Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven Michigan

This summer, we took the kids to the Coast Guard Festival.  It is a huge event north of us in Grand Haven.  They have three or four ships that you can board and walk around.  We took the kids aboard one of them  and showed them the grand tour.  Here are some pictures of us at the festival.

Weddings and Sleeping Out

In August,  our good friend Brittney Gotschall was married.  We were able to attend one of her receptions.  Here are some pictures of the kids with Gotschall (Sherry, Brittney's mom) one of their favorite people.  Ryan did take some pictures with Brittney, but they are on his phone and I will add them later.

Labor Day weekend, Ryan decided to sleep outside with the kids.  They slept on the trampoline.  It was a little chilly, so those who stayed in their sleeping bags (Morgan, Joshua and Gracie) made it through the night.  Those who did not (Jaxen and Rachel), ended up in bed with Mommy inside.

Cousins and Sleeping Arrangements

In August, Ryan's parents and brother Andrew's  family came to visit.  We had a great time going to the beach with them.  We hadn't been all summer, because with 5 little ones it was easier to take them to the pool.

While they were here, the kiddos shared one bedroom.  Here are a few pictures of the various sleeping arrangements we would see each night.

Kid's Day at the Zoo and Riding our Bikes

At the end of summer, I became adventurous and I took the kids to the zoo by myself.  It was kids day and they had lots of fun activities, animals out that you could pet etc.  We didn't take a stroller, just a back pack full of water and treats.  The kids had a great time and were very good.  We stayed together and I didn't have to carry anyone. 

This summer, Morgan and Jaxen, learned to ride two wheelers.  They saw the neighbor across the street doing it and were determined to learn too.  It took three days of practicing with Dad, but they finally got the hang of it.  Look at them go.

Triplet's Turn Five

The Triplet's turned 5 this year.  I can't believe how fast it went, but at the same time, I thought we would never get here.  We have had some of the funnest and hardest time of my life the last 5 years.  They are such great kids and we love them to death.  I am definitely not sending them back.

Happy Birthday Jaxen, Joshua and Gracie!!!!!

Swimming and MVP

Ryan surprised us this summer with a pass to MVP Athletic club.  They have a great outdoor pool and water slide that the kids loved.  We were there two or three times a week.  They also have a great athletic area and classes with a kiddie zone just for little ones.  The kids loved going to play, and I was able to break away and work on getting into shape.  I've been running for the last two summers, but need to change it up a bit.  We were all happy with this arrangement.  Here are pictures of the kids swimming and after getting their faces painted at the kiddie zone.

Swimming Lessons

The week after our vacation the kiddos started swimming lessons.  Jaxen asked, "Why do we need swmming lessons?  I know how to swim with my life jacket."  I told him he needed to learn to swim without his life jacket.  He also needed to learn safety rules/strategies in the water.   He was okay with that answer and loved taking lessons.  They all asked when they could do it again.

Morgan loved the lessons and made a new friend while she was at it.