Beach Day with Friends

We were invited to join some of our friends from church for a fun boating/beach day and we're so glad we were able to go. It was a beautiful day to be out on the water and playing in the sand! Savannah with cute little Taylor as we headed out on the boat.

The boys were very excited for the boat ride!

Once we got close to the island the men got the boat situated...

and Noah jumped in and swam to the beach. That kid has no fear.

Our day was spent playing on the beach - soccer,

building sand creations,

eating, spending time together,

and holding one cute little baby!

One of the families brought kayaks and the kids absolutely loved going out on them.

Meanwhile, back on shore, David was being arrested! It was all in fun; Josiah, who at the time was completing his FBI training, was showing us all the proper way to subdue and then handcuff a person.

More kayaking fun!

Hangin' out on the beach.

Time to bury people in the sand.

Noah was all ready for his burial.

Can't go to the beach without collecting shells.

While Xander played in the sand with Levi

and Savannah took an afternoon nap,

Noah took a swim with all the ladies.

Back to kayaking - these kids could not get enough!

We caught Noah drinking and kayaking...

too funny!

Yikes! A seaweed monster!

All the little girls loved hangin' with Savannah.

We spotted this beautiful bald eagle.

The families took turns going back on the boat since there were way too many of us to go all at once and we ended up with the last turn. We didn't mind - it was a beautiful evening and we just enjoyed talking and being together.

All that kayaking took a toll on Xander!

While I was sitting there, enjoying the sensation of having my toes in the sand, I noticed these weird little sand creatures that totally creeped me out, especially when they started jumping at me.

We noticed that our bald eagle had caught himself some dinner.

These two learned the art of picture taking from their Aunt Heidi while we were in the VI.

The smile and sunburned cheeks say it all! It was truly a wonderful day with family and friends.

Summer Days

Ah, the lovely days of summer. Unfortunately there was no sleeping in and lounging away the day for us - we were up every morning by 6:00 to get those boys to swim practice. And of course there was no TV or electronics allowed unless enough points were earned by doing daily chores, reading, and other select chores around the house so the kids found other fun things to keep themselves busy. Movies were a fun part of our summer, especially with friends.

Xander and his best friend Devin were allowed to go to the $1 movies by themselves for the first time...

I think they enjoyed their independence!

But going with mom was fun too.  Our summer movie viewing included Finding Dory, Pete's Dragon, Alice Through the Looking Glass, and Ice Age: Collision Course.

Along with signing up for the library's summer reading program comes that beautiful sheet of coupons so we always head to McDonalds for the free sundaes.

Bored? Never! Not when one has a creative mind.

We all loved his little minions.

After seeing Xander's paintings from our date earlier in the year the other two wanted to give paint-by-number a try. We ended up with our own little gallery of fine art.

I even got them to do some workbooks and studying every once in awhile.

A family that shucks corn together stays together.

I can't remember what we were doing here but I'm pretty sure it was Family Home Evening and obviously it was super fun!

We went on a few dates - me and Xander to Barnes and Noble for a new book and a frap...

and Noah to menchies for some frozen yogurt on a hot day!

The woods behind our house are a source of great animal activity, especially the birds. I love watching all of them and this particular morning I just had to get a picture of these two woodpeckers who were doing their woodpecking thing on the playhouse next door.

And of course those summer evenings are filled with lightning bugs and boy, does Noah love catching them!

Come here, little guy!

His new buddy.