Family Fun Summer

I have always been envious of those close knit extended families.  My sister and I grew up in Germany.  A world away from our cousins in Indiana and Ohio.  It became important to me to have my children live close enough to their cousins to have regular visits with their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of travel spend time with our family.  Here is a look at our adventures.

On our way to see the new baby in the family, we made a pit stop in Indiana at my sister house.  

When we finally got Kalamazoo, Michigan, Max couldn't wait to hold his new cousin.

Ella couldn't either.  Notice how she is hovering over Max in the previous picture.  

Little Madelynn (3 weeks old)

The next day we took a trip to South Haven, Michigan.  It was only the kids second time at a beach.  

My first trip to the beach since I was 21.  The kids got to go last year with their grandparents.  

Ella complained that she was cold....next time I'm putting her in swimming trunks and a surf shirt.  

"Look, Mom, it's a PIRATE ship!" exclamied Ella.  

"Take a picture of her feet!  They're so tiny"

Ella had to try on the football helmet.  GO LIONS! 

On the way back through Indiana, my mom hitched a ride over to our house.  Thanks for catching up on all that unfolded laundy, Mom!  The day before she left, we  took a trip to The Wilds a wildlife conservation center.  http://www.thewilds.org/

Here's the crazy zebra who prefers to hang out with the Oryx herd instead of her own.  

My children and I got a good giggle out of the signs posted around the carnivore areas.  

When I dropped my mom off back in Indiana, I picked up two extra kids!  Thank goodness I had their parents' permission.   We stopped for a visit with my Grandmother.  

The next day we went to the YMCA pool for some summer fun. 

 My nephew, Jacob (on the left), convinced Alex to take the deep end swim test.  They both passed!

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Eventually, everyone got bored and we went to the dollar theater to watch The Lorax.  Sorry, no pictures while we were there, but we did take some at the pet store.  Couldn't resist holding the lop bunnies.  

Lauren couldn't wait to hold one either.  Notice the orange arm band?  She took the deep end swim test too.  Girl POWER! 

We moved on to a group of very sleepy kittens.  It's still the same day.  I swear.  Max's hair got a trim on the walk between the movie theater and the pet store.  The poor kid breaks out in a sweat anytime the temp gets above 75.  Thought a close cut might help.  

Ella's kitten fell asleep on her shoulder.  

We ended the visit by playing with Leonidas, a husky puppy.  The kids begged me to bring him home, but at $1800....no, thank you.  

Lauren and Jacob will be here a few more days, along with the MOM-in-law.  Then we are off to Empire, Michigan to see the Sleeping Bear Dunes.  

I cannot wait.  I plan on spending two full days next to Lake Michigan laying on the soft sand.  Can you blame me?  After all that's what summer is for good times and family.  

Made another wreath this week.  This one was for my sister.  Her lovely new kitchen/dining room are just waiting to be decorated.  She loved the wreath I made for my new niece, Maddy, back in April.  I thought this might be a good gift for her birthday.  I used the Rose Wreath Template by the designers at ellinee.com.

http://www.ellinee.com/blog/freebie-friday-paper-rose-wreath-template/

They really are so simple to make.  I've made wreaths from silk flowers before, and I think these are by far more attractive and economical.  I wrapped the wreath form in a matching red grosgrain ribbon and created leaves from emerald green paper that has just a hint of shimmer.  I can't believe how surprised she was to get it.  Hee hee!  I figured she would see it coming.  I have a few more in the works at the moment.  I'll post pics of those when they are done.