11 Kids + 1 Beach = Lots of Fun

We got an email Monday afternoon asking if we'd join some friends at Grayland Beach State Park on Tuesday. We never turn down an invite to the ocean if we can help it. After swim lessons, off we went.

I always find myself wanting to narrate each and every picture. I think this time I'll let the pictures do the talking. Like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words!

I just had to throw in the following picture of this cute family getting their picture taken.
There were so many darling children that I just couldn't decide which pictures to use. Isn't little Anna a dolly? It was our first time to meet her and we're so glad we did!
And this little guy - his mom and dad are gonna have to watch the girls someday.
And this cutie.

The Coast Guard doing their job.


Jessica was the best s'mores maker! She had her own mini assembly line going.






Nothing like dirty faces to show how much the children were enjoying the food (and sand).
The beach is the never-ending dirt pile that boys (and girls) just love!
Ei texting her cousin Lila in AZ. Just rubbing it all in...

Nice to see so many AZ faces, too.



The kids seem enthralled with Caden's seaweed tales.

Rheanna was the last one out of the water. It's amazing how they love it even when they're shivering and turning blue! I think she would've stayed longer if she could have.

Testament to the fun we had - tired, dirty, but content people talking about going back again - soon.

Thanks Jessica and Eileen for thinking to ask us if we'd join you! We had so much fun.

Farmers Market

A week ago today, we made our way to the Farmers Market. We love getting fresh fruits, veggies, homemade garlic sauces and salsas there! So yummy. We decided to take some sausage and cheese to the waterfront nearby for lunch and enjoy the sunny day.

a curious seagull

a view of the Capitol through the sailboats a heart sugar cookie must be eaten with your pinkie up (if you're a girl)
playing on the rocks
If you're wondering why Jordan's missing from these pics, he was with his grandparents for the week.

Impromptu Summer Picnic

The kids came home from swimming and decided to have an impromptu picnic in the yard using Brooklyn's new picnic set she bought. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and bread never tasted so good!

Fabulous Fourth

We decided to host a potluck this year with family and friends on the Fourth of July. There were 58 people that showed up this year (including the five of us)! We had a blast (literally) doing it and would like to possibly start an annual tradition. Wouldn't that be fun? Special thanks to everyone who came and made it happen!!! We couldn't have done it without you!

The invite said to come for Flags, Food & Fun and we believe that's exactly what it was!! We provided the burgers and hot dogs and everyone else pitched in with side dishes and desserts. As usual, there was plenty and then some!

You can see the hubby manning the BBQ. The ladies in their patriotic colors and my father-in-law with his fun parade hat!
As you can see, we had people of all ages.
A sitting area.
A flag centerpiece.
Everyone enjoying each others company and dishing up the yummy food.


Jordan looking forward to devouring his burger.

Now why did we get lots of pics of the dessert table? Hmmm...
Isn't it all so pretty, though?

And I was so busy that I didn't even taste more than one or two things.

That's why we have to do it again next year!

Isn't the hanging basket pretty?
Keith picked out our flowers this year and I'm so glad we went with the
red, white, and blue theme.
Hi Joyce!!!
A grandma and her sweet granddaughter. Love their patriotic outfits!

Braxton doing what boys do best!
Isn't he a cutie? That's his sweet sis above.
Wish I'd gotten a picture of them together in their cute outfits!

Darling Sara! Isn't she photogenic? Her husband is a professional photographer.

Isn't he lucky to have such a beautiful practice subject?

The die-hard Rook players...
Hi again, Joyce!!
Some of the ladies playing dominos.
One of many volleyball games they played.

Some of the children - a mini cheer team.

A horseshoe game in progress...
Our wild daisy bouquets in canning jars.

Keith and the kids got up early to go pick these by the side of the road.

More of the domino game.

See our garden? You can see the horseshoe pits in the background, too.

Derek - nephew of the photographer. Doesn't he have gorgeous eyes?

Everyone pretty much left around 4:30 or so to go do what they wanted for fireworks.

We decided to do our own show for the first time. It's been one of the only times that Jordan has actually been with us on the 4th and not in AZ where having your own fireworks is illegal. We had fun watching him enjoy himself.

The kids lighting sparklers.

We also took the opportunity to enjoy our neighbor's fireworks.

The kid's easel came in really handy when we tried thinking of something that would be highly visible on the side of the road to show newcomers where we live! We tied some patriotic balloons to it and were able to write on both sides of the easel so traffic from either side could read it. Kids toys ARE useful for something!!
Our lovely flowers.


We hope your 4th was fabulous!