How I Love You, Lovely Lake

Sisters A, C, and I were able to spend a few precious days with our families at the lake (our childhood hangout, location of Grandma & Grandpa's oh-so-packed-with-memories cottage). It meant so much to me to have my kids playing in the same lake that I played in so often as a kid. And to be there with my sisters...priceless. Loved it, loved it, loved it.

Pretty C

S and C take on the rapids


Content A

D and A doing a little bro-in-law bonding

M decides to run with the big dogs

Cuties

So glad Charice was able to come visit!

Summer Catch-Up

So, remember the summer of 2008? Admittedly, it was a while ago; but there are still memories that have yet to be posted here. I will not leave them behind!

We spent some time gallivanting around to see family and play a lot. First up is Dad and M's place, where we gathered to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary.

Little Miss Traveler

Sweet M and E

K, adorable daughter of my college roomie, Amy

Miss M

Cuties

Ryan, Amy, and K

Ah, the memories...

Nice.

Quality G-pa and E time

Role reversal

My stepbrother M and his fantastic wife, L

Our best attempt at a family photo.
So glad M turned on the charm for this one.

A little birthday celebration for M and E

Don't mess with us.

That's right. I have a tattoo.

The lovely D and me
Mom and Dad D with all of us.

1982

Our friends Garret and Shauna were both born in 1982, so they threw themselves an authentic, straight-out-of-the-early-80's party. Guests were invited to dress accordingly. We all obliged. Happily.

Shauna, Mandy and I heart big and/or feathered bangs.

Ah, my soul mate.

Maura and Marc, newlyweds-to-be!

Working it: Kat, Aubrey, Brittany, Maura, and Marc...and Niles in the background.

Two words: Awe. Some.

Camping Trip #3

We just can't get enough of the wildernesss! On the night of A's birthday, we camped out with some close friends and had a marvelous time. We all decided we could do it every weekend, or at least one weekend a month. If only the rest of life didn't get in the way...

Nice shooting, A.

The beautiful Brittany.

The pensive Garret.

Garret through the profile of his beloved Aubrey.

Aubrey being very, very serious.

M also being very, very serious.

Working hard gathering wood chips.

A, Ian, and Jonathan around the morning campfire.

Did you need any dirt? Because I have a lot.

I am She-Ra, Princess of Power.

Andy Zenz Is 31, and So Is Baskin Robbins

For A's 31st, I got veeeery creative and took him to Baskin Robbins, home of...wait for it...31 flavors. Yes, I know. Genius. We actually had to leave town for the adventure, which is quite unheard of for this walking/biking/maybe-driving-across-town-if-we-absolutely-have-to family. All in all, we had a lovely, goofy celebration together.

Happy 31st Birthday, best friend. I love you. Your girls love you. You are more than we could ask for.

This. Is. Awesome.

We really gotta work on the whole "natural smile" thing.

Kindred, kindred, kindred.

Tongues Are Cool

E the eleven-month-old and her eleven-month-old tongue. Good buddies.

Fully extended. Watch out, Gene Simmons.

Sweet Dreams

M and E's cousin G turned eight in July, and we decided to make her a special pillowcase. We used Lotta Jansdotter's pillowcase project from her book Simple Sewing, a current crafty favorite of mine. Here 'tis! We love you, G.

E inspects the package innards before they head to the post office.

Fun pocket for G, who's declared it her tooth pocket (smart girl).

G busts a move this summer during a family dance session.

G teaches E the finer points of walking.

July Wrap-Up

After all our traveling, we were able to squeeze in some time with friends and another family camping trip before july came to a close. What a great month it was!

Fabulous spontaneous visit with Don and Joni while our dear friend Ashley and her sister Alexa were also visiting. Glad you could be there, too, Niles. Here's to the Dale!

Back to the life of camping. It's quickly becoming a family favorite.

Happy, happy girl at one of our playgroups in July.