Camping with the Big Kids

Mark and I took the four big kids camping this weekend at Kamp of America west of Dayton.

We stayed in a cabin that was the perfect size for our group.

The boys shared the futon and the girls slept in the bunk beds.

When we arrived everyone played in our yard while Mark started the fire.

I bought rubber snakes for the boys and they played with them the whole weekend.

There was a big field behind our cabin, and we played tag and soccer in it.

On Saturday we drove one hour to Ohio Caverns in West Liberty.

The kids loved it, but they weren't big fans of the total darkness demonstration when they turned out the lights.

One of these stalactites was 200,000 years old!

Back at our campsite, we played inside and outside until it was dinnertime.

They had a pig roast and all the campers brought a dessert. Charlie liked the cupcakes.

Then we bundled up more and waited for the hayride.

Then it was time for round two with the campfire!

I told 'scary' stories and the kids roasted marshmallows.

Finally Mark made some popcorn on the fire and we took it inside for a late night snack.

The next morning the kids slept in until 7:45! They then entertained themselves with squinkies and leapsters.

After breakfast and packing, we headed out to catch the train that travels through the campground.

We finished off our weekend with slushies in the cafe.

It was a great weekend and I hope we do it again!!

Beach Party for Julie

Uncle Steve organized a wonderful party for to welcome Julie home.

Julie even had friends from Rhode Island who drove down to visit with her!

Jack and Tina treated us to their delicious wood fired pizza.

Uncle Paul was nice enough to take the kids to the beach to play in the sand.

Julie, Grace, Taylor and my mom provided some entertainment with magic tricks, jokes and songs.

Once again, Morgan bonded with her Godmother, Alison.

She also got a chance to spend some time with her grandpa.

Charlie and Aunt Cheryl bonded over his stinky feet.

Of course, we had to use the opportunity to get some family photos. Here is my grandmother with some of her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.

We also took a picture of my grandmother with all of her children.

Big Kid Sleepover

On Julie's second day in town, we had dinner at Grandma's.

After taking some family photos, the moms were kicked out (along with the little brothers and sisters) so Grace and Taylor could enjoy a slumber party with their Aunt Julie at Grandma's house.

The girls have a secret club with Grandma and let Julie be their honored guest.

She was a great sport.

I think it was a night the girls won't soon forget!

Aunt Julie VIsits

Aunt Julie came in town from Chile last Friday. Jessica picked her up from the airport where she met her new niece Addison.

Then they brought lunch for the girls at school. Taylor's friends thought it was so cool when she got special permission to sit at the first grade table with the 'big kids'.

That night everyone ate dinner at our house. Julie met Morgan for the first time, too.

Grandma was so excited to get a photo of all of her children and grandchildren. (Charlie did not share her enthusiasm.)

Reds Game

Mark and I took the kids to see the Reds for their last home game of the season. This was Charlie's first Reds game.

Oktoberfest at Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Rogers

The family had a great time at Cheryl and Roger's Oktoberfest this year!

They just purchased miniature donkeys, and the kids got to feed them.

Addison enjoyed being held by her family members.

The big kids got to go on a wagon ride courtesy of cousin, Gage.

Uncle Jack and Aunt Tina brought their new wood burning pizza oven and treated us to some delicious pizzas.

Morgan spent quality time with her Godmother, Alison.

Later, Grace gave her own wagon rides.