Pure Michigan

Lake Michigan is always so amazing...  We are so fortunate to live so close to it.  Every time that I am there, I try to be very thankful and amazed by how spectacular it is.

We just took our first trip of the summer there with many friends.  The water was chilly, but it never stopped the kids.  We spent 5 hours on the beach --- perfect day!

Sand Angel

Good Ol' St. Louis

The kids and I love going to St. Louis.  It is such a great kid friendly city.  Also a plus that my sister lives there.  Christy and Emily were also flying in from Denver.  It is always the summer kick off for me and the kids.  The drive has gotten significantly better since the kids have gotten older.  It was really cool this year that Blake was able to be my co-pilot.  He talked my ear off the whole way...  actually sometimes I switched the radio to THE HIGHWAY and he decided to put on his own tunes and headphones - such a teenager already.   The girls were also in the back watching movies, playing on the ipad and taking care of Izzy for me.

I always have such a great time with my sisters.  It is so nice to be around people who unconditionally love you and know so much about you!!!!  My big sisters are amazing:)  Also great that our kids love each other so much.  It is so cute to see them playing together.

We kept them very busy... or did they keep us busy????  I think a little of both.
We went to the water park, zoo, science center, community pool and even snuck in adult only shopping...  I'm so jealous of my sisters' great shopping opportunities.  It is probably better that I don't have Hot Mama's, Lululemon and Athleta here :)

Caitlin never lets us forget how we celebrate her birthday there.  Some traditions will never change.  She was so cute when we sang to her.  She did her own little song and dance.  I hope she keeps that great attitude of being your own person for the rest of her life.

We brought Eyvind back to our house for the week.  St. Louis is always a wonderful place to visit...

Aunties loved the lazy river!!

Toilet BOWL behind them was a huge hit

Emily teaching the girls how to play the CUPS

Cait's birthday dance...

Brave Madison

Even our dogs LOVE play time together

Science Center

Driving simulators was so funny and entertaining

Caitlin loved sleeping with Aunt Christy one night

Wyndy Pynes Farm

We love Wyndy Pynes Farm...  The Rogers have a great alpaca farm.  My kids can never get enough of animals.  I really think that they will choose a career with animals someday.  I keep hinting that MSU has a great veterinarian program :)

Amy and Etsu invited us all over to swim, fish, and see the alpacas.  The kids got to feed, touch and clean up poop.  They were all actually asking for jobs to do.

3 Day old BABY!!!

Caitlin giving her a treat.

Most Alpacas don't like to be touched --- Priscilla is a HUGE hit!!!

Scooping POOP

Love it that these kids were begging to pick up poop...