Camp ZOOM

Casey was blessed to attend an amazing camp at Elmbrook church this week. Camp Zoom is offered for 5 weeks during the summer. Each week they study a different Bible charactor. This week's charactor was Jonah (one of Casey's favorites).

Monday-Friday from 9-noon Casey was able to participate in the following activites: stories, puppet plays, games, worship and centers that included drama, art, building, language and games. They had two water days, a hot dog day, and two bounce house days!

There were 100 kids in the camp and each was assigned to a color group. When you dropped off your child you got a wrist band that matched theirs. Casey had a wonderful teacher named Miss Lizzie. Every morning when I dropped him off he went right up to her to say good morning. He was so excited to be there.

This morning was parent day. We were invited at 11:30 to participate in worship and story time with the kids. Caleb enjoyed it and it was so fun to see what Casey had learned this week. I was very impressed.

I am so glad that he can be a part of this camp for the next 2 summers. The best $45 I ever spent!

Annual Change Pointe Camping Trip

Every year since 2004 our Sunday school class has been going on an annual camping trip. This year we returned to the campground where it all started...Governor Dodge. This was the "party site". Then there were four other sites that we set up our tents on.

It is so much fun to camp with all of our friends. The kids have a blast playing together and the adults have a lot of fun learning even more about each other through the campfire chats at night. Matt and I were bummed to have missed the campfire chats due to our headcolds.

The weather was pretty hot so we spent the day on Saturday at the beach. When I say day I mean 9am-3:30pm!

After rinsing off the lake water we headed to Stephan's Falls, one of my favorite sites at our beautiful WI parks. The boys enjoyed running around in the canyon and exploring the waterfall. Unfortunatly Caleb tripped and broke open his upper lip. Poor baby.

Sunday morning after packing up we decided to stop at this airplane that is right down from the park. You are able to do a self guided tour for free. Caleb didn't care for it, but Casey found it to be interesting.

Caleb slept the entire ride home....

Great Grandma Shirley

The past 6 days my grandma Shirley has been staying with us at our home. The boys love having visitors in the house (especially ones that give them chocolate)! Our favorite memories from the week include:

• Grandma's homemade dinner on Monday night
• Swimming in the pool together
• playing games
• and our favorite...going to the beach!

Happy Birthday Caleb!

I can't believe that my baby is two! Because he only weighs 25 pounds soaking wet and is such a cuddle bug, I feel like he is still my baby.For his birthday we celebrated with family and some of his favorite pals. He really seemed to enjoy the attention and didn't mind letting everyone help him open gifts. He is such a sweet boy, I hope he stays that way!

I thought it was great how Casey was so excited for Caleb's big day. When I went to get them out of their room that morning Casey helped me sing "Happy Birthday" to him. Then he couldn't wait to give Caleb the gift he had gotten him, a new train. When you ask Caleb what he got for his birthday he will say "cho cho".

Casey loved watching me put the finishing touches on the Mickey Mouse cake, and licking the frosting out of the bowl.

The party started out with some descent weather. The kids couldn't wait to get wet. Caleb couldn't take his eyes off of Riley long enough to smile for a picture.
We had to do some rearranging of things once the rain decided to join the party. The kids ate their dinner in the garage. It worked out well.


Pinata time!

"It's my party and I'll cry if I want to..."


Notice Caleb is in his "birthday suit" in all the pictures. He kept getting his outfits wet (pool, rain...) He sure looks cute!


Happy birthday big boy. Mommy, daddy and Casey love you very much!

Casey and Lilly sittin' in a tree.....

I truly think Casey has his first crush on a girl! Lilly and Casey spend a lot of time together because their mommy's are really good friends. Lately I have noticed Lilly whispering into his ear. When she hugs him he gets all gitty. To top it off, when I say "Casey likes Lilly" he says..."NO I DON'T!" That right there is a giveaway if you ask me.

Fourth of July festivities

Sunday we had some of my family over for a little July 4th celebration. It was such a nice day so we swam and played all afternoon. The kids love the new pool we just put up. It is 12 feet wide and about 2 1/2 feet deep...perfect for them.

Uncle Nick, Grandma Karen and Great Grandma Shirley hanging out by the pool

Riley enjoying the slide

Snack time!

"hey guys, watch what I can do!"

Princess Hailey floating around the pool

Hannah having a blast making waves

After everyone left we headed out to Brookfield to save our spot for the parade the next morning. We had never been to this parade but we reserved our spots where everyone else was...we figured they knew what they were doing!

We decided not to take the boys to the fireworks this year. But after we put them to bed, Matt and I went across the field and we could see the Waukesha fireworks pretty well.

On Monday morning we headed out to meet our friends the Weis and Krause families at the parade. Our plan was a success...we had great seats! We all agreed it was a great parade and it had awesome candy!

Gretchen could hardly wait for the parade to start!

Caleb loved the parade. "want mo cany"

Can you tell how Casey felt about it?

Friends for life!

Momma taught Caleb how to fill his bag! Smile and wave baby!
(notice Casey in the background)

Following the parade we enjoyed being entertained by some of the UW-Madison Marching band as they put on their famous "fifth quarter" show. It was so neat! Casey said he really enjoyed having a picnic and watching the band. I was surprised seeing as though his ears were covered for most of the parade!

After leaving we headed back to our house so the little ones could rest. Casey and Lilly had the pool to themselves and boy did they have a great time! We even talked the adults into taking a little dip!

After dinner we surprised Alyssa with a birthday cake that Gretchen had made for her. Happy birthday girl! You look great!


We then ended our celebration by heading to Mitchell Park in Brookfield for family fest. The kids enjoyed playing on the playground and watching the juggling show. Gretchen and Matt made their debut. Don't be surprised if you see them in a juggling show in Vegas in the future!



Happy Birthday America!