Jungle Java

I was able to buy a Groupon or Living Social (I can't remember which) coupon for Jungle Java awhile back. I took the girls and Ethan...and my sister-in-law, Amy, and her daughter, Brenna to the Jungle Java in Canton. I had never been to one. It was so neat. The girls loved it :) It was a bit loud and obnoxious, but they had a great time!! Here are some pictures of our time there. Oh, the other boys stayed with Carson, Brenna's brother, at his house while we were gone. Then we went back to their house and swam before coming home. We had a nice afternoon!

Here's the groupSarahRachel (who informed me that she made several friends while there!!)

Sarah was a huge help with Haven :)

Haven loved the slides

Ethan being Ethan :)

The rock wall was a big hit!

Even Haven wanted to try itSarah, Rachel, BrennaSarah, Rachel, EthanEthan (He was scared at first. Then, after he got over that, he had a great time climbing everything!)
Rachel

They had a little kid section that Ethan and Haven really enjoyed.

So, here are some pictures that I took while driving home. I was extremely tired as well...my eyes kept closing. Not a good thing to do while driving. But, it was a quick trip and we, thankfully, made it home safely...in time to grab a quick nap and get to church for Thursday visitation/invite the kids to NBT. What's NBT, you ask?? Wait until a later post :)

Ethan asleep and Sarah off to the far left asleep. The awake boy is Peter. Andrew had fallen out of sight in one of the back benches. Yes, Ethan's carseat is actually tipping...he didn't seem to care--or notice!

Even the big kids were tired :)

Haven and Daniel, contortionist extraordinaire!!!

A few more July pictures to follow, then onto August as we approach the back-to-school month!

A Much Overdue Update

I know I should be updating this blog, but every time I sit down to do it, a million other things scream at me. Oh, maybe they aren't things...they could be kids. And I guess, there aren't a million of them, but sometimes it seems like it :) Anyway, I have a few minutes now that I should be working on painting, sewing, or Sunday School preparing, but I figured I'd do an update or two. So, here goes...

Ethan and Justice at the July 4th picnicEthan didn't want his picture taken :)Little stinker!The Freedom Wall at church for the 4th of JulyHaven and Bethany at the end of a long day :)Our new carpet!! We love it :)

Rachel rolled up in our new carpet!

Our yummy dinner one night in July--I love the fresh summer veggies!

Ethan and Haven asleep on the floor!

Ethan helping me sand the windowsill before I paint (that's what I'm supposed to be painting now!)

Haven absolutely loves Sarah. She always wants Sarah to hold her :)

Rachel enlisted Ethan to play dolls with her!!!

Peter, Andrew, Sarah, and Rachel went to VBS at Faithway and had a fantastic time. All 4 of them are in this picture...can you find them?!?

Sarah won the overall grand prize for the most verses said and the most total points!!!!! We are so proud of her. Peter was 2nd place and Andrew and Rachel did super wonderful jobs, too!!

Haven with a fever :(

More Sarah and Haven buddy time :)

These 2 like to fall asleep on the floor--must be the new carpet!

Next up: our trip to Jungle Java!

Swimming!!

On July 1, we went to the Woodbury's to go swimming...even Haven got in the water :) The first few pictures are of the Woodbury's area and of our drive home. It's amazing that there are nice pretty places here in Ann Arbor :)

No, I do not like pictures of myself, but I figured I should have a couple so the kids remember me when I'm dead and gone :)

Ethan :) He's doing so well in the pool.

Rachel--also doing well...a great improvement from last year :)

See...here I am!

Haven had such a rough time--it's hard to be carried around in a pool. She fell asleep while "swimming"!!Sarah--she loves to swim :)

Rachel

Up close and personal with...Andrew!

Peter

Andrew again :)

Can't get too much of Ethan!

So sweet!

I know you're probably wondering where the other 2 boys are...I'm wondering the same thing! OH, THAT'S RIGHT! They were at Camp Joy for the week. We went swimming without them and had a wonderful time (I hope that's not terrible to say!). The other obvious missing person is the picture-taker. He didn't want to be in any pictures. I'll have to catch him another time!