Mark's parents began a new annual tradition of renting a cabin at Seashore. We got to stay there last week. We are so thankful for "Nana" and "Papa". They are so generous to us and very fun for our kiddies. We love you both!

We had tons of adventures on the trails, at the beach, and pretty much stayed outside a lot. The kids got so worn out every day. We rode bikes everywhere we wanted to go. I was inspired to buy a beach cruiser because it was so fun riding to the beach or the grocery store. (Ill probably post my proud wheels soon)
Also, Marks brother came for a visit, the kids loved seeing him. Whenever he comes, I realize how much I miss him..he's very funny.


Since Beck and I didnt sleep at the cabin, we got lots of alone time in the mornings. It was SO GREAT to have a quiet house with just my baby. He turned seven weeks yesterday and is weighing in at over 13 pounds!! Here's a few shots of his adorable smile..



One morning he had a bath outside..it was too beautiful to stay in. Here are the kids helping.


Reid is really into bows and arrows now..here he is protecting Vara.

Vara singing

Most of you don't get to see my girl in motion. She's like THIS a lot.
Filmed on a hike at Seashore-July 22, 2008
(and sorry about the angle)

us Gals..

Vara and I are stuck in the middle of a bunch of boys..thankfully. So, I am very happy to have her and we're beginning to enjoy girly things together. I imagine our future and we are best friends. I hope she loves my company and wants to learn from me what it means to be a woman of God. (Yikes, I hope I can teach her!!)
The other day we, for the first time, painted our nails. I think I was as excited as she was. She sat VERY still and then helped me blow them dry. Here she is showing them off..



Now that Im drinking Decaf, I said "yes" to Vara's daily request for some coffee. I got out this cup Ive been saving for her. I filled it with milk and put a splash of coffee in..it was bairly brown at all but she loved it.

Our 4th

I wish I had a great Independence Day photo--but our day never really came to that. We were celebrating my 27th, too..but no birthday picture either. After being at my grandma's just a little while for a family party, Reid hurt his arm in the pool. We waited it out about an hour then decided to take him to the emergency room. The poor guy. Our trip there wasn't too long at all..a little over an hour total..and it was cool seeing Reid's bones and hanging out with him, talking about doctors and bones and stuff. He was SO brave and didnt cry when the doctors manipulated his arm, even though I could tell he wanted to. He seemed so grown up. He suffered just a strain on his wrist, nothing serious. This was our first emergency visit yet...not bad!
We did go back to grandmas for a late dinner, then off to Uncle Joe's to watch fireworks.
Here's Reid on our way home. (He ended up wearing the splint until sunday am..now he's back to normal--being crazy)

I did get a quick shot of Vara and Uncle Joe shucking the corn. This little girl LOVES the pool..she's very brave on the diving board, too. I have to keep a close eye on her!

-produce-

We love our fruits and veggies around here. Of course we simply eat them like most other people do, but we like to shake it up a bit.
We mash them, freeze them, and eat them on a stick...

Current treat is Cantaloupe Pear Pops.
This is a great way to recycle leftover smoothie, and any fruit that needs to be eaten soon.
Some other favorites:
Banana Carob Pops
Strawberry Lemonade Pops
Yogurt Fruit Pops
(and any other sweet thing to freeze)


...and we Juice them!
This morning's blend: cucumber, carrot, and apple.
Vara's job is to load the juicer while Reid uses his "STRONG muscles" to press it down.



Cheers!