Art Museum

I couldn't stand passing up the opportunity to do one more Glady's Gang (even if it meant having the big kids there with me).

I recruited a few friends and family members to join in the fun.  Some really got into the story time.

Each time they have a different focus and this month we got to see the latest traveling exhibit.

With huge blown up bubbles to walk in and through and strobe lights, my kids did not want to leave. 

Then it was off to create their own 3D art!

Such a fun activity that they all enjoyed! 

Then we checked out the new art play room that was now open...

They seriously could have stayed there all day I believe.  It was full of so many fantastic interactive activities. 

So thankful that my mom was along with us!

When there are drums along the sidewalk, drumming is a must!

Ezra has been talking up our trips to Jason's deli when we are downtown, so the girls were all about seeing what all the fuss was about!

Then we headed for Trader Joe's!

My big boy with his aviators, coffee, and shopping cart. Hey there, slow down Mr. Kindergartner. 

Such a fun little field trip for the day to the big world of downtown Columbia! 

4th of July

Dad offered to set up "Camp Poppy" (water inflatables) for the 4th of July this year, and the Hughes cousins were pumped about it!

7-year-old love...

While it was very overcast, the rain held out for awhile for some fun play. 

Beach took the canoe out into the pond and gave the littles some rides.

Crazy hair don't care.

Shiloh had created this piece (while I was still in bed that morning) to bring for the day (but it unfortunately got left behind at the house).  I still appreciate her creativeness with it, though. 

During the break midday (and escaping the bit of rain), I found that the kids set up "school" in the bathroom. Don't ask me why, but teacher Shiloh was on duty.

Cook out food was enjoyed by all, apparently so much that I didn't take any pictures.

But I do LOVE sparkler pictures...so there are plenty of those!

Some enjoyed them more than others!

Then it was time to shoot fireworks over the old pond. 

Some had more entertaining reactions than others.

I'm all about snagging in some snuggles when I can!

You can barely tell....but Shiloh fell asleep when daddy was holding her and comforting her from the loud noises.

A wonderful end to a great day.

Father's Day

I have some amazing father's in my life. 

I am so thankful for Beach who works hard to provide for us and is so sacrificial in so many ways! He is such a HUGE blessing in our lives! 

Beach loved the idea of washing the truck with the kids for Father's Day again.

Two of the kids were really into this idea!

Ezra's favorite part, though, was getting to ride with his dad in it.  These boys are both crazy about cars!

The kids are great about making thoughtful cards!

This time they even included some change in it as well ;-) 

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That night we celebrated with my own dad with all the family...who was very excited about his requested dessert (thanks Danielle).

I forgot to take a picture until after Beach had been enjoying a bit.

Dad reading his card from me...

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Keeping with the tradition, my sisters and I spend some time with Dad, just us, as a gifting of some needed quality time together.  This year Lauren hosted at he house on a day when we could all finally get together. It was complete with an amazing dinner and dessert.  

Dad loves board games so we spent quite some time enjoying diving into a couple together. 

An attempt at a selfie of us all...

but had to include one outtake, as the process itself was to funny. 

So thankful for this treasured time to just be together and it will be something to look forward to for years to come!