near Nevis, Minnesota for a camping trip. Gary's family went there every summer growing up and he loved it so he wanted to bring his family there ('cause he's sweet like that). We talked our good friends Carmen and John into joining us with their wonderful sons Peyton (4) and Logan (1). We had a wonderful time and we had some exceptionally well -behaved children! We even managed nap time everyday for the one year olds! The campgrounds are on an island and are beautiful and secluded. The beach was sandy and perfect. There was a water trampoline and a big playground for the kids. We couldn't have asked for nicer weather. It only rained for about 2 hours the first night we were there otherwise it was sunny and warm. The campgrounds also have awesome trails for riding bike that we truly enjoyed! It was so much fun that we booked our trip for next year already!




Our BIG campsite!

Our tent (my birthday gift from my momma) thanks Mom

Gary grillin'

John and Peyton playing bean bags

Kendall in the Ergo

strollin'

Kendall and Logan going for a bike ride

The beach

Peyton

Carmen and Logan

Floatin'

Beach Baby

Camping is fun!





 *I was on this trip, too. I just happened to take all the pictures so I'm not in them. And I'm ok with that.



Nanny's Birthday

Today was Gary's Grandma's birthday. We celebrated by going out for supper together. We met first to attempt to take some family pictures. Next time we will have to plan it better and take the pictures after we eat because the kids were restless. Here's what we ended up with:

4 Generations: Mom- Debbie holding baby Riley, Great Grandma Maryleene and Grandma Trudy

4Generations: Dad-Gary holding Kendall, Great Grandma Maryleene and Grandma Trudy

4 Generations: Dad- Adam holding Brady, Great Grandma Maryleene and Grandma Trudy

Brady (4) and Riley (2 weeks)

Kendall and Brady- 2 peas in a pod

Have you ever tried to take a picture of 5 children? Here's how it goes:

Take 1

Take 2

Take 3

Good enough for now, better luck next time

Introducing Riley

Riley James, May 25th 2011, 7 lbs 4 ozs, 20 1/4 inches

His beautiful Mommy, Debbie

Proud Daddy, Ricky

Trisha and RJ, his brother and sister. They live in Oklahoma with their mom but we are thrilled to have them here for 7 weeks.

I love this picture.

Kendall really likes her new cousin and wants so badly to hold him.

My dear Riley, I am so excited that I get to be your auntie. We all love you very much. We prayed for you to join our family for so long. You are a very lucky little boy to have such wonderful parents. You are your Mommy's biggest dream come true. You have a very fun and sweet Daddy. We thank God for you, sweet baby.

Kendall's First Birthday Party

We celebrated Kendall's first birthday last month. It's hard to believe that it's been over a year since we held our little blessing for the first time. Yet, I can't imagine life without our sweet girl. We celebrated her big day with a party at a hotel in town with a swimming pool. Miss Kendall loves the water. She had so much fun splashing with her family and friends. We had pizza for supper and cupcakes made by Grandma Nancy. As we sang Happy Birthday to her she watched in awe with a big smile on her face that could have melted any one's heart. She was very dainty with her cupcake at first. She just licked the frosting off her fingers for a while. Then she decided it was pretty good stuff so she picked it up and ate it that way. She was very enthusiastic about her gifts and fussed a little when I would take one away so she could open the next. She loved all of the gifts she got and she got wonderful things! It was such a fun celebration of our darling girl!

Here she is in the swimming pool

swimming

Her cousin Brady

Kendall while we sang to her

Yummmm



Enjoying her cupcake

Opening gifts

Playing with Grandma Trudy and Brady