Cousins

Loving on Livi and Laina at their dance competition.

Shelley

KampOut!

Annie and Austin had the AWESOME opportunity to attend KampOut at our church! KampOut is a new day kamp adventure offered by Kanakuk, and it was the perfect kamp for them to go to this summer. They absolutely loved it. Annie proclaimed it the best thing of her entire summer! They had wonderful, caring counselors, they zip lined, rock climbed, did extreme water sliding, played games, and learned about Jesus love for them! Annie had expressed interest in accepting Christ before this week, but during this week she solidly decided to ask Jesus into her heart. Her counselor Annie (yes, how cool is that?!) was so sweet and precious and instrumental in truly helping Annie understand what being a Christian means. What a wonderful kamp experience this was!

First day!

Annie with her Tent!

Austin with his Tent!

Annie won the "Friendship Award"!

Austin won the "FUAGNEM" award! (Fired Up And Going Nuts Every Minute) Shocking, I know. :)

Annie singing onstage.

Annie receiving the Bumblebee award, given for overcoming a challenge!

Annie with Annie! LOVED her!

Shelley

We have great friends.

We had a great day on the lake with The Miller's!


Shelley

Hands on Clay!

This year both girls participated in the Hands on Clay class through the Branson Arts Council. They loved creating their masterpieces!

We heart the Olympics!

It's opening ceremonies tonight for the Summer Olympics! Ellie and I were so excited we had to make some commemorative cookies to celebrate!


Fun and Yum!

Shelley

Again.

Another year, another ear operation. Sigh. He sure is cute though. :)


Shelley

The STL.

It's that time of year, time for mommy to throw her brain out the window and plan a vacation!

I mean really. With some of our fabulous vacations of the past, I really must be crazy to keep planning these things. Last year's trip to KC was definitely a tough one. Ellie was falling apart the majority of the time. However, after a year of therapies and a lot of help, she is doing a lot better. So I was cautiously optimistic going into this trip to St. Louis. And you know what?

It was ok!

Not perfect, but not horrible. Not easy, but not nearly as hard. I'll take it.

There were lots of fun times, new adventures and great experiences...

On our way! 

American Girl and The Cheesecake Factory!

The hotel pool!

 The Arch! We were there on J's birthday!

The Magic House!

 Riverboat Cruise! Also on daddy's birthday!

The view Austin loved waking up to every morning. 

Purina Farms!

The St. Louis Zoo!

Matt and Gina, J and all the kids! So fun to have them join us at the Zoo!

The Last Night.

Now that I look back at the pictures, I'm ready to go again! :)

Shelley

Too precious.

G-ma with Jake and Tripp!


Shelley

Little Mama

A quick visit at The Landing with Lauren and Will and da babies.  Annie was in heaven. :)

Independence Day!

A day on the lake with some great friends! I can't imagine a better way to spend the 4th of July!