End of July 2013

For our family, the end of July holds two special places in our hearts.  

We celebrated Lauren's 3rd family day on July 23rd.  Mike had to work so I took the kids to Como Zoo for the day.  We had a great time.  We topped off the night with cake...per Lauren's request.  Hard to believe its been 3 years already.

Then on July 28th, Mike and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary.  The day didn't quite go as planned as Lauren ended up with the flu.  I stayed home with her while Mike took the boys to a water park.  Oh well, a marriage isn't about one particular day.  We have a lifetime together and that is what matters. 

Canei 5K Run and Sand Family Party

A few days after our road trip to Oklahoma, we hit the road again for a trip up to mommy's hometown for the Canei 5K:  A Reason to Hope.  The Canei 5K was started several years ago to honor mommy's grandfather who passed away from Alzheimer's disease and to raise money to find a cure.  It was a cool beautiful day for a run.  There were so many family and friends in attendance for this great cause.  Cameron ran the entire 5K (a little over 3.1 miles) in 34 minutes.  Great job!!!  Mommy agreed to stick with Kyle for the race and let him set the pace.  We came in at 48 minutes.  Mike and Lauren enjoyed a leisurely stroll and were one of the last ones to cross the finish line. 

Kyle and Mommy 

Our Gang Post Race

 

Following the run, we all headed out to Great Uncle Jim and Great Aunt Jean's lake house.  We enjoyed a wonderful lunch, swimming, yard games, kids activities, conversation, live music, and a fish fry.  Thanks so much for your hospitality.  This was our 25th annual summer party with our wonderful family.

 

Yard Games with Daddy 

The boys with the Clowns 

Balloon Animals 

Snack Time 

Face Painting 

Kyle, the Tiger

 

 Cameron, the Leopard

Lauren, the Puppy

 

The kids had so much fun 

Lauren swimming with her cousin 

Water Fun 

A cool day but never too cold for the kids to swim

Reunion - Saying Goodbye

Our first visit with Lauren's foster sister and family went so well and so very fast.  It was hard to say goodbye.  But we know this was the first of many visits.  The relationship these two girls share is priceless and we will not let go of it but grow it.  Until we met again...

A little fun on the swings 

A sweet gift from Avah

T-shirts that read "I Love My Seoul Sister" 

HUGS 

Ah, sweet 

Two Beautiful Girls 

Family

Reunion - Day 3

Water was the theme of our final full day with our new extended family.  We began with a visit to an aquarium.  The kids had a blast watching, touching and learning about all sorts of aquatic creatures.  After lunch, we then hit the swimming pool to cool down and burn off some energy.

The big kids feeding the turtles 

Turtles love carrots 

A bit blurry but you can see the love shining through 

Checking out the Sting Rays 

Tea Party at the Pool 

Pool Time