Summer Fest 09 Part 1.....

Last weekend was our annual Summer Fest for our town. I love that the fest is so close to our house that we are able to walk to and from it. It makes our town feel like a small town. How I love living here:)!

Our morning began with the parade. Karis and Kendra were excited and enjoyed getting all the candy they could:).

And the quick pic on the magic carpet.

But our very favorite marchers were the girls scouts:)!!!!

Especially that cutie on the Left.

And that one on the left too. Wait a minute isn't that candy for the people coming to see the parade?

After the parade I dropped Kiera off at a birthday party near our house and met some family at our house. Eric's cousin Colette (HI:) and her little girl Tiana spent the day with us. (Her husband came later for dinner and fireworks). Eric stayed home with Kendra Ruth so she could get a nap in (and I think he got one in too:) and we walked to the fest........

We bought braclets for the girls so they could ride all the rides they wanted during a certain time. Karis never had been able to ride sooo many rides at once and she enjoyed every minute of it:)!.....

Big Slide

Motorcycle

Papa check out the Mustang:)

Our day was sooo filled and full of fun. More pictures to come on Monday:).....

Lemonade....

Last Friday Corinn and Kiera woke up with lots of energy and motivation. They began by counting all their $ in their piggy banks and wallets. They didn't have much:),but they decided they wanted to earn some so they could get their American Girl Doll's ears pierced when their Aunt takes them for tea at the store in the Fall. They asked me if they could have a lemonade stand.

I had 3 day care children here making it 7 kids total that I was watching all day, so I really didn't feel like putting together a lemonade stand. But.... Eric and I have been striving to say Yes as much as we can to our girls. So with that in my mind I said, "Sure".

We made a pitcher of pink lemonade and I baked some chocolate chip cookies. We set up some TV trays on our side walk and the girls made signs and brought their cash register outside:). They had sooo much fun. They sat their from 2- 5:30 when Daddy came home. They actually made $12 just from neighbors, Mommy and Daddy, and the mail carrier:).

I'm so glad I said yes....just like I often am. It is way tooo easy to say no for me! I never want to pass up opportunities like this for them to create memories and have fun. It's worth the little bit of effort I put into it. They were so thankful and the hugs I got were wonderful payment.

Daddy Days....

Eric's work has not been able to give him more than 30 hours of work each week. It makes for a tight budget, but we're just thankful he has a job. Sometimes I wonder if it's God's way of helping Eric redeem some time he lost with our older two while he went to school for 5 years?


One thing is for sure, they have enjoyed many days together. Since I have a summer day care child and I am stuck at home, Eric has taken Corinn and Kiera on several dates. They've gone to see the dollar movie on Wednesday morning(Monster's VS Aliens) ,they had lunch at a Mexican restaurant and they've had some outdoor adventures....

Eric went to the store and bought 2 big nets to catch frogs in by the pond near our house, the girls and him rode their bikes there.

Here's the BIG guy they caught.

Eric might not have any boys, but Kiera doesn't flinch to do many things a boy would:). Corinn wouldn't do this for lots of money:)...I don't know if I could either?


They also took a trip to Brookfield Zoo using our Membership. They really enjoyed the Butterfly House....

I'm soooo glad Eric has been able to spend such quality time with our two big girls. They are eating all the attention from him up:)!

The Best Things In Life Truly Are Free.....

Our summer began with a busy few weeks.... Great America, China Town, Oak Street Beach,Drive-In Movie, VBS. They were all very fun. But I must admit that the Lazy, typical days of summer are what I enjoy most.....

Babies that play sooo hard they fall asleep coloring.:)

Simple Crafts outside...who cares about the mess then:).

Big Sister's who help at the park.

Brave little 3 year olds.

Sister's who love to spin each other on the swing.

Piggy Tails flying in the wind.

Babies who take their ponies out and let their hair loose:).

Just Hanging Out.

Visiting all the different parks in our community.

Out door lunches.

Ok....Maybe a little strong will here and there.

And a time out or two, but overall Fun....!

Lunch.

Pink Cowgirl boots and shorts:).

Baby Swings.

Tunnel Slides.

Cuties.

Swinging.

Big Breakfast's all together.

Moon Sand.

Imaginary Play.

What a Wonderful blessing Summer is!!!!

VBS....

Corinn, Kiera, and Karis had so much fun at VBS last week. The theme was Crocodile Dock and it was at a smaller church near our home. Corinn and Kiera went last year, but this was Karis' first year. She was soooo excited.

Corinn at the snack table

Kiera praising

Excited Karis
They started their evenings off learning some praise songs together. Then the different groups who were seperated by age went to stations. They had a craft, food, story, and outdoor station.
They learned how God is with us through everything in Life and that we as Christian's have nothing to fear.

They are already looking forward to next year:)

Love in Action...

Our girls are in a VBS (Vacation Bible School) this week at a church near our house. Each day they are suppose to bring a different baby product to donate to an organization that helps Mom's in need. So our love in action this month was to donate wipes, diapers, small toys, and formula to this organization. Karis in particular enjoys carrying the items in and placing them in the bin each day:). This is her first experience at VBS and everything about it is exciting to her.:)