Missing our Pool Days

Oh how I miss our daily trips to the pool. Just looking back at these pictures I can feel the afternoon heat of summer!
Actually, the day these pictures were taken it was freezing! Lovebird was protesting a tad about being put in for the mere photo op.
Then there is Curly Bear and B.W. who could really care less about the temperatures and will take any chance to be in the water.
Cuddlebug spent much of her summer sitting on these stairs. This was most definitely her favorite spot.
And why did Cuddlebug and Lovebird like going to the pool? Snack Time of course! We wouldn't be there for more than five minutes and Cuddlebug would be asking if it was almost time for the whistle to blow so she could have a snack. Our last trip Daddy let the kids pick out a treat from the vending machines. Lovebird didn't think it was fair she didn't get any Skittles so she just sat and begged. It worked. Thankfully we caught the fact that Cuddlebug had sneaked her one. We then had a nice conversation about choking hazards. We are already looking forward to next Spring when the pool opens back up.

Catch Up: {Summer Fun List: Cedar Point}

At the end of the summer we made a last minute trip to Cedar Point so we could mark that off of our Summer Fun List. Most kids were back in school so the park wasn't too crowded.
While Daddy took the older two on one of the big roller coasters I took the little ones to a show. Cuddlebug absolutely loved it and I'm pretty sure we could of just stayed here all day and she would have been totally content.
There were hardly any kids there so Cuddlebug got all the characters pretty much to herself for the "Dance Party". She thought this was just the best thing ever. She absolutely loves characters and when at Disney your time is always so limited with them.

We finally joined back up and it was time for the Jr. Gemini. Always the first Cedar Point coaster that each kid rides to break them in.
Curly Bear is in the very front while Cuddlebug and Daddy are a little farther back. Everyone loved it.
There are the older two. I feel like most of the pictures are of the little ones since I was with them with the camera most of the day while Daddy had the older ones on the bigger rides.
Here is B.W. walking back after riding the big swings. He probably didn't need to take his tennis shoes off......but you can never be too careful I suppose.
Lovebird finally gets to get in on the ride action. This is seriously one of the only rides she was allowed to ride. She loved it!
B.W. was a great big brother and rode with Cuddlebug so Daddy could take pictures.
And then Curly Bear took up the rear in the caboose. It was a fun and relaxing day. By the end the big kids had rode the Gemini, the Iron Dragon, the Coal Mine ride, and the Blue Streak. They also rode the Woodstock Express along with Mommy and Cuddlebug. By next summer I bet some even bigger coasters will be added to the list.

Catch Up: {More Summer Fun List}

We did make it through most of our Summer Fun list. It was a very busy summer but it was also a very fun summer!
We went to see Cars 2. This picture was taken out in the hall of the theatre. After Lovebird decided she wanted to give her critique of the film in the middle of it.
We went to the zoo with friends.
The Bigs.
The Littles. Plus Curly Bear in the background making sure no one fell off.
I let the kids wash the cars. They also washed each other.
If you tried to take the hose out of Cuddlebugs hands she would spray you. Her plan worked.
The kids had the best time and we got a job done.
We went to the World Pulse Festival. Well we actually were only there for 45 minutes and then right before the Newsboys were suppose to come on a bad storm blew in. The kids were incredibly disappointed but rumor is that the Newsboys will play next year so hopefully we will be in town.
You can see the dark skies in the background. This was the same day and almost the exact same time that the tragedy at the Indiana State fair grounds took place. So even though the kids were disappointed it was a great lesson in how blessed we were that everyone was safe and unharmed at the concert we were at.
To lessen the disappointment we went to the Chocolate Cafe. Cuddlebug enjoyed her chocolate covered pretzel.
The kids rode their bikes around the neighborhood while the littles and I walked and were pushed in the stroller.

We also made it to the root beer stand but didn't get a picture. There were a few things that didn't get done but there is always next summer!!!!

Catch Up: {More Beach Pictures}

Catch Up: {Ludington}

Nothing says summer like going to Ludington!

Going to the beach was of course on the daily "To Do" list.


Lovebird loves the sand. She also loves to try to eat the sand.
Grandpa chose to stay in the shade.
While Uncle B chose to take a nap in the sun. Can you guess who was hurting later that night?
All ready to go out on the boat.
Go cart races were fierce.
B.W. was so excited that he was tall enough to drive his own this year!
And as always we ate our weight in ice cream.

Catch Up: {Summer Fun List: Blueberry Picking}

Blueberry Picking is another summer favorite. It's so much easier than picking strawberries too!!!
B.W. likes doing things like this but he normally gets a little bored with it and ends up helping keep the little ones occupied.
Curly Bear on the other hand LOVES picking, and any sort of gardening for that matter, and could be out here for hours. She is the perfect mix between loving the city and loving the country.

Then there are the little ones who pick.....and then eat their harvest.....and then take a rest in the morning sun.

Catch Up: {Curly Bear Turns 7}

Curly Bear had a great birthday. There were a TON of activities planned. The festivities started the night before with cake and some gift opening.
I was convinced by my husband that because we were leaving for the cottage the next day that buying a cake would be easier and much more practical. He had seen this cake a few days earlier at the store and thought the birthday girl would love it so I ordered it just in time. She did love it!
Curly Bear got to open a few of her gifts.
She loved what her big brother picked out for her. Ahhh...they do love each other.
The next morning it was time for the big gift.

O.K., so it is a very little "big" gift but you can tell by the face that it was a huge surprise.

I think we now own almost one of everything from the Apple store. The iPod was put to use immediately on the drive up to the cottage.
We met Uncle B and Aunt K and immediately started the joint birthday festivities. The birthday buddies of course picked House of Flavors for lunch.

We then headed to AJ's for a game of laser tag.

And to end the day Curly Bear got to have a good laugh at the Dance Revolution rematch. I can't begin to describe how hilarious this was. I think 7 is going to be a great year for Ms. Curly Bear.