Some new and interesting pics

Starting out with Jalyssa. I don't seem to have as many pictures of her as in the past because she's usually not around. She's busy with her friends or hiding in her room.

Brian got this RARE shot of her while she was watching TV. He loves to annoy people with the camera.

Then we go to a silly picture of Blake. Apparently while I was at the studio Jalyssa used my camera to take this picture. I'm pretty sure they are clean undies!

And lastly some pictures of an usual baby cucumber from our garden. It grew all twisted.

I thought it was a snake at first glance, but realized it was a cucumber.

It's cute so I had to share.

It's been awhile...

As any of my regular readers may have noticed I haven't updated in awhile.

This summer is flying right by and we've been super busy.

This week the kids are camping with grandma and grandpa. This is the first time ever they have gone without me.

This kids and I usually go for a week with my in-laws each summer.

But I need to be around for my studio sessions this year. I am grateful though, that my in-laws still took them. I'm sure they are having a great time and being spoiled with soda and sweets, stuff they don't usually get to have.

People keep asking how my photography business is going, I usually say "good," which is true. I'm not sure what else to say. We've been busy. Not much to talk about really other than it's going really well and I'm having fun. It's been interesting meeting all sorts of different kids and getting to know them in the 1 to 2 hours I'm with them.

School is only a few weeks away and I think Blake is the only one excited to go back.

I am not ready for them to go back and I know Jalyssa isn't excited about it either.  I'm definitely not looking forward to the shopping involved, I do not like to shop. It's just not in me to shop. Jalyssa is a shopping queen, I'm not sure where she gets that from.

Blake should start soccer practice soon. He's super excited about that. The kid loves to run, so he'll be good at it. I'll be sure to post pics of that.

I'm sure I have other new pics to post but it's late though. The only reason I'm not in bed is because I took aspirin this evening for a bad headache and the caffeine is keeping me up.

I'm tired but my brain won't slow down to sleep. Not good.

Hot, Humid...Beach Day!

Today the kids and I went to the beach by our house. It was a perfect day, the water was so nice.

Blake is completely tuckered out after practicing his swimming all afternoon in the lake.

Jalyssa floated around on a raft most of the time. Although she and Blake did gang up on me to splash a ton of water at me.

But never underestimate the mom! My splashes were bigger than both of theirs combined! HA-HA!

Even with my new busy schedule I'm still hoping to go several more times this summer.

I was never that fond of beaches, mostly the sand, but I have such a great time with the kids, it's worth it, sand and all!

Hope everyone is staying cool!

Happy 4th of July!!!

I can't sleep so I decided I'd update today's events.

We started our day going to the Parade in our town at 11 a.m.

Blake made a homemade flag earlier in the week and wanted to bring it to wave.

The parade lasted an hour and was great. Lots of new floats to see and Blake collected plenty of candy. Brian got a free tee shirt and I got a free flag and pole to mount to the house.

Afterwards we went to eat lunch at Wendy's, we do this every year. 

Then we went to the Middle School and checked out the games and activities. We've never gone to it before usually because we had to get home to go to another event or something.

Blake played on 3 different inflatables and even got up the courage to climb a rock wall.

He made it a little more than half way up. His hands hurt and he was shaking. But he did such a great job and loved it.

Then we came home and rested for the afternoon. Around 9:30 we headed to a friend of ours home and sat in their yard until dark. While waiting Blake and Brian played with some sparklers. There's some fun photos of that.

Then FINALLY (as Blake would say) the big fireworks began. 

I am posting a few that I took, for anyone who would like to see all of them, email me and I email the rest to you. 

Hope everyone had a great 4th. 

Hail....to July!

On Wednesday during a big storm along with many other neighboring cities, we had hail. It was from pea-sized to marble sized. 

It was Blake's first time seeing hail and he thought it was pretty cool. I think he was a bit confused as to why it was "snowing" in July.

Slippin' and a Slidin'

When it was hot and humid a couple weeks ago I took pics of Blake and my nephew Mason playing on Blake's new Slip N Slide.

Best Buds

Mason getting a mouthful of water.

Blake making a splash!

Super-Blake!!!

Mason helping the "crocodiles chomp Blake."

Blake helping the crocodiles chomp Mason.

Cedar Point

We went to Cedar Point on Wednesday. Despite two bouts of rain, we still had a good time. 

Brian and Jalyssa took to the skies with the big roller coasters, while Blake and I hung close to the ground.

I'm afraid of heights so that works out for me. Although they did force me onto the Giant Ferris Wheel and the Gondola. Yikes, too scary for me!

Here's some pics:

Jalyssa and Brian after going on the Gemini.

Blake and Brian and Charlie Brown.

Brian and I in the back seat of an antique car driven by Jalyssa.

All 3 after going on Thunder Canyon, the big storm started right after this picture, about 8pm, they were already wet. I got just as wet as they were walking through the downpour.

Blake taking driving a monster truck very seriously.

Brian and Jalyssa on the Giant Ferris Wheel.

Jalyssa driving Blake in the classic cars.

Brian, Blake and Jalyssa on the Woodstock Express. (Kiddie Roller Coaster)

Long Week

Just playing at the studio. Aren't they just precious? I'm VERY biased of course. But they ARE just so adorable!

It's been a long week! Friday came fast but the week was long.

Today seemed like Saturday for some reason.

It was the first full week since the kids have been out of school. Maybe that's why.

I've been at the studio a lot and it will only get busier. 

Adjusting to a "work" schedule is strange.

But things are going well. I'll be extremely busy with the senior season starting soon.

The kids are loving summer break. Playing in the Slip n Slide and little pool. Even with the hot humid days we've been having they are still on the go.

Looking forward to a cooler weekend in the 70's and sunny.

Maybe we'll get out the fire pit and have Smore's tomorrow night!

A Bat for Blake's birthday?

No really! A Bat decided to hang by our back door in the wee morning hours of Blake's birthday. This is the second time that we've seen a bat in this corner, the other time was on Halloween! Eerie! Isn't it cute! It's peeking at me with one eye open. My sister was freaking out because I was getting so close to get a picture.

She thought it was a giant bug at first. LOL!

Then in the evening we went to Chuck E Cheese's for Blake's 6th birthday.

He had a great time.

His feet barely touch the pedals, but he drove pretty well!

Dad's turn!

Time to go home. Everyone is happy!

My, My how time has flown

Lots to update, I'm way behind : )

Blake had a field trip at the end of May. We went to a Pony Farm in Holland.

Here he is feeding a goat. Surprisingly he didn't hesitate too much when going up to feed it. He even fed it a second time. Any one who knows Blake, knows he is a bit shy around animals, ALL animals big or little, caged or not, he typically fears them!

Petting a baby chick.

On a tractor hay ride with his buddy Bryant.

Riding a pony named Cinnamon.

Jalyssa also had an end of the year thing... a choir concert.

Here's is a quick snap shot of her before the performance.