Lukas' Visit

Our dear friends, the Lukas' are another family we visit every summer when we go down to Arkansas.  This year they came to visit US for Genevieve's baptism!

The boys introduced Samantha to many things that a family of all boys has...like fish and shark-shaped goggles!

We did a lot of out-door activities, including walking a mosquito infested trail to get to this suspension bridge.

So sweet.

Elk!

Another day I made my yearly zoo trip.  It wasn't that bad this year!  The zoo has become very shaded since I last visited.

G stayed cool in her hat in the Becco

Zoo Train!

Charlotte was ever so cautious of the reptiles they were letting kids pet.

Samantha, on the other hand...

But eventually she braved touching a snake.

We discovered that Cody is a human eagle. 

Baby, meet Baby.

Thanks for visiting!  We hope you make it a yearly thing :)

Sentences

Samantha still writes sentences.  Occasionally she chooses to illustrate the concept too.  That's a very accurate rendition of our hamper.

Her Papa

Charlotte saw a picture of my dad on my mom's computer and said to her, "That's my papa."

"Yes, that's your papa."

"He's not YOUR papa.  He's MY papa."

"Yep, he's not my papa.  He's YOUR papa."

"Yep.  He's your Jer."

That's right.  And every woman needs a Jer.

Weekend Project

I got the itch.  After a month + of mostly sitting I had to get one of my projects done.  My dad talked me through what to do and got me some sand.  I paid a friend's boy to dig up the non-producing raspberry plants and knee-high weeds.  I put down some sand, then leveled bricks over a weekend.  Jeremy was a trooper and kept the inside of the house running while I sweated through the project.

Sand with helpers

My Audience

Ta da!  Now we have a nice patio area where I can sit and watch the girls better while they ride bikes!

Previously, this was the only view I had if I wanted to sit.  

Genevieve's Baptism

June 19th

Awesome Godparents- more friends from Arkansas

I was so excited- G go baptized in the Chapel at Pius- where I work and graduated from.  Father went to High School with my parents and is a great family friend.

Such a chill Godmother...I'm convinced she's the reason Genevieve's become so chill so quickly.

She held so still...

Such a goofball!

Who would have thought...he'd be baptizing her grandbabies!

Sandwich and cake feast 

nom nom

I love the look on Denise's face here

Charlotte's Godparents and Godsister joined us as well!

My Godson!

She LOVED the day.  Friends, family and SUGAR!!!!!

Sweet Gemma

I need to slap whomever took this picture

She waited for 24 agonizing hours to eat the CAKE that was dropped off the day before.

Oh my goodness this was just heavenly

From scratch strawberry and vanilla swirl.  Y.U.M.  Thank you, Rogene!! (she made our wedding cakes too)

Our Godchildren.  Gerard is still not sure of us...