The Other Happiest Place on Earth

 Sometimes those last minute plans lead to the best days and this was one of them.

 An early picnic lunch... 

 Then time for some ice cold slides.

 Fishing.

 Luke was glued to Britt's side. Man do I owe you Brittany!

 Bree was trying to get her nerve up to brave the cold water all day.

Jake may have given her a little gentle nudge to help her.
Pretty sure that did not go over too well!

So, the moms decided it was our turn to show the kids how it was done.
  We went down in a 4-car train, but we had some spacing issues...

  There we all are! It was SO cold. I was nice enough to try and warm everyone up. 

I have no idea what everyone's laughing at.

 Jace you are the bravest kid I know!

 And here are a few of the bravest moms...

 And some very brave spectators.

 Jake and Britt made a deal to jump in at the same time.  Only Jake didn't.  Sooo...

 Oh yes, he went in:)
(and I'm pretty sure Breanna is thanking you right now, Britt)

  He got the shock of his life when he hit the icy water. 

His arms locked right around Brittany's neck and he just kept saying "It's Cold It's Cold!". 

Thanks, Britt for getting him safely to the shore. 

 And the icing on the cake to this fabulous day?  I think it was Carter who found this frog and shared it with everyone.  Even Nikki. She especially liked it's surprise attack right close to her heart.

This was a trip that might just have to become an annual event....especially if we can get the hubbies to come next time!  Loved it all except for maybe the subject matter that was discussed on the drive up.  But the boys belting out Shakira in Spanish nearly made up for it.  As did the screaming match in the parking lot of two ladies who I then impersonated not knowing that one was right behind me watching my every move. Then there were the boys who helped with our coolers and waited for their tip, lunch upon sit down, rules about peeing in rivers, fearless kids, Brittany being an absolute angel with her shadow named Luke, my edginess over boys near edges, icy cold slide rides, rules that are made to be broken, frogs that have a thing for Nikki, and a day with some of the best friends and kids ever!

Evening Bliss...

 Guesstures on the patio...

 Nailing those overhand serves...

 Luke getting in the game...

 with his muscles...

 Jake's dynamite...

 and his favorite game 500...

 love how the expressions on Luke and Jake's faces are exactly the same.

Wish every night could be just like this.

Soccer Finale

 Team OLYMPIANS. It seems like the Olympians like to keep things fresh because they had new recruits  every week it seemed. But Jake rolled with it and loved playing defense!

 They got backpacks and water bottles this season instead of Trophies.  I liked it.

 Jake had an outstanding season.  He showed us some serious speed, and was more agressive than ever.  He personally stopped MANY balls from going in the goal. Jake you're awesome!

 Bree's team, the PUMAS . 

James did a great job coaching and Jer was glad he could help out too.  Breanna had a great season and got to play pretty much every position, but loved forward most of all.  She scored a bunch of goals which was fun to watch (if only I hadn't been talking to someone each and every time!)

Great Season!!!

Swim Refresher

 ....with Ms. Karen and yes he loved every second!

 Even though he's been swimming like a fish these past few months, he somehow lost his backfloat over the winter. Not to worry, we found it in Ms. Karen's backyard.

 CJ came too and he made AMAZING progress!

Swim team, look out!

Summer Reading Kick-Off

 ...at the Library.  It was complete with wheel spinning,

 hot air balloon making,

 and face painting.

 Oh and the highlight for these girls....the live concert.  Songs like ABCs and If You're Happy and You Know It kept them glued to their seats....

Not Really.  I think they were actually planning their escape the second they walked in:)  But they were good sports and even threw down a few claps and stomps.  The guy doing the concert was actually really good...just more Luke's speed:). 

We have our books and reading charts in hand now, so let the summer reading begin!

(Bree's starting off with  Little Women.

She says she can't put it down. Love that girl and her taste in books!:)

Clifford Movie and Water Wars

 This kid was all excited about the Clifford Movie!

 Jake and Bree politely declined the invitation to attend, but then I sweet talked them into coming and they ended up thinking it wasn't half bad!  We even ran errands after and they were all so good.  Man I'm liking this summer thing.

 Then we met up with these guys for a little water fight.  Good thing those Heaps boys are tough cuz Jake was showing no mercy!

 Now how did she stay out of the battle?  Must be her cuteness!

 A little bug catching after the war ended.

Loved this bucket snatching, water drenching, cheek showing day!!!