Summer fun in the Sun

4th of July fun in the dark.

Just because I am not blogging regularly doesn't mean there is nothing going on in our lives. On the contrary. We have been on the go for the last few weeks. We celebrated 4th of July with our small family in Portsmouth (one of our favorite towns in New England). We found some geocaches during the day and in the evening we enjoyed a firework show. We came home late but there is nothing like sleeping in on a summer day.

Happy 4th of July America.

We have been enjoying both nice and rainy weather while hiking, biking and many trips to the local pool and even one day at the lake (one of the kids favorite places). We picked one of the busiest days of this season but we squeezed in and had a blast all day long.

Enjoying a picnic at the lake.

Last year our centipede didn't quiet make it and we had to say good by to our favorite caterpillar at the end of the season. This year I looked for one again and found it to everyone excitement.  They couldn't wait to take it out on the lake again and they did have a blast with it.

How many people can you fit on a centipede?

Maybe 5?

Nice views from the beach. Newfound lake is very peaceful even on a busy summer day.

Enjoying the summer

Memorial Day

 

On Memorial day we took a cruise ride on lake Winnipesaukee with our friends. The kids were free that weekend and veterans (and their spouses) were only $10 each. We took the opportunity and enjoyed a sunny day outside (it was windy but that didn't stop us from getting extra vitamin D).

It was a long ride (over two hours on the lake) and Sam looks like he is done for the day.

Nate on the other hand looks like a happy clam.

Emma posing for pictures.

I am not sure how far we would get if the girls were in charge.

You can see Mt. Washington in the background with snow!!! It snowed in the mountains only few days ago.

Sunday

What can I say. Europeans know how to make a Latte!!!

On Sunday we had lunch with few of our old friends after church.

Girls make friends everywhere we go. Language is no problem for them.

I believe Temple run is same in every language.

Thank you girls (and daddy) for joining us for a lovely afternoon even if it was cloudy outside.

I am happy to write this will not be Nate's car :)

Cape Cod (Part I.)

After almost ten years of living in New England we made our first trip to famous Cape Cod. We were invited to go camping with great new friends we met through the girls dance studio. They are seasoned visitors to the Cape and we couldn't have gone with any better people to introduce us to the Cape and show us what the big fuss is about.

 Our first night we made a trip to a close by beach after a nice dinner at the camp ground. I loved walking on the wooden boardwalks and bridges to get to the beach. I loved all the grass growing in the sand. The last time I saw something like this was on Prince Edward Island and you are not allowed anywhere near it.

 What a great place to take pictures however if only one child will work with you that will have to do. Thanks Emma for being a good sport.

 At least on the way back I got them all for some photo time.

 All four kids on one of the wooden walkways to the beach.

 Silly (with their friend H.)

Just in case you don't know we love beaches.

Pinta & Nina & ....

We took several field trips this spring.

Last week two replica's of Columbus' ships were close by and we just had to go and see. We got to go on board the Nina and Pinta and we were very surprised how small they were.

Yet they have made the journey across the ocean many times.

The kiddos had a blast exploring the ships.

They were ready to set sail

(all but Jo).

Lobster anyone?

Thursday

Today we had an easy day and in the afternoon we got to see our old friends. It has been awhile since we saw each other and we had a few extra kids since.

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

Both of our families live overseas so we get to spend Thanksgiving with our dear friends.

I cannot believe this is our third Thanksgiving with the Laughner's. They are in process of adopting again and are waiting for final court approval.

Our kids play so well together. Well, these three are always up to something.

This is a big milestone for Jo. The first year we had Jordan she would not hug Lori. Now she runs up to her and it makes all of us smile and feeling very blessed to have both her and Daniel in our lives (and all of our kiddos).

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!!!

American Girl

Since the boys are gone this week I am trying to do girly things with my girls. Today we headed to American Girl with our friends to have lunch with their dolls. The girls had a blast walking around and playing with all the dolls.



Emma loves "Molly".



The camping gear was a big hit with both of the girls since we spend some time camping this year.

Luncheon

Even the dolls got a little cup.

We do miss the boys but today was fun just us girls hanging around.