Category Archives: traditions

July 4th 2013

We did a LOT this year. It was a big celebration. We headed over to Jan Day’s home where we spent all day swimming, eating, playing games, and celebrating our awesome country, and Dwayne’s graduation. The children did amazing in the pool (6ish hours!).  They were more confident from swim lessons, which helped me relax and be able to enjoy the pool too.

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IMG_9932Kaylee did NOT want to go off the diving board. She did eventually, but it took some doing, and a mean Mama. She said, “That was great.” after I tossed her off the board, and had a big smile, but didn’t want to do it again.

IMG_9913IMG_9923He’s cool like that. But really my favorite part is Rebekah’s face. She is becoming a tween!

IMG_9886Regan is our foodie. Kid can eat. He would swim, and then need to refuel.

IMG_9933And he got mad/scared when Charlie (the nicest dog ever) came over to sniff around. Don’t mess with this kids food!

IMG_9966Fun and games. The team potato sack relay race.

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IMG_0073Graduation ceremony.

IMG_0081Everyone got to pelt the grad with water balloons. So much more fun than walking!

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IMG_0152More fun and games.

IMG_0178Haha. I told Tanya to dump the cooler of water on Josh. Didn’t have to tell her twice. 🙂 Jon’s was dying. Laughing so hard. To be fair, Josh had road his bike over in the blazing heat, and really did need the cool down.

IMG_0206Then Tanya helped Kaylee “get me.”

IMG_0208She was in fits of giggles.

IMG_0234Couldn’t you smoosh him?

IMG_0284This one took some time, but eventually warmed up to the diving board. He had an equally mean Mama.

IMG_0285And then we couldn’t get him to stop. He was stuck in an infinite loop of jumping fun..

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IMG_0370I of course HAD to make a pinata. It was a firecracker. Festive for the occasion, and built tough for the big boys to enjoy.

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IMG_0385IMG_0394 Jon was all sorts of excited that the pinata was tough enough that he and Dwayne got to have a go at it too.

IMG_0400 The money shot.

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IMG_0410Kaylee was SO sad that we were not going to be outside (just too tired!) for fireworks. BUT our across the street neighbors always have about an hours worth of fire works that they do in the driveway. So I set her up in front of the kitchen window where she happily watched fireworks.

IMG_0409Such an awesome day. We are so happy to live in this amazing country.

Father’s Day 2013

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IMG_9614Kaylee decided this year that just giving Daddy his updated photos for his office was not good enough. So we got him a game too. Anyone wanna come play?

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IMG_9617This children were ridiculously cute and cooperative for this years photo shoot. I was very happy with them that day. More importantly Jon’s loves the new pictures.

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IMG_9606These two. 🙂

Last days of the trip

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We were all so excited for this Christmas vacation/trip. BUT we were most excited to meet the newest member or our clan. Baby Elara is so sweet and perfect. We all fell in love with this little miss.

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We played lots of games. Ate lots of delish food. And visited with lots of family. Great Grandpa even came over for a spell.
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Josh and Emily were with us briefly before heading farther up north to visit more family.
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This is the only photo I have where at least two are looking. Haha. I am just happy we finally have a picture of Great Grandpa and Regan.
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Saturday night these four put on a laser show/dance for us. They were so funny/cute dancing to Grandma got run over by a reindeer.
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It was such a nice Christmas vacation!