OtterPops: Summer Kick Off

The beginning of June brought Jared's birthday and this old man turned 34!! He still wasn't feeling very well from his Ulcerative Colitis since the medication seemed to help it go from bad to worse. He still requested lemon cake and cheeseburgers and we had fun celebrating as a family. In anticipation of his birthday we went to see X Men: Days of Future Past on a double date with my parents and out to Mexican food.

~~Captain America~~ Jared at Winter Soldier

Happy 34th Cake

Birthday Dinner

And in June we were so excited to welcome this crazy couple to town. They moved here so Greg could take a job in the area. They live near the girl's school and we love having them close by. We've been able to recruit them to some of our summer fun. Since Maren barely started her job as a teacher's aid we especially appreciated having her come along on some of our summer day trips!

Beach Trip

Drive in Movie

Dollar Scoop Night

Swimming and BBQ at their new apartment complex

Berry Picking picnic

Berry Picking

Cait and kids berry picking

To begin the summer I actually drove the kids up to Dixon for an overnight trip, then left the older two girls to stay with my parents for the week while Jonas and Emma came home with me. They had a blast playing tennis, swimming at the Vieiras, going out to lunch and being overall spoiled by Grandpa and Grandma. It also gave Jared and I some much needed rest and a drama-free week. I was able to clean all the carpets and rugs and cars, spend time with the younger two and go grocery shopping to gear up for the summer with only 2 kids instead of 4. My parents were amazing to help them feel loved and taken care of and, after a break, I was ready to tackle the summer!

Lillian taking tennis lessons with Grandpa

Swimming at Vieiras

Out to lunch with Grandpa and Nana

The kids started swim lessons and camps the next week. Jocelyn requested to attend MAD camp (Music Art and Drama at the presbyterian church with our neighbors) and Lillian wanted to do Art Camp with her friend. They both seemed to have a great time. Here are some of the highlights from their camps/lessons.