Coast Guard Parade and Party

What a fabulous time we had at this year's parade. Jude left with a bag and belly full of candy. He couldn't resist naming the types of cars that rode by throughout the parade. I love the fact that our extended family all tries to come home for the festival. It's so much fun to catch up with everyone!



Leesa, Paul and Audrey...
Leesa, Paul, and Rocky
Aunt Becky, Hannah and Rocky
Jude
The Rycenga clan posing in front of the 'ole Rycenga truck...

After the parade we were all invited to celebrate my Grandmother's birthday over at Aunt Becky and Uncle Chuck's house. The food was delicious and the company was unbeatable....

The kids loved playing in the water feature....



After dinner the cupcake station was set up for the kids....
Jude loved eating all the toppings as he decorated his cupcake...
Audrey...

Gemma...

Early Present

This year Daddy was taking off to Africa during Jude's birthday. Neither of us wanted to miss the expression on his face when he opened his new car, so we decided to give it to him a week or so early. (I know that he's not quite 16 but he's already becoming a great driver.)


He knows how to lay on the charm to pick up the chicks. The neighborhood kids had their eyes on him... although their eyes were mainly on his new wheels.
Checkin' the rear view....
Pulling into the driveway....
Eleanor was showing off her wheels...
Gemma was showing off her wheels....
Takin' a moment to sit back and relax....
We too, were enjoying the moment.....
Uncle Jud showing off his wheels....
Take a peek as Jude checks out his sleeping car....

Grampy's Boat

Grampy's boat was among some of our favorite activities this summer. The boys had a terrific time on the boat with their cousins, their Auntie, and of course Grampy.

Keepin' it Cool on the East Side

What a wonderfully warm summer we had this year. MI was no exception. Luckily we were able to keep cool in a pool and at the beach while we were visiting Rochester Hills. Grandma and Papa Hartter kept the boys entertained while Joel and I got to sit back and relax a bit.

Surprise Parties

The moment we stepped out of our van after a very long trip, the fun had begun. Ruth surprised us all by throwing a party for the boys. Uncle Mike and Aunt Angel also came to help celebrate.




A very sleepy Levi just couldn't go to bed without some of this delicious corn on the cob.
Jude woke up the next morning by saying, "I'm 3!" We had to explain that we were celebrating his birthday a bit early....

Uncle Mike was reading Jude's SUV book with him...


Grandpa had a helper when it came to putting the new parking garage together....

Summer Trip to MI '10

I will try my best to get caught up over the next few days. We had such a fabulous time in MI this summer and we have the pictures to prove it. Now, time to sift through some of those shots....

Levi, helping me out with the laundry before we took off...


When we stopped for the night, Jude quickly set up shop on top of the bed. He wanted to find a place that he could play cars without any interference from his brother.


A typical view from our travels... I'm sitting between the boys, trying to keep Levi happy (which means keeping Jude happy too). It was a tough car ride for Levi this trip. All he wanted to do was to cruise around. Not a very possible task at grubby rest stops or while strapped in his car seat.