The Summer In Pictures

Since I've fallen behind once again in updating the blog I thought I'd post mostly pictures to tell you about our summer. Father's Day is where we're beginning.  Jack LOVES the buffet brunches that are offered on his special day.  The girls decided that would be a great way to start the day.  Both were impressed by the fancy table setting.

And the fact that they could order any tea they wanted AND it was served in it's only little tea pot -- Hailee had green tea and Gabi chose mint.

In addition they could eat all the bacon they wanted and have dessert too ... which, in Gabi's case was extra cream!

After brunch they decided to take Dad mini golfing.  It was a hot, hot, hot day but we had a lot of fun.

Even when we had to rescue the ball from the water ....

Gabi's birthday fell at the end of June.  She became a teenager!  Hailee was at Girl Scout camp for the week so it was just us and Gabi.  We planned a special surprise for her -- the day started with a birthday donut (notice the crazy hair, she slept in curlers the night before).

Her big surprise was going to see Legally Blonde musical at a dinner theater.  Gabi didn't have a clue what to expect .....

There were a few fun shops to explore before the show .... and then a delicious meal.

The show was amazing.  Gabi loved every second of it and when they were telling everyone about the upcoming shows she announced that she thinks Hailee needs to come next time to see Footloose.

To end the day we stopped for dinner and the waitress brought her a HUGE sundae when she heard it was her 13th birthday!

Hailee came home from camp the week after Gabi's birthday and reported that she wants to be a camp counselor next year.  She has taken 2 years of training (last year and this) -- if she does do this next year it would mean that she would be at camp Sunday through Friday for 9 weeks -- she would only be home on the weekends.  Not sure how I feel about that, we'd miss her A LOT but it would be a great opportunity.

We had graduation parties .....

And a visit from Lisa in July.  She was here for a week -- much too short of a time.  The girls decided to get all dressed up for a day together.  They did breakfast out and then Lisa spoiled them with some school clothes.

Our annual vacation up north was a great time.  Great weather and great company.  It was a much quieter vacation this year.  Our first without Hayden -- we wished they could have joined us.  Hoping that they can next year .....

A huge family of ducks came every night and the girls enjoyed feeding them.

Making bracelets was a favorite thing to do.

We came home on Saturday from up north and on Sunday we packed up Gabi for her week at Girl Scout camp.  She was a little nervous but also very excited.  She had a good week, met lots of new people and can't wait to go back again next year.  

There was a double family birthday party for the girls ....

Hailee's cake is only bigger because it's the ice cream one, a family favorite!!!!

I'm not sure if you'll remember Micha -- she lived with us for a few months before we traveled to Kazakhstan.  She comes for a visit every year and we love  seeing her.  She's growing into a beautiful young woman.

We traveled to Alpharetta to visit Jonathan, Amanda and the boys -- they have grown so much.  Hayden is a stitch.... and Jackson is just so sweet.

A visit to the Children's Museum in Atlanta ...  Jackson and Gabi plowing the fields.

Amanda gave Gabi a tap dancing lesson.  Hailee wanted nothing to do with that but she was willing to put the vest on and pose for a picture ....

The trains kept Hayden and Jonathan busy.

Can't tell you how much we miss them.  

Amanda --- the picture below is for you.  Jack found this for you .... can you guess why????

On August 11th we were blessed to be able to celebrate the 50th anniversary of two very special people in our lives.  Congratulations Bob & Gin!!!

Cousins .....

At the end of August we traveled to the Dells to do some camping along with a trip to Noah's Ark.  It was a little cool when we arrived at the campground but Hailee wanted to swim anyway.  Not Gabi, she just wanted to "watch"

It was the first camping trip for Gabi.  She wasn't sure she was going to like all "that outside stuff" but she was willing to give it a try.

After a day at Noah's Ark the girls couldn't wait to get the fire set up for later that night.

We will definitely be camping again ....

While walking to school Hailee discovered a vegetable stand that was selling zucchini.  We love zucchini bread so she bought 3 great big zucchini's.  We decided that rather then freezing them we would make the breads to be frozen.  After the first couple loaves the girls figured out a system and they finished the rest.

Very proud of the 10 loaves of bread they made (and they even cleaned up the kitchen!!!

Which brings us to the first day of school ..... Hailee in 10th & Gabi in 7th.  They are growing up much too quickly.