As part of our family reunion this past weekend, my dad led a worship service in the park. Looking around during it, I praised God for placing me in the family that He did. . .one in which we worship Him! The kids were of course thrilled that they got to play, and then pull up a lawn chair, grab a cookie and drink, and sing along with grandpa playing the guitar.
And just because he's darling, here's soon to be 11 month old Trey. . .tasting cookie dough, pulling himself up on me (I love how when he sees me he smiles, reaches out his arms and kicks his legs and if I don't pick him up, he crawls to me and pulls himself up!), playing in the tubby, and sticking out his tongue (his big siblings have taught him many other new tricks too, like shaking his head no with a huge grin)
After going to the zoo this past week, I caught Ainsley teaching Porter all about the animals. Did I mention I got pooped on by a bird in the flamingo cage? Just my toes and flip flops :) 
And lastly, toeheaded brothers, after getting their haircuts outside. . .
Well, we survived our first camping trip as a family of five. As we were leaving the campsite I said, "I want to stay another day." GooF said, "I don't want to stay 15 more minutes." HA. We were tired. It's a lot of work as the parents, packing everything, etc, but a lot of fun too! We always wondered how old your kids had to be before they started saying, "Are we there yet?" Well, now we know. About a half hour into our drive Ainsley said, "Are we there yet?" It's begun!
Sunday afternoon when we arrived the first thing the kids wanted to do was go to the beach. . .
Gramma Becky and Grampa Seth came out for awhile, and roasted hot dogs/smores. Daddy told funny spooky stories around the campfire, and I tried to put an overtired Trey to sleep. The kids had fun playing flashlights in the tent and they slept in there all night! 
After the kids went to bed GooF and I did get a little time together sitting by the fire. Porter woke up with the sun Monday morning and Ainsley continued to sleep while they mowed around the tent :) Both kids were in their element and did not want to leave. I asked Ainsley her favorite part and teary eyed she said, "Everything except leaving." The beach was empty Monday morning and the kids LOVED finding seashells and building sand castles. 
As I looked out from our cabin to the lake it was so peaceful and I agreed with Ainsley. . .I was enjoying God's creation and didn't want to leave. Then I remembered my need for a shower :) 
I loved going on a bike ride with Porter, pushing Ainsley on the swings, sitting in the sand with Trey and introducing GooF to apple pies over the fire :) I guess you could say we were happy campers. . mostly.
GooF's highlight was getting not 1, but 2 FREE t-shirts! He loves free t-shirts. And, we even got to see Uncle Mark and Auntie Jackie who were in the parade!
I must admit I loved the big waterslides too, and we all enjoyed lounging.
One day spent taking care of our newest cousin, flippy the fish (aka "Goldie" at our house) 
Lookin good in a swimsuit and rollerskates :)
And enjoying ice cream cones with sprinkles!
One morning spent at zippity zoo day (the best part was riding the carousel on the horses they named Jockey and Cookie Dough) 
One set of wrestling bros 
One day spent taking care of "Cattie the Caterpillar." We took her to a place in town to try and figure out what type of caterpillar she was and what she needed to eat in order to make a cocoon, but we finally, sadly, let Cattie go and decided to catch her again when she's a butterfly.
One evening spent watching the Bachelorette, and when everything upstairs was a bit too quiet, we checked and found Porter (aka Ainsley's little SISTER), dressed like this. . .
Thanks to the grandpas too for being such wonderful dads, grandpas, and examples to us and our kids! We feel so blessed and we love you! 
