Coney Island

The girls experienced their first "thrill" rides at Coney Island, while we sat on the sidelines, thrilled that they weren't screaming to get off. Our little daredevils couldn't get enough. "Hi Mom and Dad!"

This was Lauren's favorite ride. It was a free-fall type that tickled her tummy. She got off and ran back in line for more.

"AHHHHH!"

Thumbs-up for Lauren's first roller coaster ride. The "after picture" would have shown me a little nauseous and Lauren rubbing her head saying, "That was a little bumpy."
Here we go!
Taking the controls on the rocket ship.
"Do'n okay little sis?"

Diamond Lake

We had a great weekend visit with Rick and Marijo on Diamond Lake in Michigan. One of the highlights was having lunch at Lunkers. I can only describe it as a cross between restaurant, aquarium, and sporting goods store. Not to mention a supplier of giant, plush animals...

The girls also had their first experiences on a slip 'n slide. I know, I know...life jackets for a slip 'n slide? In our defense, there was a lake at the bottom of this hill.

Look closely. There are three people here.

They made it!

Fun on the Farm

Our summer to-do list included a trip to the farm, and we couldn't have found a better one. Young's Dairy Farm had it all. Check out the great things we did.

The girls are all smiles and ready for a fun day! Lauren loved the goats..and they loved her.

"Here cows! Come cows!"

Sami didn't care for the goats, but cows were a different matter. I caught her giving this one a sMOOOOOch. Beep! Beep!

I love this sweet face. "Mom! Don't tell Dad that you let us ride in these barrels!"

Very happy to be getting ice cream.

Lauren was so excited that the farm had a miniature golf course. She even made a hole-in-one.

Sami helped me with my game. Posing with Nana after mini golf.

Soaking Up Summer

Recently, the girls got together with their cousins, Kaitlyn and Alyssa, to run through the sprinkler.

Sami was primarily interested in lapping up the water...... while Lauren and Kaitlyn concentrated their efforts on soaking the photographer.
After their time in the sprinkler, the girls headed for Nana and Papa's swing set.


I love summer!

Big Plans

Grandma and Pap are Married!

The whole family has been so excited by Ken and Debbie's decision to get married. They had a small, family wedding at Mill Creek Park, a place they've spent many hours walking and biking. Look closely behind them and you'll see a tree carved with their names. Lauren had the honor of holding the rings during the ceremony. She was so happy that her Grandma and Pap were tying the knot.

Biking takes skill, but it takes even more skill to ride one in heels! This was so cute and a perfect ending to the ceremony.

Samantha had a great time with the balloons.

Home Sweet Home

On May 29th, we officially sold our home of 8 years. We will always have fond memories of this place. Someday we'll think back to our younger days and remember the excitement of buying this first home, adopting our first pet, and bringing home our babies. While we look for our next home, we'll be making memories here. We've rented this condo which has some great perks including a lake, several ponds, walking trails, a swimming pool, and our favorite, lawn service!

This is the view from our front porch. It may be harder to leave than we expected.