Father's Day

We celebrated Father's Day by having Brett's family come and join us at our house for some outdoor, backyard games along with some good old food from the BBQ.  It was nice to have the whole family gather at our house and be able to share a beautiful weather day together.  We also celebrated James' birthday, since it coincides with Father's Day and this family gathering.

The boys made a banner for the entry way into the house.

The dads with their kids and grandkids, waiting to devour the pineapple cake and brownie cake.

The kids come fill their plates up with yummy food.

Garrett and Haley challenge each other in ping pong.

Bryce becomes part of the ladder ball target...you get more points if you land one on his arms.

James and Brett battle with sith lightening and the lightsaber grilling tool.

Grammy shows Garrett that she's got game too.

Haley and Rachel battle Bryce and Griffin in corn hole toss.

Sharing a moment in the kitchen over some appetizer refreshments.

Garrett made some fresh lemonade for the special day.

Dad's presents were wrapped in a specially designed Millenium Falcon box.

Some new Star Wars toys to enhance his play with his boys.

Great Grandma's 90th

Great Grandma Sundsmo turned 90 this year!  We celebrated with her from afar and worked on a project together with Joy's siblings and nephews.

Summer Fun with Friends

Joy and the boys are finding fun things to do with the days that aren't as packed with other things.  What is more perfect than water fun in the summer time, whether it is at other people's houses or at lakes out in nature?  Joy even had an informal residency reunion this summer which was well attended--thanks to Rick and Lynn for hosting.

Reunion Crew:  Danielle, Kris, James, Lory, Lynn, Lisa, Joy, Ed, Matt

Water balloon wars with Noah, Brianna, and Lydia.

Some people have bigger water balloons than others!

Costco box turned into a game table, and behind them an aircraft carrier for landing remote control helicopters--leave it to our creative child:  Bryce.

Warm up in the sun with a brother.

Nature hike adventure...some nice shade was found.

Hanging out with Lucy and Leo.

After the Pinecrest hike, we got ice cream.

Who can stay on the rolling log the longest?

Sometimes you just enjoy floating in the boat...and sometimes you pull out the oars and use them to get somewhere quickly.

Relaxing and eating in the shade.

Army fort by the beach, Bryce and Chad.

Garrett and Jack landed on a rock, what?

Ben and Griffin cruising the lake.

Family backyard dinner and movie--Miracle.

Family Bike Rides

Bryce 8y 11mo

Bryce has taken advantage of his extra time this summer to organize anything that needs his assistance.  When he is not loving on our cats, he has been putting things in order and helping Mom with the trash and getting school stuff in accessible locations for the start of school.

Leia was joined by Bryce on top of the car...she looks thrilled?

Leia going for a ride on the low rider trike.

Amazon box turned Millenium Falcon.

Getting my early morning cat cuddle fix.

Ready for a big figure battle--my defensive perimeter has been established.

Griffin 7y 2mo

Griffin has enjoyed the extra free time this summer and has enjoyed playing whatever games he can get someone to play with him.  He continues to be our game guy.  His chosen task to learn was laundry for the summer--he has helped transfer the laundry from washer to dryer and put it in a basket for the folding process.

One day, I just happened to make my bed and it looked really nice.  I'll consider doing it again some time.

I am big enough to try out one of the bigger bikes now...

I lost one of my teeth at SaveMart and it is safely in the cup in my hand.

Big figure battle on the couch--I've got my base established.

Working on what my future beard might look like.

Garrett 11y 1mo

June for Garrett meant a break from the usual routine of school and the opportunity to read more books.  He has been plowing through Hardy Boy books and a few "assigned reading" books from Mom.  Wherever we would go, you could be sure Garrett would have a book with him.

His chosen task to learn for the summer was cooking.  He has been assisting Mom with dinners as well as cookies, banana bread, and an occasional breakfast.

Hard to top:  reading while folding laundry.

Reading while waiting at the dentist.

Making fresh squeezed lemonade for the family.

Better hose me off before I jump back in the pool.