Welcome to another month of highlights!
We had a family reunion, I have a big family. This is my Dad’s side of the family, really maybe not quite half of them:). And, only my Dad & his sibs and their kids & grandkids — no great aunts & uncles and extended stuff, they are all direct descendants of my Grandpa (or married into). My Mom’s side of the family is even bigger;)
My lovely niece Ashley was there — and she sometimes reads my blog:)
My cousin Karen gave up her fight with cancer last spring (today is actually her birthday). We did a balloon launch as a remembrance for her.
The “after party” back at the family farm
We then had 6 days without kids! WHAT! Marian was at Camp and the boys were with my sister. Kelly still had to work, so I had some alone time. I spent some time with God and His amazingly beautiful creation.
Do you ever realize His love for us in the way He gave us such beauty!
I played a round of golf with Debbie:)
Kelly took a day off and we went kayaking and exploring
We happened upon a park with a butterfly garden and this is why I HATE not having my real camera with me, blurry, grainy pictures!
Then we headed towards the kids and did a little golfing on the way there
And . . . came back with 5 kids! Alyssa & Kashton got to hang out with us for the week. We had VBS, we had a Bible marketplace – it was so much fun!
We went to our favorite village, and because I thought 5 wasn’t enough, we invited Emma & JC to come too. My MIL Sandy was kind enough to come too
We spent some time at the pool
A rare capturing of Kashton on camera!
And, the zoo
Of course, I put them to work harvesting some green beans (oh, there were sooo many!)
We bought an in-ground basketball backboard/hoop, the boys helped to dig the hole
It was really hot! They decided to set up some shade and then Tobin said they needed cold water and I came out to this;)
Tobin did take his turn. And, yes, they are digging with plastic cups — they couldn’t find anything else to get into the narrow post hole 
Trying to use the post hole digger didn’t work for them
Brady gave a concert, he was great!
We watched American Ninja Warrior, and they all had daily ninja training (Mari took these pics)
Mari had junior high orientation! Mary, if you are reading this — still didn’t cry. She is so excited to go!
We spent more time at the pool
And, the boys played Gaelic football every Sunday afternoon
And, we headed to America’s Roller Coast for the day
Ez & Mari are up there
Mari & I finally worked up the courage to do Top Thrill Dragster – it was AWESOME!
In order to combat the wretched headache I got last year, I prepped by over hydrating the day before, getting a drink band so I could rehydrate all day long (mostly water but some lemonade & gatorade too). And, took 2 rounds of preventive ibuprofen. I know, a normal person just might give it up, but this girl loves her roller coasters!. The day was fab, Tobin & Kelly both actually rode roller coasters, the Gatekeeper was Tobin’s favorite and really no lines. Apparently, I’m now too old to go as hard as I used to, but that’s probably better for my family anyway. They were laughing at me all day when I shared one of my old rules of Cedar Point with them (#1 Must get there before park opens and stay until they kick you out, #2 No kiddie rides, they take time away from coaster riding).
It was a great way to wrap up summer!
