Outdoor pics

Up until this week, the weather has been nice. Warm enough for water activities, but cool enough to sit in the shade and not completely melt. So trips to Dogwood Park and bike rides on the driveway were still options.

This fake smile cracks me up.

 

 Petting a toad we found in our back yard.

When we were done we put him in the garden so the dogs wouldn't kill him.

 Dominic helping Caitlin pet him.

 For some reason Dominic is pretending to be a zombie and chasing his little friend. She ran from him squealing, but was obviously not truly afraid of zombies. =)

Where in the world did he learn about zombies?

 

 For some reason they were slinging their hair around.

 

 They dressed alike. Caitlin is wearing Dominic's clothes.

 Complete with bandanas from VBS.

Summer Days

Yesterday we headed to a lake instead of the river.

The kids were so cute. They were helping these ladies with their boat. I don't have a clue who they were, but they were gracious enough to let my kids think they were actually helping.

 

 We had about 10 boats out yesterday.

It was a nice group.

 We stopped for lunch at a little spot on the lake.

 It was incredibly muddy.

The mud was so thick, but the kids loved it.

 Caitlin left after a while and just watched.

While sucking her mud covered thumb. =)

 It was a beautiful day. Buying that kayak was one of the best purchases we've ever made.

Yelling in the rain!

It rained Saturday afternoon and the kids begged to go play in it.

 I have NO idea what all of the faces were about.

Maybe being chased?

 

 At first I thought the pictures were blurry and then I realized that it was the rain.

 

 

VBS is done!!!

Caitlin and Dominic loved VBS this year. 

Jon and I are thankful it only comes once a year. We are pooped!

But it's so sweet to hear them talk about the Bible stories and sing the songs.

 

I took some amazing pictures. But some of the ones I consider my best shots I'm unable to share. The participants don't want me to post them. So I'm grumbling about it, but abiding by their wishes. =)

Vacation Bible School

Jon and I have both been "working" VBS this year. Between the late nights and prep work we haven't had a whole lot of time. So this post is just to let you know we are still alive and enjoying VBS. 

I'm the photographer and have been getting some great shots of all the kids this week. 

Here are a few.

I took pictures of the kids acting out what they were learning each night and put it into a slide show that they could watch at the end of each evening. They are loving it. I'm getting stopped in the halls with little people begging to have their picture taken.

 Wild child!!!

 Caitlin and Jon were in the same tribe.

 Perhaps the chocolate "locust" might have contributed to the wild.

 playing a game

 

 showing me her money and treasures

 

We are really enjoying this year. Well, Jon might not be. =)

The theme is the 12 tribes of Israel and the story of Daniel. 

Each night they learn a bit more about Daniel.

They are given coins to spend at the market. At the market they can purchase food, crafts (that they make) and I think they use the coins to see the animals. We've had some type of live farm animal(s) each night. Dominic wasn't too fond of the pig. =)

We are not getting enough sleep, missing a few meals (due to wonky schedules) and are a bit crazy feeling. But the kids are loving it and that is what counts.

Birthday Photo Shoot

My brother's 30th birthday is tomorrow. So today we headed over to my parent's house to help him celebrate. My mom called me yesterday and told me that she wanted a picture of her grandchildren for her birthday (in July). So I brought my camera and tried to get four little kids to be still and smile. Not an easy job.

Your smiles are cute, but too cheesy.

 Why don't you think of something funny.

Like poop!

. . . After about 10 pictures of them dying laughing

Okay now be serious.

My mom is going to get a picture that showcases her grandchildren perfectly.

Adorable and goofy.

Okay! Perfect.

My brother setting up his target. He was shooting when we needed his spot for the pictures. So he's getting it set up to start again.

 Somebody loves her grandpa.

 We had a really great time.

Happy Birthday baby brother!

Water Babies

We've been having some warm (but not hot) weather and the kids have been begging to do water activities. So this week we went to Dogwood Park, had a water gun fight with friends in the back yard and swam at a friend's pool. Here are a couple of the pictures I took.

Dogwood Park

 

 At a friends house

 Getting ready for the dive

 splash!

They are getting quite the farmers tan and are probably pretty water logged.

It's starting out to be a great summer!