camping

Casey got to hike and camp with the boys for high adventure this week, SO the girls camped in the basement.  Have to admit I slept great in my own bed and the girls were having a blast. It might just be the most high adventure I can handle!

goggles

 Hayli's friend has a pool.

 Hayli is lucky enough to get invited to play.

Apparently goggles are a necessity. 

finally

The 4th.

 The girls and I started at the balloons at the crack of dawn, then on to brunch at our house.

  The day was off to a perfect start.

Chillin' in the back yard,

After a little clean up and a nap we headed to the real pool at the Hoyt's,

 The girls (especially Hayli) were most excited about this...

 HEAVEN!

Definitely smiles all around, Casey was the trooper and took the "plunge"  MyKel likes to not be in the pool.

Genny stayed back at the kiddie pool with Bridger and Izzi, she never even knew the big kids left.

After the swim the real games began, the Hoyts version of minute to win it,

 some tasks needed a partner,

 Others forgot the time limit and even the rules and played with the empty cans.

 Then came the messy,

 but lets be honest the most laughing and most picture taking.  (way to be a fantastic sport Dave and Chad!)

 Mentos in Diet coke?? 

 Waste of a good coke if you ask me...

 Some even took concentration,

We laughed, relaxed and ate till there was nothing left, through the rain and wind we were not deterred. 

On to fireworks.

 Everyone contributed, to a great show, I think Casey and Chad's idea was light them fast and get it over with, there were so many burning at one time Gentry had to be held with her blanket over her eyes, "so bright!"  Fortunately, we had so many it still was a big show, Paige and Dave even sprung for aerial fireworks.  Exploding right over our heads!

and of course sparkler fun.

My favorite days are when I get to tuck in exhausted, totally partied out kids, and the 4th celebration did just that.
Happy Birthday America!

big chill

Free drinks on the 11th of every month?  Who knew.. Happy 11th.

steel days

We are lucky enough to get invited to Aunt Beverly's Steel days party every year.  This year we ate hamburgers huddled under the awning, and played croquet in the rain...

Told storys and laughed with family.  (That's right Gen just use your hands it is so much easier!)

Hayli got to chat with her closest cousin and hold her favorite baby girl at the same time.  We could hear the concert like they were playing just for us in the backyard!

Can't have a family BBQ without the boys finding something to compete about.

It turned out to be a great night, in the end the rain cleared and we saw a fantastic firework show.  They let them off on the lot next door, talk about right over your head. 

When the music and fireworks did stop and we started to gather our chairs and other treasures, Gentry kept jumping up and down yelling "So fun!  So fun!"

Thanks Aunt Beverly and Uncle Lloyd our summer would not be complete without your hospitality!
SO fun!

beach hair

 We haven't been to a beach since Gentry was a baby bump but I think her hair would do the best at beach hair. It seems to curl just right after a day of sprinklers and such.  Maybe I should take her to the beach just to check it out!

friendship bracelets

Summer must be in full swing...

 It's turned into craft corner over here,

jewelry made of thread anyone?