Random Pictures

Nothing special to report, just life going on in our home. The projects to the house continue so the camera hasn't been out much, but below are a few cute pictures of the girls.

][''

Mia dancing, one of her favorite past times these days.

The girls coloring together with Mia's "Tadoole" markers. They have a great time with these. They are quite messy, but wash off so easy. Mia attempts to eat them as the next photo shows.

Showering Jane With Love!

On Sunday August 1st, Patty and I threw a little shower for Elizabeth and baby Jane. Being the first girl and the 5th child, we figured Elizabeth could use some baby items, and who doesn't love buying things for a new baby. We kept it fairly small, but we had an excellent turn out of family and close friends.

Joan Elizabeth holding Jane Elizabeth

The house was filled with many young girls as well. They had a great time hanging out in the back porch and playing in the yard.

This photo is for Nana Sharon. She wanted a picture of "all" her girls together.

(From L to R: Amanda, with Mia and Olivia on lap, Elizabeth holding Jane, Tina with Emma and Kylee)

Grandpa and his granddaughter Jane that share the same birthday!

Thank you to everyone who helped make the shower so special for Elizabeth and Jane!

Our last trip up north

Towards the end of July we made a very quick trip up north. My cousin Brad's son Dylan, had graduated from HS and they were hosting a open house in his honor. We wanted to make it up for that, especially since it would bring together quite a few family members we don't get to see often enough.

Olivia and Hunter, My cousin Brett's son who will be 3 in November.

Mia and Andy hanging out together.

Hunter and Olivia saying their goodbyes. Those two really hit it off.

Mia sitting on the tractor with daddy for a picture. Mean old mommy wouldn't let her ride on it with daddy.

Silly Times

Sickness and home projects have taken us by storm lately. Each one of us caught a flu bug a couple weeks ago and now Mia has a severe ear infection and has been running high temperatures. Our house has been in disaray for weeks while we painted kitchen cabinets and put up a tile backsplash. The sickness and everyday life caused our projects to take longer than expected, but that is life. We still have to paint our dining room and the kitchen walls, but we'll eventually get to those. In the mean time the house is getting somewhat back to normalcy. Even throughout the chaos that has become our home we managed to squeeze in a little time to just be plain silly.

Olivia and Daddy looking their finest.

Walk like an Egyptian! The theme of VBS this year was Egypt. Very fun, although the first night is when poor Olivia's flu bug decided to kick in.

Olivia's cute little "sandals" they made at VBS.

Mia loves to show her "plumber's crack." If she can reach her diaper this is what she does ALL the time!

Tawas

We spent Monday, July 5th in Tawas visiting with my Aunt Judy and Uncle Jim, and my Uncle Mike and Aunt Ruth, or Sugar Momma as Olivia refers to her. It's such a beautiful setting at their cottages and a gorgeous view of the lake. Mike and Ruth had us over for ice cream with delicious fresh strawberries on top. When we finished we headed back to my Aunt Joan's cottage where we were staying to do some sparklers.

The girls with their sparklers

Olivia was a bit apprehensive about the sparklers this year, but enjoyed doing a few.

Mia was quite intrigued, but of course mommy wouldn't let her get her hands on any.

The next morning the girls enjoyed some time playing in the sand with Ruth and Judy before heading home. The Doyles all have such great hospitality!

Now we are in the midst of painting kitchen cabinets, then the walls, followed by the dining room. Therefore there will probably be few entries for the next week. I only managed to squeeze this one in since I am waiting for paint to dry. We will be sure to post a few pictures of the finished projects.

Gone Fishing

Andy has been telling Olivia he would take her fishing for some time now. She was so excited to go fishing while up north over the Independence Day holiday. We packed all the fishing gear, but with as busy as we were, we never managed to squeeze in any fishing time. Olivia was disappointed so we tried to please her by telling her she could go fishing on the Lake in Tawas. Andy and I both very aware that fishing of my aunt and uncle's docks on Lake Huron would yield no fish, but thought it was please her at least. The waters were fairly rough while we were there, but the girls and I still went in swimming for a bit. Needless to say it would have been ridiculous to attempt fishing. Andy made a deal with Olivia to drive to Oscoda to try out their miniature golf course in lieu of fishing, and promised he'd take her fishing when we got home. (They have already been fishing for those of you concerned; Olivia caught 7, Andy 3) Olivia happily accepted the offer.

Andy holding the girls in front of the all too blue looking waterfall

I scored 2 hole-in-ones back to back!

Olivia sinking her putt

Olivia was so proud of her high score! She got an 81 for the day!

Fireworks on the 4th

Here's the crew waiting for the fireworks to start on the 4th outside of John and Esther's motel. We waited for what seemed like an eternity for them to start. I think it was about 10:40 before they began, but they were thankfully worth the wait. I think everyone was impressed with the fireworks show.

Olivia posing for Aunt Jen

An overly tired Mia refusing to go to sleep, was off swinging with Nana. Thank goodness for Nana giving mommy a break.