Indianapolis Children's Museum

It is not very often that I get to see my cousin Jen and her family, so when we found out that we were would be in neighboring states this summer, we set up a playdate at the Indianapolis Children's Museum. It was so good to see her and her family. (How did her kids grow so much? Mine have stayed exactly the same size...)

Until next time, Jen... Thanks again for meeting us! :)

Iowa Vacation

My immediate family met for a few days in Iowa to spend some time together. Caleb and Christina were able to come in from MN, and Rebecca and Adam left for KS immediately afterward, but we all had a great time together as a family.

The hotel had a nice patio area where we were able to grill out.

It also had a pool, so we spent loads of time there. Madeline found out the hard way that she still needs a floatie, but she bounced back quickly.

We saw a little of the city...

Took a riverboat ride...

Hiked in what we decided was one of our most favorite state parks ever.

Played with sparklers... (No pictures of Olivia because she got a pretty bad burn. She was a tough cookie, too.)

Then watched a fireworks display.

All in all, it was an awesome trip!

Pennsylvania Vacation

We met most of Will's immediate family at a cabin in northern Pennsylvania this year to spend a few days together.

The kids loved spending time with their cousins. This was the only time of the day when they were all quiet.

They also threw rocks in the pond full of salamanders. Only hit each other once or twice.

The owner of the cabin took us on a drive around the property, where we spotted a bear.

There were a few deer so tame that Gabriella fed them through the fence.

Kim & Chris organized a canoe trip, which turned into a canoe race between the kids.

This was the view from Will's canoe when he was actually sitting up, not lying down in the back.

We also went on a nice long hike together through the woods and to a lookout point. Gwen said she would skip this next time... but I think secretly she thought it was pretty awesome. And Kim proved that she could carry Chris--not that she had a choice right then.

The last night had an unfortunate ending, with Graham swallowing a fish bone (chew your food, child!) and us heading to a couple of ER's.

But we discovered some amazing moths when we came back.

Looking forward to doing this again with Ben & Tabatha sometime!

Graduation

Gabriella graduated from preschool in May. There was no disappointment for her. Preschool was not enough like real school--"too much free play"--so she was glad when kindergarten started. Just to remember the occasion, however, here are some pictures.