A little front lawn picnic

Since we had some family in town, we took time for a little cook-out. The weather was lovely and the bugs have not taken over yet, so we gathered outside to eat and visit. The children were happy playing at the little sandbox and played so well together. It was fun to watch them.

We bought a new picnic table so we can eat outside often.

I just love this little sandbox and umbrella. It is designed for one side of the sandbox to hold water but it is much smarter to just do all sand (or all water, if you want.) When I first did water and sand, it was really a happy mess.

Sons, do you recognize some of these playmobile toys?

Don't you love Hannah's beads?

What have we learned here?

I think we learned that it is really not advisable to entertain the idea of taking a picture of 7 grandchildren at the end of a long day of playing. Can you tell they are just a wee bit tired?

I couldn't decide which picture to post so I thought I'd post all of them. Each one shows just a slightly different moment...

Enough said. Enjoy.

Fun at a small town parade

I thought this was just so cute - Meghan sitting in the street capturing a picture of the kids waiting for the parade to start! Maybe we'll see the picture on her blog?

Smile!

The children are ready with plastic bags to hold their candy, hopefully!

Yeah! Firetrucks start the parade! Who doesn't like a big firetruck?

Preston and Grandpa watch the horses too! Here they come!


And there they go!

We are so proud of our high school marching band! Don't they look sharp in those white uniforms! (Imagine keeping them clean??)

Josiah was comfortable watching from his own spot.

The two babies are getting closer in size. Imagine this time next year?

Mommies with 4 of the 7...

Now we have 5 grandchildren in the picture. They sure were having fun.

A very happy little face

On Saturday we celebrated Preston's 2nd birthday (which was a few days prior) and here he is while we sing to him. Isn't it cute precious to see how he is smiling at being the center of attention? I love it.

Seven and holding...

Here are some current pictures of the seven (so far...) grandchildren, from oldest to youngest..

starting with Brooklyn, age 5

Timothy, age 5

Luke, age 3

Hannah, age 2

Preston, age 2

Josiah, 9 1/2 months

Sean Patrick, almost 6 months..

And we're waiting for number 8 .... 2 weeks left!

Birthdays galore

There are quite a stretch of birthday's in my family so I thought I'd post some of the wonderful birthday people. Here are my twin nieces Stephanie & Jacqueline standing and my great niece Courtney sitting down. Stephanie & Jacqueline turned 9 May 28 and Courtney will be 8 on June 20. Happy Birthday girls!

My sister-in-law, Ann-Margret, celebrated her birthday this past week. Here she is with my brother Jeffrey. They are the parents to Stephanie & Jacqueline.

Kyle, in the white sweatshirt, is one of my great nephews. They are both great, those nephews!Kyle just turned 14 on Thursday. Happy Birthday, Kyle

Ben, who is the birthday boy TODAY, is in the red sweatshirt. In the blue sweatshirt is his buddy and my other great nephew Justin, who has to wait until July for his birthday! They are both turning 17 this year and Ben will get his license next week! Watch out New Jersey drivers..

My birthday boy!

Happy Birthday hubby!

Closing program Preschool VBS

I haven't put a video on my blog for a long time. I almost forgot how to do it! This was just too cute not to put on though. I'm sure, if you are into blogging, you will recognize a few of these precious children. I hope their moms check my blog! (Brooklyn is hard to see as she is up about 3 rows but if you look for her you can find her.)

Happy faces

This morning was the closing program for the Preschool VBS. Here are a few cutes pictures of the happy faces. The children were adorable. Meghan & Susanne, you did a great job planning!

Someone is TWO!

Happy Birthday Preston! It was so special the day you were born!

Friendship Trek!

Today was the first day of Preschool VBS at Bethel!

Susanne and Meghan planned for quite some time for this adventure, called "Friendship Trek" - lots of tents and "campfires" set up in each room. It was really cute.

Christine, our Christian Education Director, was a big help and it was nice that baby L. decided not to arrive yet....

The many volunteers, both youth and adult, were wonderful. The kids loved the songs and the actions.

Here they are singing the B I B L E....

Brooklyn and her classmates were listening to their lesson in their tent. Cute.

At closing time they got to sing again. You can just see the energy from this picture, can't you?

This is so true!

It's so handy...

to have a husband who can build you things! A house, a "river room", remodel things... and now, in no time, (the very next day after I asked!) ... shelves for more storage!! Isn't he a honey?

It's raining.... and raining....

No, these are not my own photographs. But with all this rain, I thought some rainy photographs were warranted. Wow, it is really crummy outside tonight! We have had quite a few days of cool, wet weather. At least it's not snow!

Peek a boo

Just thought this was cute..