Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Grandpa Mark's Retirement Party

Matt's dad, otherwise known as grandpa Mark, has retired!  There is a tradition in the family that when someone retires we all get together, wear goofy shirts, eat a lot of food, and burn any work clothes that the retired person may have.  Wendy has the perfect yard for a party so we headed over there for some fun.


We brought the t-ball set with us

Wendy's neighbors have horses we were allowed to pet and feed carrots to.

Caleb made a new friend

Casey had this huge pool to himself  for a good portion of the day. 

Caleb joined him for a bit 

Trying out the flippers...


and some goggles.

Joshie wanted to swim with daddy too!  I think he thought his brothers looked a bit silly in their goggles.

The highlight of the day for Matt and I was playing  the   beanbag toss game with grandpa Mark and Buppa.  We must  have played at least 8-10 games.

I thought this round was pretty cool.  It's no fun when your points cancel one another out!

Caleb taking a joy ride on a pink bike

Mort took everyone for a ride in his cool golf cart after the shirt burning ceremony.


The kids went home really tired!


Happy retirement Grandpa Mark!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Change Pointe Family Camp 2012!

Our family loves to camp, and the Change Point group camping is one of our favorites each year.  We are surrounded by all of our favorite friends (both Matt and I and the kids), great food, and lots of fun!  This years group was 36 adults and 41 kids!

This year's trip was at Kohler Andre State Park right on Lake Michigan.  We opted to get our own site so we could bring the pop-up.  The draw backs to this were that we missed the late night adult conversation around the camp fire and the raccoons that joined them.  Otherwise, it sure was nice to stay dry and get a good night sleep!

When we got up there Friday night we set up and went straight to the group site to see our buds. The group sites were huge and very sandy.  The kids had plenty to keep them busy and dirty!
Do you see how dirty this sand is...almost black.

Lucy and Calvin

Ada, possibly a future daughter in-law? 

Relaxing

Casey and two of his best buds, Luke and Eli.
 They were trying to build a sand mountain that reached to heaven. 
 After hanging out for a bit we decided to take a walk across the sand dunes to check out the beach.  I'm not sure what we were thinking...the boys didn't have their swim suits on and we should have known they would want to go in.  So we let Casey and Caleb swim in their briefs and Joshie went in his birthday suit!
The boardwalk that leads to the beach from the group site.

We came across Paeton who had already gone for a dip.

Joshua climbed that hill like he owned it
You lookin' at me mom?

Oh boy, it is getting steep!

Hey dad, come and get me! 
There was no way I was going to carry Joshua up that steep hill and through the sand!

Caleb loved running down the hills, and riding up them on Matt's shoulders!

We made it!

In we go!

Love it!
Cute little buns!

Lilly buried herself in the sand.  What a goofball!

After all the fun and excitement the boys were tuckered out and ready for bed.  I think we had them in bed around 9-9:15 and Joshua kept us all up until 10:00.  I think he was too excited and couldn't settle down.  It's not every night he gets to sleep next to mommy!
The boys love having sleep overs in the camper.

You think I am going to lie down???

Saturday morning began around 7:15 in the Buntrock motel.  Not too bad.  we got or swim gear on and headed over to the group site for breakfast.  Breakfast burritos on the fire was on the menu...I didn't want to miss out on that! 

While Casey was balancing on a large log he managed to trip and get a small twig stuck through his foot!  So we left Joshua behind and headed for the Sheboygan ER to get it removed. 
 Caleb came with for moral support. 
Casey was so brave.  They had to numb his foot before removing the twig.  4 shots later he was ready for the doctor to yank that baby out.  He was so glad to get it out.  A prescription for antibiotics was given to us and we were told Casey can't swim for a week.   Really???

Here he is waiting for his foot to get numb.

Here it is folks...the largest splinter I have ever seen.
 I can't believe it went right through the webbing of his foot!

We took him for ice cream at McDonald's.  Of course he ate a 10 piece nugget and fries first. 
 We got back to find that our little Joshua had a great time without us at the beach.  We wrapped Casey's foot up with a bag and some duct tape to attempt to keep it clean.  He was a real trooper.  We knew how badly he wanted to go in the lake, but he played nicely in the sand. 
Watching the waves...probably imagining how fun it would be to jump in.

Caleb stayed in the sand for the most part.  He enjoys making sand castles with daddy.

Just chillin'

Our buddy Evan let us borrow his dinosaurs.  The boys loved them.
Minus our little accident, it really was a fun trip.  We love our friends and can't wait to go camping with them again next summer!  Maybe next time we'll stay on the group site with them.  We'll have to see;)

Thursday, July 12, 2012

MIDDLE MAN IS 4!

My sweet cuddle bug turned four yesterday.  We kicked off the celebration last Friday with a few friends.  Caleb choose airplanes as the theme for this birthday.  Since it was so hot out it became a water party as well!

Here's the big birthday boy!  I love that smile.

Our friends let us borrow their super fun slide for the party. 

He was having a good time!

Here's his bud Cal checking out his loot with him.

Everyone had to get in and check out the awesome gifts Caleb received.

Eli, Lilly and Casey...what will they be like at 16???
On Caleb's birthday both Matt and I went in his bedroom to wish him a happy birthday.  Matt surprised him by taking him out for breakfast before heading to work. 
Mickey pancake!
 After dropping Casey off at Camp Zoom we headed to the Wirth Aquatic Center for a play date.  The boys had a great time splashing around all morning. 

Strike a pose!

My shy guy.
Snow cones were the closest thing they had to a Popsicle...

Time to play in the shade on the playground.

One of my monkey boys!

Back to the pool to cool off before our picnic lunch.
We ended the day celebrating with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Chillin' with the ladies on the blanket

Hannah with grandma Sheryl and grandpa Lew

Joshua enjoying his cupcake

Caleb opens his gifts in such a serious manner. 
Casey jumps right in with excitement, enough for the two of them!


Caleb got some great gifts.  The stomp rocket was a real hit with everyone.

Even though Caleb is four he still seems to be my baby.  He is a sweet, cuddle bug.  Out of the 3 boys I know I can always count on him for hugs and sweet lovies. 

This past year we have seen a lot of growth in him.  He is soaking up everything like a sponge.  Casey loves to teach him all of the things he learns at school.  This summer we have learning time in the afternoon and Caleb never wants it to end.  This fall he will be starting preschool 3 mornings a week.  I am confident his love for learning will grow even more. 

Caleb still loves trains, planes and automobiles.  This summer he has developed a love for the water like his big brother.  He just finished swim lessons and I was amazed at how much confidence he gained over the past 6 weeks. 

We love this little boy so much, he is a true blessing.