Lake Week 2018

An amazing weather week, so much so, that we didn't do a movie trip. The water was the perfect temp, and we ate so many great dinners from everyone! It wasn't a full week of everyone there this year, but great to spend time with those who could make it to the lake.

The kids and Gretchen goofing with the body pillow she ordered and had shipped to the lake.

The kids enjoyed the thrill of driving Zuzu. 

Beat that wall!

A new swim platform was constructed with everyone's help. 

Always in search of a dead fish to mount. 

 Syd tried to see how many life jackets she could wear at one time. 

Celebrating Papa Beard's birthday early and Jen's birthday belated. 

Game night turned into bug night and these two decided to eradicate 

the gnats with a vacuum and slice of bread (trying not to mark up the ceiling) 

Enjoying a boat ride around the lake

Amazing sunsets 

Sroka Family Reunion

Had a great time seeing almost everyone at my mom's family reunion in Ohio.  Sydney, Colin and Ian spent 99% of the time in the pool. We toasted Uncle Joe and my cousins Will and Zach carried on the uncles' tradition of tossing someone in the pool. Ashton put up a bigger struggle than I think they anticipated.

Fourth of July 2018

We didn't let a few, or a deluge, of raindrops stop of us from enjoying this year's 4th.
For a change we decided to check out the EP 4th festivities. The kids colored I (heart) EP bandanas, Syd insisted on face paint (no surprise) , and they really got into watching the BMX bike jump demonstrations. We skipped the arena of bounce houses as they were still drying them off.
Chalk artists were creating a cool 3D halfpipe image that fooled the eye through the camera phone.

We ate ourselves silly at Nana and Papa's before watching the fireworks at their house. Cousin Jake brought a few smaller ones and Miss Quinn couldn't get enough!

CP and Syd also convinced Q to try out the slip n slide. She didn't need much convincing! "Cold," she kept saying as she jumped in.