Happy Fourth of July!!

Parade watchers

Nicole was brave and decided to try the pig scramble at a Jr. Rodeo we went to. I think it helped she had an experienced friend who she would be pig scrambling with. The goal was to chase down a squealing pig, grab it's back legs and drag it back to the designated area. More pig scrambling pictures below . . .

Ryan liked watching the little boys ride the steer's, but could see the bigger bulls in the pen just outside of the arena, and kept asking when they were going to come out.

The anticipation . . .

scrambling a pig?

Nicole and her friend each helped pull a pig in, but they only gave one trophy per pig. She was a little disappointed but hey, a ribbon fits more neatly in a scrapbook!

The boys' favorite part of the rodeo--the snow cones

Waiting for the fireworks

We spent much of our "waiting" time keeping the boys off of the sharp broken up concrete and re-barr (sp?) and out of the water.

We love "Where's Waldo" books!

Isaac excitedly showing his shirt we made (our 4th tradition--started last year--the making-o-festive t-shirts) his and Ryan's had fighter jets on them of course.

Some serious Rubik's cube time

Too funny

A tub of licorice, a big container of watermelon and good friends, what more could you ask for?

Ryan did much better this year at during the fireworks, and had a cute comment for each one he saw. He was pretty excited.

Playground parades

Several different times now the kids and their good friends Adam and Anna have had a bike parade. They line up from youngest to oldest and ride many circles around the playground. Ryan LOVES being the leader, and I'm pretty impressed with the older ones letting him, and not going faster to pass him. Everyone needs a paved bike path in their back yard!!

I love this!!

It's been great having Nicole home from school. She plays, reads, and sometimes even takes care of the boys. They sure love their big sister. She's pretty amazing!!

Isaac's Pre-Birthday Party and Beach Day

We've been planning a pre-birthday party for Isaac for months (ever since I found some fighter jet b-day party stuff for 39 cents a package!!--I only spent 5 dollars!!) Isaac's birthday is September 10 shortly after we move, have a new baby and the kids start school. Pretty sure I wouldn't feel up to doing anything for him then, he has lots of friends here, and he hasn't really had a friend birthday party yet. I had several games planned --all of which the girls liked and the boys tried once or twice then left to play at the playground. Curt saved the day a few times, and we decided to let him plan the activities for any future boy birthday party.



One of my least time consuming cakes yet . . . but it's what he wanted. Just in case you need me to tell you, those are fighter jets in the clouds.

Hidden Beach

It just so happened that the birthday party was on one of the hottest days of the summer so as soon as the guests left we headed for the beach. Isaac got to bring a friend which added to his fun day!

Getting in a few last rides on the boogie board

Nicole and Isaac spent a good amount of time harvesting seaweed

Ryan loves the water if Daddy is there

Tons and tons of black sea birds (not sure what kind they were) were flying in this line across the ocean from as far as I could see in both directions. Not sure what they were doing or why, but they kept coming for about 15 minutes. Curt swam out a ways on the boogie board for a closer look.

Nicole the instant after she accidentally threw water on Ryan who was in the pit they were trying to fill up with water.

Isaac trying on a beard

I liked this picture of Curt pulling the kids barefoot up the trail--the wagon by itself is pretty heavy to pull, then add the kids, all the gear, and a hill, and you've got yourself a pretty good work out!!