Sailing at Innsbrook

The last week of the summer Penny took off from work, and our family spent a couple days at a house in Innsbrook that someone from the church let us borrow.

Almost as soon as we arrived I saw this little boat sitting on the shore, and I decided that I MUST try my hand at sailing again.  It had been at least 20 years since my last sailing adventure.

I had to look online to remember how to rig the boat, but once it was set up, I went out and had a great time.  Mead joined me the first day.

Laine and Mead went with me (on 2 separate trips) the next day.

We had a great time, and it was so fun for me, personally, to be back on the water.

Here's hoping it won't be another 20 years before I get to go sailing again!

Magic House Camp

Our kids love going to the Magic House, and during the summer they love going to Magic House Camp.  This year Cole was old enough to go, too, and he had a great time.

The girls did a demonstration of science experiments at the end of the week.  Mead shook a marble to the top of some rice, showing that the smaller pieces go to the bottom when shaking something.

And Laine and her friend blew up balloons and showed how the air pressure in the balloon will push water out of a bottle, if there is a place for the water to exit.

So thankful for great camp opportunities for my kids.  They have a good time, and I get a nice break during the summer!

Around the House This Summer

School started back today, but I still have lots of summer pictures to post.  So here goes...

The kids love creating colorful chalk drawings on our newly paved driveway.

Mead lost her second tooth up top, making for an adorable smile!

Cole loves helping Daddy do anything physical outside.  And he's such a hard worker, too!

Penny brought home a hammock from Mexico, and he found a good place to set it up in the shade and relax a bit.

Purina Farms

As part of our bucket list of summer activities, we went out to Purina Farms, along with some friends.

The kids had fun playing on various toys,

swinging on the rope swing,

and petting the animals.

We also watched the dog show,

and went on a tractor ride.  Glad for a fun morning out enjoying St. Louis activities.

Laine's Birthday Party

Having a summer birthday means having birthday parties outside at the park or the pool.

Laine invited a few friends to the pool, and we had a great time.

Cookie cake first, then presents and swimming.

So thankful for Laine's sweet friends.

Happy Birthday Laine!

It's been a couple weeks now, but Laine turned 9 recently!

Traditional cinnamon roll breakfast...

Followed by opening presents (after church, since it was a Sunday).

Notice the new magnetic earrings from Grammy.  So cute!  Next year she might get her ears pierced for real.  We'll see.  Happy birthday Laine - we love you!

City Garden

This is a long post with lots of pictures, but I just love the shots we get while we're at City Garden.  Enjoy!

Our annual summer outing to City Garden is always a lot of fun.