Zoo

    We recently decided to renew our zoo membership.  It had expired a while back ago, and we had not gotten around to renewing it.  We decided that it was definitely time to get in some zoo time, so we bought a membership.  The weather was gorgeous on the day we went.  I swear every time we go to our zoo they have updated or added something new.  The new bird area is really neat.  Gracie loves birds and got such a kick out of being so close to them.  We only stayed for the morning, but that it the best part about a membership.  We can stay as long or as little as we want.  We finished our fun day with lunch on the patio at our favorite German restaurant.  It was a perfect summer day!

Checking out the views

Doing some flying

We were so close the lion.  It was pretty neat.  

Gracie decided she really likes meerkats

My attempt of getting a picture of all three

Joey and the back of me

Uh oh!!!

Ashlyn was the only one who was brave enough to pet a snake.

We always have to stop and see the hippos as they are Ashlyn's favorite

New Home

      Our new house is slowly coming along.  It is so exciting to get to see the progress and watch it get built from the ground up.  We try to drive by there as much as possible to see the progress.  I can't wait for the framing to begin and really get to see the house take shape.  I will continue to update house pictures on here, because it also is a good way for us to preserve the pictures since we make the blog into a book once a year.

The start of the foundation

More of hte foundation

What will be the basement 

Jolly working on starting the plumbing

Our future basement

In front of the house

On Friday, the realtor was coming by to bring the lockbox and put the for sale sign in the yard.  I was busy cleaning the house while Dawson was playing quietly in his room.  I went to go check on him, and to my horror, discovered this masterpiece he drew on the wall.  I immediately went and got Joey and we both got a big kick out of it.  Luckily, he used a washable Crayola marker that came right off or I would not have been able to find the humor in it.  He has sworn he will stick to paper in the future.  

June Cabin Pictures

  During the summer, we try to spend as much time as possible at the cabin.  It is just so beautiful and serene up there.  We always find so much to do.  It is one the best places in the world!  Unfortunately, I had to stay home a couple of weekends to get the house ready to go on the market.  Joey and the kids still went and had a great time.  Here are some pictures from our trips to the cabin in June.

All the snow is still not melted

Hungry little guy

What's left of the town of Hancock

Soaking up the mountain sun

Hammock time

Cuddling

Time for smores!

A little tired after a fun day.  

Taking a ride on the swing

This is the road leading down to the cabin.  It is so beautiful.  

Gracie really liked the chipmunks.  

Jameson's 4th Birthday

  Our sweet nephew Jameson, recently turned 4 years old.  In honor of his big day, he had a great birthday party.  Jameson loves water and loves to play in it.  Since he has a summer birthday, my sister decided to buy a waterslide for the kids to play on.  It was such a hit!!!  The kids played on that thing all day long.  We literally had to drag them off of it.  We even set it up the next day and they had just as much fun.  It was a great party full of lots of fun, water, and laughter.  Happy birthday Jameson we love you!

He had a Minion party

Ashlyn going down the slide

The birthday boy having a great time

Gracie jumped right in and went down the slide

Taking a break

All done swimming

Tee Ball

    This summer Dawson has started playing tee ball.  Joey and his brother were both very active in Little League when they were young.  Joey definitely wants to show Dawson all there is to know about baseball.  His particular league is for 5-6 year olds and his basically teaching the fundamentals of the sport.  Dawson attends practice once a week and he has games every Saturday.  So far, Dawson is still not sure what he thinks of tee ball.  He gets a little bored at times.  He is learning tons and every week seems to get stronger and better.  The games are so much fun to watch and we go as a family each week to cheer him on.

All ready for practice

Up to bat

Hit team

Batting during a game

What a cutie!!!