BASH

We have gone camping with our college friends every summer for over 15 years. Last year was the first year without a Big Awesome Summer Happening. It appeared that there would be no BASH again this year, until two of our "social coordinators" decided to hold a Michigan Backyard BASH. One of the BASHer couples graciously hosted a smaller version of BASH in their backyard. They also hosted our family in their basement for the weekend. (We did a token night in the tent for the official BASH overnight, but happily retreated to the basement the next night because it was SOoo hot outside.)
The family that we stayed with have three boys - 7, 4, and 2. Our kids had so much fun with them. Here is a picture of the 7 boys feeding the geese and ducks. (Don't worry - despite this serene picture, they did give the birds a good chasing!)

Here are the BASHers who made it to the overnight. (The 2nd couple on from the left are the ones who hosted.)

BASH - the next generation!

This is the youngest BASHER - two weeks old! What a pleasure! Hubby was happy for me to get my "baby-fix," but really she just made me want one! (Until she cried and her mom reminded me of the sleep loss! ;-) )

SB2W

CoCo and Neil-Te had the opportunity to participate in Summer's Best Two Weeks, a Christian sports camp. This was CoCo's 3rd year, and Neil-Te's first. Neil-Te was in a new, half-day session called "Squad Zero." He had a great time and was especially excited to see his squad leader, Phil, every day. At the end of the week, Neil-Te was awarded the "Miles of Smiles" award (That's the paper plate award in the picture.). I always tell him that he has a magic smile; I think that he believes me now!
CoCo had a great time again. He is competitive by nature and loves all different types of sports. He especially enjoyed the gymnastic bar tricks (even earned a Super on bar (14 tricks, I think)!) and wrestling. He achieved his "overall small" this year. That is what the varsity letter in the picture is for. That means that he accomplished all of the events up to a certain skill level. He also received the Bible Award for his squad this year. Despite trying to comment on my feelings about that, I can't seem to express how much seeing him receive that award meant. May God continue to guide my children and may they always desire to serve him.

CoCo swimming during the swim meet.

CoCo doing a long jump.

Trying to cool off in the shade during the track meet. (Imagine running races when the temperature is in the mid-90's! I actually had to take the little guys-and my biggest- home early because they were getting so miserable.)
I think it's safe to say that for two of my boys, these were "Summer's Best Two Weeks!"

Hubby's Birthday

Another year older!

Bathroom - Almost Done!

The tiling is complete. We are just waiting for the grout to cure so that we can seal it. I also have to chose curtains. I had planned to use a safari one, but the bathroom is so pretty that I want to put a more grown-up one in there.
We kept the old vanity, medicine cabinet, lighting and linen closet. We just replaced the knobs, and hubby added a tiled backsplash. He's hugely disappointed that the old stuff takes away from the new look, but it saves a lot of money. (Besides, the vanity was the first thing he built for this house, and I'm sentimentally attached.) Oh, yeah, please admire my new toilet - so far, no plunging needed! I am a happy woman.

Summer Project Update

I did it. I asked him for a new toilet in the kids' bathroom. At some point in time, some toy or other object had gotten stuck in the toilet. Basically, I was tired of plunging. I also mentioned that maybe we should throw down some new linoleum since the glue under our current one was yellowing.

Yep... you guessed it - bathroom makeover time! Of course, he couldn't bear the idea of spending any time fixing the bathroom without "doing it right!" (I can't say that I lamented the loss of those shower tiles or the blue tub.) We all know that he really just wanted a project!

Hubby attempted one of those glazing kits to turn our tub white. After the 72 hour cure time, it chipped. I think hubby's venting his frustration in this picture! ;-)

Here's our brand new bathtub. I'm just hoping it can withstand the amount of dirt and sand that it will encounter!

Here's the lovely view of the outside of our house. Some people purchase garden accessories. Guess we just don't need them! (Think I could share some with my cousin at his housewarming party?)

Summer Updates

Since I've missed so much, here are some highlights.

Father's Day

Grandma's Birthday

First summer working full-time.

Playing with cousins and camping. (Unfortunately, I was negligent in picture-taking during our camping trips. This is the only event I managed to capture. I even missed fireworks on the fourth of July!)

SKUNKED!

Yup! You guessed it - Anni got sprayed last night! Ugh! We were letting her out before heading to bed, and I noticed her sneeze when she came inside (yes, INSIDE!). Then the stench hit like a brick. Luckily, she didn't make it onto any carpeting before I sent her right back outside, but the smell is still lingering despite multiple floor washings, disposal of area rugs, and open windows throughout the house. We bathed her last night, but the boys and I are going to bathe her a few more times today. Fun, fun, fun....