Montana wedding

Last weekend we all headed up to Bozeman
(during our vacation in Montana)

to attend Rocky's cousin's wedding.

it was quite the beautiful setting....

It was fun to get the kiddos all dressed up

Noah insisted on wearing a tie like his daddy....

so, naturally, Elijah got to wear one too!

This was just one of many fun nights we had with our MT cousins!

("little" Meggers...becoming quite the young lady)

Elijah was quite the little "busy body" as we waited for the bride and groom

always helpful to have Papa near, as Elijah's #1 buddy!!!!

they have quite the special bond!

Hannah was really intrigued with "the bride" and the pretty white dress

and all the princesses (and prince) standing up next to her

it was a windy day,

but sunny and gorgeous!

CONGRATULATIONS Brian and Sydney!

4th of July fun

Yes, I am a little late in posting these pics -
but life has been fast and furious since this night,
and just now getting these cropped and posted!

Lucy and Elijah were first-time attendees this year;

lining up and getting ready to "enjoy" the show.
(I believe they were both sleeping within 5 minutes of the start)

Lorrie came geared and ready
to corral the group while waiting for dusk.

ice-cream cone scented bubbles....

and baby dolls ("borrowed" from Lucy)
patiently waiting....

Unfortunately, this is where the pics end....
once the fireworks started, there was nervousness and timidness
that demanded the photographers time :)

The past two weeks Hannah and I have been working hard
on our mad-swimming skills....

The first week was very chilly/cloudy,
but this week the sun has been shining high!

Makenzie has been super patient and helpful!

working on back floats...

front floats

back strokes....
and front strokes...

and conquering fears!

mixed in with just the right dose of fun/rewards to keep us going...

summer fun-times !

there's more ahead....

A day too good to be true....

Before I elaborate on our fun-fantastic weekend,
a disclaimer needs to be made.

I cannot claim any of these pictures as our own,
but am indebted to our fabulous friend,
Melanie, who is a impressive photographer
(amongst many many other above-and-beyond traits)
who so bravely brought her camera along with us
to capture the events of our day.

So, here is the story of the day in the life
of these well-worn shoes!

This past weekend we had
one of the most glorious days of the summer...
of the YEAR!

We returned to our much-loved Peninsula State Park in Door County
for a memory-making day with our friends, the Gunnells.

We packed up the wee-little ones
in their appropriate travel accommodations -

gave a pep-talk to our young lads


and ladygathered the masses,
(yes, you are counting correct....7 kids and 4 adults)
and we were off!

Leading this troop 4 miles down (and 6 miles back)..
YES..that is right, these amazing little people bicycled
their little legs 10 MILES!

There efforts were definitely rewarded,
as we spent much of the afternoon at Nicolet Bay
enjoying park fun,

quick break for lunch...

followed by water fun,





(and sun)

shells,


and sand fun...

we couldn't have planned a better day!

Here is what daddy had to say about it
when it was time to wrap it up and head home...

and we all concurred!