Phone Photo Dump 25

 I love our "back-backyard"...it's a beast to mow (hills on both sides), but I do love the view when the flowers bloom.

 Strep throat has once again invaded our house.  3 confirmed cases in the past month (Norah girl a few weeks ago and Shane and myself this week)....on Monday, Shane and I pretty much confined ourselves to the couch and we all watched way too much TV. :(

 Last night we went to the local Chick-fil-a for dinner.  A guy in Kris' men's group was doing table side magic tricks and the kids were amazed.  I was too!  If you are local, and looking for a magician, he's your guy!  He was so great!

The kids loved the cow.  Shane asked us "is there a person in there?" :)  Shortly after we arrived and took this picture, he went into the back and wasn't seen again.   Norah spent the entire night asking "cow went?"  She was a little obsessed.

 You must try this next time you visit a Chick-fil-a.  I can't remember the name, but it's their lemonade mixed with vanilla shake.  Think Dreamsicle but lemon instead of orange.  Soooooooo yummy.

 

 The kiddos helping to make pancakes on Father's Day!

Reading cards from the kids.

 

 Most days I can hardly handle the cuteness from this one.

Keeping busy during the big kids' swim lessons...

 Muscles.

#1 Daddy!

Phone Photo Dump 24

 Taking a walk around the neighborhood....train-style.

I found this old window on a local resale site.  I love it! 

Pizza Party with M's soccer team! 

This little gal wants to play all the "Big Kid" games!  She does pretty well when we modify them a bit for her. ;)

 For a season, Meredith's game of choice was "the Matching game" (Memory).  But it's been a while since we played it, as her more recent faves have been UNO and Monopoly. 

 

As you can see, some things just don't change.  She can still beat me pretty badly. 

 Norah and her little friend P playing an intense game of Guess Who?!  Super cute.

Slip-n-Slide at a neighbor's!

 If anyone is looking for a gift to buy me...;)

 Meredith at her new friend's birthday party.  Sweet girls.

 The 4- and 2-year olds giving Monopoly, Jr. a try.  Shane tried his best to teach Norah, but it didn't last long!

Frog (Toad?)-Finders!

 

Norah and her new BFF. :)

The big kids have finally discovered the art of sleeping in.  Although this little girl though has not.  Either that, or she just makes sure to wake up early since Mommy and Daddy let her snuggle in their bed for a while.

Momma's old jersey!

 Caleb, Shane, and 2 friends....hitting some golf balls!

My baby girl...like Shane, she's pretty happy to snuggle any time.

Trying out a new-to-us restaurant - Frankys!

Sadly, over the weekend, Meredith's P.E. teacher was in a fatal car accident, leaving behind a wife and 2 small kids.  It's been a sad week for our community in that regards.  Last night, families at her school were invited to tie purple ribbons on posts and trees along Main St. that runs through downtown STC.  Kris worked late, but I took the kids.  It was a sad time yet a special way for Meredith to do something to remember him.  The kids know that every time they see a purple ribbon (they are everywhere downtown and in our neighborhood!), they should remember Mr. Sportsman and remember to pray for his family.

 Last night, Meredith had a dream that we were tying more ribbons, only this time, Mr. Sportsman was actually there with us.  So sweet.

 Coloring!

 Puddle Jumpers!

 She was supposed to be sleeping...

Watching Free Willy...they loved it!

Strawberry Picking

2 years ago, we went strawberry picking for the first time.  We didn't manage to go last summer but wanted to try it again this season and added to our Summer Bucket List.  We made the drive up to Stade's and everyone had a really fun afternoon.

 

A huge colander-full.  And this doesn't account for the 3.5 cups we used in the pie we made.  We happily shared with several neighbors!

This + some freshly whipped cream = tonight's dessert.  Yum!