Memorial Day 2017

We had a lot of fun celebrating Memorial Day.  We spent the early afternoon with our ward at Symmes Park for our picnic and then it was a touch chilly when the sun wasn't beating down, but we still got to the back yard for some water fun.  At the end of the day we are grateful for the freedoms to have days together like this because of those who went before and made the ultimate sacrifice. 

She could do this for hours

She loves the sand

She loves to eat - and grab your phone when you take pictures of her

Mae performing

#freedom

Water fun

They weren't out there very long

Santa Lu

Not everyone wanted to participate, but we always make a little time each year to celebrate Santa Lucia Day. 

Post-Farm Festivities

The close to the Farm is always tough, but with cousins still around for a few more days, it's an easier transition back to normalcy. 

Ice cream anyone?

One last work through of Grandma and Grandpa Fish's house

It wasn't something I wanted to do, but this place will always be special

Anna in the backyard

Brooklyn - you better not be itching poison ivy

Love this porch

Mae in the empty dining room - lots of great celebrations, meals, and memories in that room

The annual pizza and malts picnic

Virginia Trip - Day 4

The final full day was filled with more of the same fun.  The night time concert became classic when Anna became a full-fledged performer and ended up singing a duet with Logan.  Not to be outdone, Brooklyn sang "So You Had a Bad Day" and had the crowd rolling.  We then had one last hurrah riding the bull.  It was much more of a success than last year - Mae, Anna, and Brooklyn all got on.  Sure they needed escort, but at least they got on and even let it move!  It was a great last day!

Looks like they need a driver

It's too early for swim time, so these cousins are just dipping their feet in

A walk across the bridge

Concert time!

Non-stop entertainment

She has many talents

Mae, microphones, and crowds don't usually mix - we'll take it!

But the next kid?  "Happy Anna" and EVERYTHING seems to mix!

Sister Duet

Duet to "Just the Way You Are" -Bruno Mars

Anna had to get a least one "tickle tickle" in during the performance - she just can't resist tickling poor Logan

 

And then it was Brooklyn's turn

Thankfully her talking voice and her singing voice don't sound anything alike

 

Today was definitely not a bad day!

 

 

Brooklyn didn't know the popular trend of the family was to be scared to get on

She had more fun than this picture depicts

Now THIS was progress!

 

Virginia Trip - Day 3

Day 3 was much of the same - horses, swim, and lots of cousin time.

Brooklyn reading to her cousins

Brooklyn with less assistance

Kid is cute, man

A natural

We've expanded past Chief

Back in the pool

The darkest and the lightest?

Slide time

I've always told her it was fun!

It was pretty hot

Look at her go!

I'm not sure who she's talking to

Grateful for swim lessons

Well...I'm just not sure what is wrong

Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles!

More slide time

I told you we have the cool kid

Dad's Birthday

I was able to spend my birthday (and Father's Day) with these beauties!

So What If It's Winter - It's Swim Time!

We wanted to get our girls involved in something.  We decided through many factors that swimming was the best option ultimately because all three girls could do it.  We were also tired of the fear of the water - Mae at 5 years old the most.  It's a life skill that must be learned so Saturday afternoons became swim day.  The first few weeks were rough.  Brooklyn (who has to be accompanied by an adult) was NO problem and she loves every second of it.  Anna was nervous and has a hard time putting her face in the water, but her biggest problem was following instructions - she tends to be in her own world.  Mae had a rough first couple of weeks.  She got braver and braver though over the course of the winter into the spring.  The good news is they all enjoy going every week. 

Before Lesson #1 - the funny thing is the person looking the least excited here, loved it the most

Oh man - look at that face!  Brooklyn loves swimming!

 

It took a few weeks, but we finally got that smile!

Workin' hard

There goes little Anna!