Painting

Yes, I know I stink at working on the blog now that school has started.  I'll work on getting better at it.  Kelsey wanted to be helpful with the basement and paint something.  We put her in a large t-shirt and she let me pull her hair in a ponytail, which she never lets me do, and Mark gave her some extra drywall to paint on.  Mark was using an oil based paint, so we didn't want to have her use that.  She had a great time and felt she was really helping.  The bar is now completely black, we have new carpet, and half of our furniture.  It's coming along great!

Florida Trip

On July 16th Mark, Kelsey, and I flew to Florida to take Grace back and to spend some quality time with Hazel, Aunt Jenelle, and Uncle Chad.  We did lots of things like go to Build a Bear to make a bear from Grace's birthday back in February.  Kelsey named the bear Kay from Grace's middle name.  We went to the beach and the pool several times.  While we were there Maryland was experiencing the hottest temperatures all summer of 90 - 100.  We had gorgeous weather with just little rain showers here and there.  It was a perfect week for a visit.

 

Vacation Bible School

Grace got to spend the week of my vacation bible school again this year.  I taught Art, Grace went to the 1st grade class, and Kelsey was in the toddler room with about 7 other toddlers.  The girls had a great week.  The theme was World's Fair so everyday we focused on a different country.  The decorations were awesome!  The kids really felt they were in those countries.  Thursday night we had a carnival where the families were invited to come for a hotdog dinner, play games, and see all of the decoration.  Grandma and Grandpa came for the carnival and ended up taking the girls around while Mark and I ran some of the activities.  Can't wait until next year!

Big Girl Bed

With all of Kelsey's travels this summer we decided to take down the front part of her crib since she was sleeping everywhere else in an open bed.  Kelsey was excited to see her crib transform.  She's been amazing with staying in her bed until we come and get her at nap and at bedtime.  The only time she gets out is if she really wants a book and then she gets right back in.  No complaining here!

4th of July

I know it's August and I'm posting the 4th of July, but better late than never.  We were up in PA for the 4th and celebrated at the Carroll's house.  Kelsey got to see fireworks for the first time.  It took her a little bit to get used to them, but ended up liking them, at least the not so loud ones.  Even Doggie watched the fireworks.  Kelsey got some quality Madden time on her own playmat that he's borrowing. 

On the 6th we celebrated again at the Smith's where we had the Carroll's out again to go swimming.

Dutch Wonderland

On July 3rd we went to Dutch Wonderland with the girls and NanNan and PopPop.  The girls had a great time riding rides, especially the Wonder Whip.

Camp Newburg

At Camp Newburg there are lots of things to do:

Bounce house Fun:

Lunch outside the playhouse

Fun at the Pool:

Catching Fireflies at Camp Newburg

Kelsey and Grace enjoyed staying up late and catching fireflies while at Camp Newburg.

Basement painted and Camp Newburg

While Kelsey and Grace went to Camp Newburg Mark and I had friends come down from PA to help paint the basement.  We greatly appreciated the help! 

Left: Before    Right: After

 
 

Kelsey was playing with a Noah's Ark set at NanNan's while we were having our basement painted.  Her great Grandfather made the set.

 We weren't entirely childless, Madden came down to visit as well while his dad painted.