July extras

July was hot as expected. We went to Water Country, the pool, Busch Gardens, kayaking, Vacation Bible School, the beach, and more! It was a fun month.

The kids dressed up like super heroes. 

They caught a frog on one of our hikes and convinced me to let them bring it home. 

His name is Frank and we kept him for about a week before letting it go (it got a bigger cage). The kids had to go catch ants every day to feed it and give it fresh water.

Bonnie had to get a cavity filled.

Bonnie has done lots of biking around the neighborhood when we go on walks.

The kids had a blast at VBS this year.

In the hallway waiting for dinner.

There was a little fake snow station that the kids loved.

It rained pretty much the whole week.

We've done lots of coloring and painting. 

Bonnie ran all the way home from the beach to our house one day (about a mile). 

We went to Busch, and ran into some people we knew!

Bonnie got to go on stage and do the chicken dance.

Riser hung out while Bonnie and Benny went on all the roller coasters. 

Her favorite is currently Finnegan's Flyer.

Bonnie next to Loch Ness - her first upside down roller coaster. 

And we all love the log ride!

I took turns taking the kids kayaking through the canals behind our house. It was fun to explore the places you can't get to by boat.

Bonnie wanted to clean the table with shaving cream.

The kids got coupons for ice cream through the Summer Reading Program.

Bonnie set up a 'salon' and put Riser in the waiting room. She even had meditation music playing in the background.

We went to Taylor Farm Park one morning.

One of Bonnie's many home made crafts - shoes made out of tracing paper. They would crinkle loudly every step she took. 

We are enjoying summertime!

Corolla, North Carolina

This summer we did a big family trip in Corolla, NC in the Outer Banks. Mom was so gracious to rent a beach house for us all and it was so nice! The house and location were beautiful. It honestly was the best few days we loved every bit of it. 

Our walk to the beach.

We got there a day before the Strattons so we went to check out the beach that evening. 

We couldn't get Bonnie out of the water.

Morning snuggles

We had a beautiful beach morning that day. 

We spent the afternoon in the pool at the house. 

Family dinners

Uncle Chris and Rosie let Riser help flip pancakes.

Bonnie, the animal lover.

All the kids loved boogie boarding. Bonnie discovered it this year and wanted to be in the water all day.

Riser is not as enthusiastic about the water, but liked being held and telling me where to go.

The water temperature was so nice! And we had a great little sand bar near us.

I wish I could find the picture of me and the yellow boogie board around this age.

One evening Jesse and Rachel came to visit with their nephew. 

They were a big help to us finishing the puzzle.

Ice cream!

The house also had a movie theater that the kids loved. Riser is still talking about that and the bunk beds they got to sleep in with Ben and Rosie.

It was a fantastic trip with so many new memories made! Thank you mom!