Bracket Buddies

Sommer got braces today! She was lucky enough to have one of her best friends with her to lend moral support during the placement of the braces. Felicia is just about ready to get hers off next month as Sommer just begins the 18 month process. Sommer was thrilled to pick out her first band colors, green, blue and white. I have already warned her against ever going with the halloween theme colors of black and orange. I obviously tried that combo before and regretted it after one day of black looking teeth...

Everyone needs a friend who understands...

A special thank you to Aunt Lisa who is providing this wonderful act of love for Sommer! She will be ever grateful (parents are too).

Happy Fourth of July...Lake Anna Style

We had a super Fourth of July at the lake. Some of our friends came down for a day of fun. Even Lisa was able to join us and drove late into the night from New York to be there. Thank you Bruce and Donna for opening up your home & garage full of toys! We created some wonderful memories:

The kids and I headed to Lake Anna on Thursday to spend the day with Grandma. Grandpa had to be in Haymarket to teach banjo lessons. I figured since Garth would be out of town until late Thursday night, we should go ahead and start having fun a bit early. Grandma and I managed beautifully with all of the kids and had a very fun day.

On Friday, the day started bright and early and we were on the beach by 9. The lake was smooth, the water clear and the skies sunny. By noon, boaters were zipping along, kids were frolicking in the water and skin was beginning to sizzle. With waves choppy, we took our first riders out on the three man tube. I was the spotter and in perfect position to see the ladies being tossed wildly on the water. I was laughing so hard my cheeks hurt. The kids were next and loved it despite the wild water.

We all had a relaxing time chatting under the tents, enjoyed the crazy diving session and loved watching the kids play for hours (without fighting) in the sand.

Later that afternoon, we headed back to the house for a BBQ were we feasted on burgers, salads and huge cupcakes. Our dinner was cut short when omnious clouds began to form and thunder was heard in the distance. One large group, headed for the beach to gather tents, chairs, wave riders, etc and a few of us stayed at the house to get all of the remaining food inside. I was amoung the lucky ones who remained at the house. We were able to get everything inside before the storm came. Those that were at the water ended up getting soaked, strained and stressed trying to man handle all of the water toys in high winds with sand whipping at their faces.

Eventually everyone made it back safely to the house, albeit wet. We all stood in the garage watching fierce lightning crash above our heads.

We then put a movie on for the little munchkins. Grandpa began to put together a large airplane. Some of us sat and chatted. We then for some reason unknown, began to talk yoga which then led us on the floor strutting our yoga stuff...down dogs, warrior pose and sun salutations...

The night ended with the secret underground fireworks society putting on a fabulous show right outside the house.

Happy Fourth of July!

Splish Splash!

We had a splishing and splashing session at one point. Here are some of my favorite shots:


Garth going for the biggest splash...
He claims the head placement is an important factor...
Here is our friend Chris Wall in perfect cannonball form...
Aunt Lisa putting everyone to shame with her fabulous arched dive...
Seconds before Tate hits the water...

Fishing at the Lake

Calvin loves fishing. He spent most of his time at the lake catching fish. The only problem was his dislike for removing the hooks from the fish's mouth. The rule was, you catch it, you remove the hook...
Grandma didn't catch this fish...but she was kind enough to wrestle the catfish to remove the hook. No one else would do it.
We didn't have worms...but rolled up cheese and hotdogs were a hit.
He is going to be in for a big treat when he fishes in Alaska next month with Fisherman Extrodinaire...Grandma Novakovich! I think he will be a bit surprised when he realizes he can't just reel the fish in...he has to fight it in! YES! You read correctly, we are going to Alaska! I am taking Ethan and Calvin with me for a super summer visit to Alaska. We can't wait.

The Waterfall

After a cool dip in the lake, Tate and Ashton needed a little warming up. They loved sitting under the outdoor shower's waterfall.

An Old Married Couple

Ashton is very picky. He doesn't like everyone (I am sure he loves everyone, the liking part he finds a bit tough) but here is the special someone he really likes...Morgan. She is a bit older than he is by 3 years...

Here they are at the lake sipping juice boxes under the tent.

It's Like Swimming in Figi Water

So I decided I would start doing laps at the pool during the kid's 15 minute required hourly break. I hope to get in 2 or 3 of these in per pool day. It worked like a charm today. I didn't hear any screams, fighting or craziness from the kids...but that could have been due to my head being under the water! I loved it so much! The sun on my back, the slow and steady stroke in the cool water...it actually reminded me of Figi Brand bottled water. Have you had it? I had my first experience with it with Michelle last year in Arizona at the marathon. While at a gas station, Michelle purchased us each a bottle of it. Try it sometime...it is hard to explain but it is soft. The water felt like it today. Click here to get the feeling or go swimming. Am I making any sense?