Backyard games

We had lots going on in the backyard over July 4 weekend: pool, ladder golf, hot tub, and t-shirt painting!

I look like I was directing, but I really don't think I was !

Beach Day

We joined the masses in Virginia Beach at the oceanfront on July 4. (What else are you supposed to do on a hot Independence Day?!)

Cooper and Rudy spent most of the time playing in the sand at the water's edge.

We did get them each to try boogie boarding. Cooper agreed to do it once, and only once. After Rudy tried it, he loved it! The waves were the best I've seen in a long time; they were crashing early and rolling into shore for along time, perfect for all levels. Rudy could basically just wait for the very end of the wave and ride that, Brady ventured a little further out to catch them, and James and I started at the beginning.

This little one has NO fear at the ocean and would have walked all the way out if no one stopped her!

July 4 is Oma and Papa's anniversary. 42 years of wedded bliss!

Lila trying her hand at boogie boarding...

Brady finally got comfortable enough to really get out in the ocean. I think this is the first time he's really been swimming in the waves and breakers.

Berry Picking

Not a typical July 4 activity, but we went berry picking first thing Monday morning. The berries were amazing - big, fat, juicy blackberries everywhere (and only $1.69/pound!).

We even got "to be like farmers" (as Cooper said) and pick our own corn from the field:

What to do with over 40 pounds of berries? Make an enormous berry crisp with your adorable niece!

Patiently waiting for dessert...

Harmony?

Front yard camping

It was a beautiful weekend for camping. Unfortunately, it was also a really busy time for James at work so we couldn't quite swing an entire weekend away in the woods. We modified it a bit with a backyard campfire dinner and a front yard camp out. Not quite the same, but the boys were pretty happy with it!

The new full body workout campfire?

Wow, that's a big fire...

Bowling

I promised the kids that we'd go bowling last week when Ben and Bella were with us. We never made it, so I took them today for our "free" (that costs $20) bowling. They had a blast and played two full games (a pretty lengthy attention span, especially for Rudy and Ben).

Yipee! A strike!

Silly Bella...

Unique form, Ben...

Family fun day

We checked out a new-to-us sports park last weekend. Mini golf was the biggest hit with the kids, but James and I loved the batting cage! Brady did try the batting cage and thought it was pretty cool...