Lake Weekend

The last weekend of July, Joel and I took off for a long weekend to the lake with Jeremy, Kathleen, Brian, and Jennifer.  It was hard leaving the girls, but I was ready for a break.  Mom was nice enough to keep the girls for us that weekend so we could enjoy a weekend away.

It rained most of the day Friday, but that didn't stop us from getting out and at least having lunch and shopping since we couldn't get on the boat. 

Siblings

Sister in laws

Saturday was perfect for getting on the boat, so we headed to Captain Ron's for lunch and drinks. 

Being the light-weight that I am, I was feeling pretty good after my first drink at lunch.  I may have even felt so good as to give Jennifer a pedicure with the awesome salt scrub in the bathroom they had for your hands.  Oops!!!

Of course, I had to have my drink with me for the picture!

I somehow made it back to the boat without falling, and then the fun really started.  All I can say is:  Beware of the Strawberitas.  They sneak up on you fast!

We had a great afternoon on the lake. 

The weekend was just what we needed, but couldn't wait to get back to our girls on Sunday.  Ainsley had lots of fun staying at Grandma Shelly's, but was more than happy to see us when we got there to pick her up.  She sure missed her Daddy and the picture below is how I found her and Joel that Sunday night in bed.   I think her Daddy missed her a little too!

We love the rain!

Ainsley still loves when it rains.  It's rained a few times lately and we've taken advantage of it.  As soon as it starts raining, Ainsley's looking for her rubber boots. 

She wanted to take her umbrella out with her, but then didn't really know how to use it.  Oh well, she still had fun!

We had just finished eating supper one night when it started raining.  I practically ran out the door with Ainsley before it got too dark so she could have a few minutes playing in the puddles.  The sky was so pretty!!!

She's starting walking the curb along our yard and the landscaping rocks around the front of the house, using them as a balance beam.  I'm not at all happy to say that she got her coordination from her mother.  Poor girl! 

Ainsley and friends

Ainsley's had lots of play time with her friends over the last few weeks.  Hadlee came over one evening, and the girls had fun playing outside.

They liked walking around in some of my old shoes. 

Hadlee liked Ainsley's car.  At least someone is getting some enjoyment out of it, because Ainsley still won't get in it.

We had two dirty little girls who needed baths!  I hope they grow up to be as good as friends as their mothers are.

Ainsley went with Papa Jim one Saturday morning to check the cows and crops and ended up finding Oliver at his grandparents.  My daughter was giving Oliver some kisses and hugs! I think Joel's already said that it's only okay for a few more years and then Oliver is going to get sat down and talked to about his daughter.

Oliver's wondering what she's doing to him!

Awe!!!!

July Birthdays

Jack's 11th birthday party was in late July.  Ainsley was very excited to go and asked for a few days before when we were going to Jack's house.  It's never Uncle Jeremy or Aunt Kathleen's house (or even Lani's).  It's always Jack's house!

The birthday boy and Ainsley

Ainsley was hoping Jack was going to have balloons, cake, ice cream, and birthday hats.  She sure loves her birthday parties!

Lily's being entertained by Lani and Ainsley

I heard "Happy to you, Happy to you, Surprise" numerous times the days before his birthday.  (That's Ainsley's version of Happy Birthday To You.)  As soon as we started singing Happy Birthday to Jack, Ainsley lost it.  She started crying and covering her eyes.  I don't know if she was embarrassed, or mad because we weren't singing to her.  She's cried a few times since when we sing Happy Birthday.  We just have to laugh at her, because she's just a tad dramatic.

It's hard to believe that Jack is 11.  That makes me feel old!!!  Of course he got lots of good presents, including his favorite, clothes!

The kids had fun playing with the light sabers and balloons.

Ainsley found Lani's glasses at some point that evening. 

Uncle Jeremy and Ainsley at the end of the night

Jack's currently into playing Magic.  For those of you who don't know what that is....it's a card game.  Most people (or maybe just me, but I doubt it), consider it a "nerdy" or "geeky" game.  I rate it right up there with World of Warcraft or larping.  Just don't tell Jack I said that.  Jack is pretty good at Magic and has even won a few championship mats (which isn't easy to accomplish). 

Jack with his mats

Mom also had her (almost half century) birthday the day before Jack.  We made cupcakes and took them down for her after swim lessons one afternoon. 

Grandma Shelly and Ainsley