Park Point 5-mile

 Matt and Hannah ran a five-mile race this weekend.  Strong times posted by both of them!  

 Hannah had never run a full five miles before, but she was excited to try.  We thought she'd finish in around an hour, but she came sailing in at the 43 minute mark.  Yeah, Hannah!

Megan, Luke, Lars and Della earned their ribbons in the youth race.  Fun evening for the whole family.  

water skiing

 We moved a lot of sand and spent hours in and on the water.

 Hannah is starting to rip it up.

 Luke pops right out of the water this year.

 Megan got her one-ski deep water start.  Yeah!!

 Mom and dad can still ski, too.

Tired cousins.

Hannah's new do

 Hannah donated her locks again.  Love her new look!

BWCA

Survived again.  This time we battled the heat and mosquitoes like never before, but we still returned home with great memories and a crew eager to go back.  A few snapshots of our crazy adventure:

Flood waters

We are so thankful to live on the hill where the flood waters did not cause much damage in the past few days.  Here are some shots of the "tiny" streams in our yard.  Such a strange feeling to stand in the yard and hear the sound of rushing water all around.  Such beauty and power!

Artistic

 I actually have seven children creating great works of play-dough at the same time.  

This led the older kiddos to animated film production/claymation fun.  

 This week we had a great art teacher volunteer to come and inspire new masterpieces.  She let them use all sorts of wonderful supplies - new papers, chalk, charcoal, markers, pencils, paints...

Each child has their own little book to fill with drawings until she comes again.  

big fish

Luke caught this bass on a special date with dad and grandpa.  Who has the biggest smile?

Beach house

Our family is blessed to spend a few precious days each year with good friends from Michigan.  

This year we spent our time on the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan.  

Sunny days, colorful sunsets, good food and sweet friends.

tea party

The girls and I were invited to a real tea party in honor of a friend's birthday.  

Such a fun, formal affair!

 Yes, that's my Laura Ashley dress & hat, circa 1994.  I guess this is why I hung on to them!