Summer

Just some pics from a few of our summer excursions:)

Fairs and Festivals

What would a summer be without the state fair, county fair, Valley Fair, and the Ren festival:)

Here Comes Gabe

The first thing Gabe wanted to ride was this huge slide...a few times:)

Micheala's Favorite

Because of height restrictions, Michaela has a limited choice of rides. The carousel never disappoints her, though:)

Sharing A Ride

The state fair was a bit wet and gray, but that didn't stop the kids from enjoying themselves:)

Here We Go Again

The kids on the carousel at Valley Fair.

Going Roundy Round

Look-a ride they can both enjoy, and it's not a carousel!

Cool Face Painting

We went to the Renaissance Festival with the Whelans (aka the bestest neighbors in the world) again this year. Gabe and Torrie had their faces painted last year and wanted to have them painted again this year. Michaela decided she didn't want to be left out:)

Tiger Kitty Michaela

Close-up of Michaela's cool tiger face. Doesn't she look purrrrrrrrrr-fect?? I know, I know, bad bad pun Taffy!

Butterfly Gabe

Gabe wanted to have one that looked like Torrie's, so he got the boy version.

The Family That Rides Together...

Our family riding an elephant (weeeeee!). The kids also enjoyed having a ride on a llama. Maybe next year they can ride the camel, also:)

Spider-Gabe!

Do I have a crazy son or what?!?!

Look Ma, No Training Wheels!

Last fall, Gabe wanted us to remove his training wheels from his bike. He was going short distances and would purposely fall (he thought it was fun!). This summer he started where he left off, but is now riding great!

Wisconsin Dells Take 2

The bestest neighbors in the world (Eran, Cindy, Torrie, and Carson Whelan) invited us to join their family vacation to the Dells in July, so how could we say no:) We stayed at the Kalahari Resort which had everything-indoor and outdoor water parks, arcade, shopping, horse-drawn carriage rides, etc. It was a lot of fun!

Gabe and His Floaty Friend

Within minutes of getting to the hotel, we had our suits on and were heading to one of the many pools. As you can see, Gabe was having a blast:)

USS Michaela!

Finally, a boat that's just the right size for Michaela!

The Kids

Carson (a little shy), Torrie (always poses great for the camera), Michaela (she's like, "Can you see me?"), and Gabe (showing off his coloring).

Michaela and Elephant

There were a few guys running around in costumes, and Michaela had to hug each and every one of them (bless her little heart:).

Pretty Girls

Michaela and Torrie sitting on the gorilla.

Most of the Whelans

Cindy, Eran and Carson Whelan. Did you know, Cindy and I go out once or twice a month and sing karaoke?

Gabe's Turn

Gabe posing on the gorilla.

Little Buddies

Gabe and Torrie are pretty good buds. Cindy and I are hoping they get married so we can be in-laws:)

The Dads

Josh with Michaela and Eran with Carson. Aren't they great fathers:)