Strawberry Fest, Cousins and Dad's Garden

 I took my kids on a little adventure to my old stomping grounds.  It all started with the annual Strawberry Festival.  The kids each ran in the fun run.  Yes, the same race that gave us Green kids stomach cramps, dry mouth, unpredictable diarrhea, cold sweats and statements like, "I think I'm just gonna jog it."  So naturally, I couldn't resist signing my kids up for the same memories.

 

Ross was old enough to run the mile while the girls each ran 1/4 mile.  Molly held my hand the majority of her race, Maisie's shoe fell off twice and Ross won 4th place in his age group.  Oh, but hold onto your hats!  These days the Strawberry Fest coordinators give away prizes to kill time while racers await the official race results.  Maisie's name was drawn for a brand new bike as well as a coupon for a cookie at Subway.  Ross commented, "Jeez, Maisie must be having a lucky day."

 

These girls are ready to race.

 

 

Uncle Greg runs with Grace while Aunt Heather runs with Laura. 

 

Maisie and Laura appear to be laughing as they run.

 

I got the honor of running with Molly. 

 

Ross gets focused before the mile race begins.

 

After I snapped this shot, he told me to 'quit-it and go away'. 

Sheesh.

 

I think I pissed him off.

 

Maisie being presented with her new bike.

 

 

Ross rounds the curve with lightening speed.

 

 

Zach, Cole and Ross show off their trophies.

 

I think they were a little excited.

 

The girls thought this dog was pretty awesome.  Since the dog didn't talk, Laura just danced with it. 

Awkward.

 

Racers after the race.

 

Meanwhile, there's now a stuffed fawn residing at my parents house.  Molly couldn't stop petting it.

 

Luckily for GG, the girls are old enough to start helping prepare meals.

 

Zach, Maisie and Molly really hit it off.  Zach gave these flowers to the girls. 

Maisie Daisy and Molly Rose.

 

Cole and Ross were attached at the hip.

 

Aunt Heather and the Maxi-Dress girls

 

 

The boys took a dip.  The next day 2 very, very large snapping turtles were pulled out of this pond.  Yikes!

Turtle Stew anyone?

 

Meanwhile, my dads garden never ceases to amaze me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Yep, it's official.  The best things in life aren't things.

Broken

For over 10 years, Mike and I have been planning to break something. 

On Thursday, June 5th it happened. 

 

 

 

 

We broke ground...

My Kids' GGs' Sister

Because of this little firecracker....

 

 

 

We have these sparklers. 

 

 

Two of which would eventually grow into these hot mamas...

 

 

One had the fate of becoming my kids' GG, while the other had the privilege of being the one and only, 'Aunt Judy'.  Not only to me, but now to my kids as well.  The excitement and fun Aunt Judy brings goes way beyond her Rubbermaid tub of Minute To Win It Games.  The sheer announcement of her arrival brings the same squeals and joy that I remember from being a kid knowing we were going to see Aunt Judy.

 

Aunt Judy spent last Sunday with us.  She went to church with us, which is something only very brave people attempt to do.  As I held Ross in a headlock and twisted his ear to keep him quiet during the gospel, she didn't even flinch.  Now that's what I call a trooper.

 

After countless minute to win it games, hide-and-seek in the hedge maze, playing Rapunzel at Clarks tower, running around the playground, a water balloon fight, a Bohemian lunch of pork roast and dumplings, a trip to Frostie's for ice cream as well as showing her our future homestead, our day was officially complete. 

 

Wherever we go and whatever we do, I pray that the fireworks in our lives will always be there guide our way.

 

I have no words.

 

Maisie can only smile so long before she instinctively breaks into song.  'Let It Go"

 

Additionally, Aunt Judy got to witness Mike eat 4 locust bugs.  Alive.  Apparently they taste like nuts.  We took his word for it.

 

 

I captured this bad boy just as he was coming out of his shell.  Timing is everything.

 

Officially Summer Break

Monday marked Ross' last day of 2nd grade.  Monday morning my boy walked into school as a 2nd grader and later walked out as a 3rd grader.   A 3rd grader who couldn't stop smiling now that we have the whole summer in front of us. 

 

Ross on his first day of 2nd Grade.

 

Ross on his last day of 2nd Grade.

 

 

When he came from school I surprised him with a little introduction to summer break...

Little did he know what was hiding inside. 

 

Game on.