The Perfect Summer night...

Last night was a lazy night, we ordered pizza and were chatting at the table when we heard the neighbors outside.  Jayden, Nathan, Ryan and Katrina Davis were outside getting ready to play kickball.  So we finished up supper and headed over to join the game.  We played an adult/kid combo kickball game and had a TOTAL blast.  I felt like a kid again... and the competitive side came out of me big time.  I grabbed the ball and blasted Katrina as she was running and screaming to first base because she knew I was going to get her... I laughed so dang hard it was awesome!! 

Once we tired from that, the kids played Ghost in the Graveyard, Eric and Ryan played Horse on the driveway and Katrina and I drank margaritas and made fun of our husbands.... it was great.  Then the kids decided they wanted to watch a movie about 8:30 in the basement so they went inside and we all went back on the deck to chill for a bit and had a few more cocktails.

Then the kids decided they wanted to catch fireflies so they got out their bug catchers and chased those little bugs for an hour.... and we couldn't see them, just saw little shadows of kids scurrying around and heard giggles and laughter with an occasional "there's one".  When they were tired of that they hid battery powered tea light candles in the yard and the others had to find them... they thought it was great.  Finally about ten o'clock or so we decided we should get the kids to bed.  So they had a quick shower and off to bed by 10:30.

Thought this was awesome!!

It was one of those nights that brought all of these flashbacks of my childhood... parents drinking with friends, kids running around all night, making up games, catching fireflies in jars and staying up super late.... that is what summer is all about.  Love it!!  And I love that my kids are doing what I did as a kid... and it didn't involve electronics what-so-ever.

This is perfect...

Happy Fathers Day

We had dinner at Roger and Sharon's house for Father's Day.  We bought some Prime Sirloin at Costco and it was soooooo yummy.

The girls love to play chess with Grandpa Hubbard... and they really think about their moves.  I on the other hand have no idea nor interest in playing chess but it's awesome that they like to do it.

15 year Anniversary

http://goldenlantern.com/

I found this place as I am searching for something fun and unique and not so terribly expensive for our anniversary this year.  We started with planning a HUGE vacation to some island in the Caribbean but after painting the house and putting on a new deck this year, it's out of the question.  So we thought maybe Florida... but we really want to do that with the kids.  So I have been pondering, what would be something we haven't done before but right up our alley? 

I stumbled upon this awesome house that is a Bed and Breakfast in Red Wing,MN.  I was there years ago as a kid and remembered how cool of a town it is.  It's about a 4 hour drive from here but the town looks so fun, an old river town, with cool stores and restaurants, hiking etc.  We may even be able to time it for the fall leaves to be in full bloom.  I am for sure running this one by Eric tomorrow. 

How could you NOT want to go here... my heart is pounding it looks fabulous.  I love these old towns with so much character.  More to come on this later... I would love to do something like this... and we all ready have babysitters lined up!

Johnston Green Days

We started our morning off at the Fireman's Pancake Breakfast.  Good friend Natalie Freundl joined us.

Officer Doyle gave a demonstration of all of the gear they have to wear and then he climbed up the rescue ladder... it goes up to 5 stories high.  Lauren giggled the entire time he was climbing.

Next we headed over to the parade and found our neighbors.. the Feurhelms.  So Faith joined the girls on the curb and Joe stayed on mom's lap... he was not a huge fan of the parade... loud and large characters.

Eric and Roger enjoying the parade... they would holler at the girls to get them candy and goodies.

Lauren getting the goods at the parade.. beads, bracelets, balls and of course... a TON of candy.

Slumber Party

The girls invited their buddy Natalie over for a sleep over.  They watched Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and ate Chocolate Malts!

Track and Field Camp ~ Lauren

Lauren's first year at camp... she loves anything competative!

If you listen... you can actually hear Lauren out there counting!!

The High Jump

The Long Jump

I still can't believe her little legs made if over these hurdles... she wasn't going to let anyone show her up!

Waiting to do the shot put.