Some Summer Pics

I wanted to post some photos from this summer's highlights.  I actually haven't had the camera out nearly as much as I'd like to.  These are each special events that bring back sweet memories.

Doug and Jefferson prepared for their first 10k run

Jefferson, up very early for his first 10k run at 8 years old

Doug and Doug Jr. prepared for their 10k river run

For Doug's 14th birthday he wanted to do something far different than anything he'd done for his other birthdays. He wanted so badly to go on a canoe trip down the river with his Dad. They left very early in the morning and set off. It took them only 4 hours to finish their canoe run, and they had such a blast. Lots of exploring under bridges, detouring down side creeks. We ended up buying another canoe so more of the family can go on the next trip. Still can't carry everyone on the trip yet...we'll need a third canoe for that.


And...the other part of Doug's 14th birthday, hanging out at the park with the family and having a picnic lunch before heading home for cake and ice cream.  It made me laugh to see him on some of the park rides.  I've slowly seen it coming where the two oldest were beginning to outgrow going to the park.  Kind of bittersweet when you observe them wandering through the park, not really knowing what to do there anymore (maybe I would worry even more if they did still play like 2 year olds?!).  I guess it's not so bad, though, having my older ones as company to laugh with me and help watch out with the little ones.  On this day, though, they all played and had a great time.  It was super hot though, so we only stayed a couple of hours.

Isabelle holding hose for "water limbo" game

The two munchkins, Gabriel and Annabelle, sometimes referred to as "double trouble"

These are busy days...

It seems like the last couple of months have been so busy, I've been waiting for things to slow down so we could enjoy this summer that we've all been looking forward to!  But then, maybe that's what summer is all about.  Doing all of the things that you don't normally take the time to do.  Like going to the pool a couple of times a week...getting together with friends more often...hosting parties...taking trips to the amusement park...cheering on the boys and Dad in racing events, birthday parties and more birthday parties.  Yes, it's been busy, but it's all good.