Fun at Grandma's & Grandpa's

Every summer we do a lot of the same things and a few new ones.  But regardless of what we do, it never gets old!  Each year is as much fun as the last, if not more so!

Just like last summer, Aiden and Bella were best friends.  They spent every day together and still missed each other when Bella went home at night.

 They had fun playing on the water slide...

 

 chalk painting the porch ...

and eating snow cones!

When they weren't hiking or fishing, the older boys had fun playing games and making crafts.

In the evenings, we all enjoyed sitting on the porch, visiting and relaxing.

 

  

Aleah loved being outside!  

The weather was nice and she had lots of room to play and explore. 

This trip really brought out her independence.  

She was determined to do whatever the big kids were doing.  

And she would regularly tell me (as she still does),

"I'm not a baby anymore!  I'm a big girl now!"

 

We discovered that Aiden has the same allergic reaction to bug bites that his dad & brother have.

This is his ankle after a little bug nibbled on it.

  

 Isaac, Parker & Ian had a wonderful time at the Cedar Mountain Science Camp!

They talked about it non-stop.  They got to go hiking and exploring, as well as participating in some really cool science experiments.  

Parker is already determined to attend again next year.

 No summer would be complete without a trip to the town pond for some tadpole hunting.

They found oodles of them!  Each boy brought back a bucket full.

They kept them and fed them for a few days before
 letting them go again.

Catching tadpoles is another one of those things
that never gets old.

 

As is riding the 4-wheeler!

 

 See this cute little gal!  

She belonged to the neighbors (along with her 10 brothers & sisters).  They were looking for a home for her and Zach volunteered.  Unfortunately he couldn't bring her home all the way back to Iowa.  But for two weeks, this dog was adored by him.  He would spend time with her every day; teaching her tricks and feeding her jerky he got at Grandma's store (along with other tasty treats).  He named her 'Oreo', and she loved playing with him as much as he loved her.

 

  Zach was super sad when we had to head home and Oreo had to stay there.

Fortunately for Orea, Aunt CC adopted her a week later.

Now she is one of the most spoiled puppies ever!

Her name is now 'Marley', and she gets to have playdates with Dixie's dogs, go to the barber for a shampoo and cute hairdo, and lounge in her cushy quarters at CC's house.  :)