My mom's 80th Surprise Birthday Party!!

Great Grandkids
Grandkids

Kids

Mom and her sister Donalee

My nephew Todd and Aunt Allie

On August 1, my mom celebrated her 80th birthday with a surprise party. All of her children, grand children and great-grand children were present (except for a few).

Visiting Mama and Papa's house in West Virginia

Waiting for our plane to arrive so we can fly to WV
Ice Cream truck in Mama and Papa's neighborhood

Playing with Uncle Bruce
Trying on Ry-ry's shoes
Carissa meeting her Great-Aunt Donalee for the first time.

My dad had right knee replacement surgery the middle of July. I decided to fly out with Ryan and Carissa to help once he got home. He was in the hospital a little longer than we thought but we had fun just visiting family that we don't get to see too often. While we were there, my Aunt Donalee flew out from Oregon and surprised my mom for her birthday.

Saying good-bye to the Hammond girls - July 20th

Carissa, Ryan, Sydney, Zoe and Breece

Amber playing on the teeter totter with Carissa

I first met the Hammond's when they moved back to Michigan from Australia and she was pregnant with Sydney, their oldest. Ryan was just a 1 1/2 year old when Sydney was born. A few months later we moved into the house right next door. Amber was always there, when I needed someone to talk to and they were wonderful neighbors. She was such an encouragement when Curt was going to job transitioning and also during our long journey of adoption. We moved away for a couple of years and when we came back in 2004, we picked up our friendship as if we had never been away (even though we didn't get to spend as much time together). During this past year, God has been leading their family to another area and they recently moved to Colorado. We had one last Pizza Hut lunch with her and the girls then we went to a park to play. We will miss them greatly but know that God will use them both greatly in Colorado. Who know, they may be back here in Michigan in a few years like we did.

Ryan's 13th Birthday - July 15th

The night before Ryan's birthday we surprised him by inviting three of his friends to Pizza Hut then out for three rounds of bowling. One of his friends then spent the night and on his actual birthday he chose to go to Red Lobster for lunch then shopping for an air soft gun. Carissa had fun helping him open up his presents. I can't believe that I now have a Thirteen year old. He is such a great kid!!

Shipshewana Indiana

Ryan and Carissa in the lazy river

Swimming in the kiddy pool

Playing in the shallow part of the kiddy pool

Carissa giggling with excitement!!

We took a short trip to Shipshewana, Indiana the end of June for my birthday. It was fun to just get out of town and take a break. We stayed at the Amish Inn, which also had an indoor water park attached. We had wonderful Amish food, visited the mid-wests largest flea market (nothing to brag about in my opinion), spent time browsing the small town shops and playing in the water at the water park. Carissa really enjoys the water so I don't think it will be a problem for her to learn to swim early.

Strawberry Time!!!!

Hey guys, wait for me!!!!!!

Auntie Michelle and Carissa

Mommy and Carissa

Does anyone need another container?

Aren't I cute!!!!!

Want one?

Look at all my berries!!

Yummy!!

On Monday, Carissa and I met up with her adopted Aunt, Michelle and her son Tyler to pick strawberries. Someone had given me a little dress with strawberries on it so, of course, I had to make a photo opportunity with it. I picked 10 lbs. of berries and made freezer jam with it. I hadn't made it in years so it was about time. Carissa had fun being out in the fresh air but it was quite warm that day so we went out in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.

A Beautiful Afternoon At The Beach

Bathing Beauty!!

Ryan is trying to convince Carissa that the water is fun

Love the hat!!

CHEESE!!

Letting Ryan bury her legs in the sand (this is a first!!)

This is fun!!

Ryan with his whole body buried and Carissa with 1/2 of a body!!

Looks like they are having a serious conversation

She is getting tired at this point

Snug as a bug at the beach!!

Today was a beautiful start to the week so we decided to get out of the house while our house is being painted and go to the beach. This was Carissa's second time to this beach but her first time actually enjoying the sand and playing in it for a while. She also was a little braver with the "COLD" water and got in up to her waist. She was fascinated with Ryan digging a big hole and then putting his feet in it. She then wanted to put her feet and legs in like he was doing. He then started to slowly pour sand in the hole and bury both of their legs. She thought that was fun so started helping. She actually sat there for about 30 minutes playing in the sand with half her body covered up.

After we finally pulled her out of the hole, she was so covered with sand that we went down to the water to wash off. She was a brave soul and got in up to her waist. She then proceeded to bend over and splash and sit down part way. She LOVES the bath tub and water so I wasn't too surprised at her reaction to the water. She was getting tired since we were there during her nap time so she and ryan just sat and let the water run over their legs. I then brought her back up to where we had camped out and wrapped her in her towel and cuddled a little to get her warm. She was sooooo tired that she fell asleep so I laid her down on the beach blanket and then took a little nap beside her. What a fun relaxing afternoon we had and hope to have many more enjoyable days like it this Summer!!