Our Nation Turned 242, and Ryan Turned 11

Before we were able to celebrate some awesome birthdays, we had to finish up June.  It was absolutely necessary.

The kids ran in a 5K and all of them placed in the top three for their divisions.  Pretty exciting!

 We went to my aunt and uncle's 50th wedding anniversary, and stopped in to see my Grandma in the Care Center.

 Maren and the kids found some adorable kittens and wanted to steal them and bring them home.  Thankfully, Dustin is allergic, so cats are the one animal that I always have a great excuse not to get!

 One night we went to a dinner at the park with Gramma Lana, and the boys all got their faces painted.

 All the boys.  Dustin had to bump some little 5 year olds out of line to get this done, but it was worth it!

 Maren stayed the night with Gramma Lana and they had fun playing with her Grandma's old hats.

 Lots of swimming has occurred!

 Happy Birthday, America!!  On the 4th of July we went hiking with the kids.  We made it halfway to Elephant Rock, which felt like a big deal because it was 100 degrees outside!

That afternoon Avery had her first job.  Ahhh, she's really growing up!  And, like any good parents, when we came to pick her up, we took pictures of her and embarrassed her.

 And, then we let the kids play on the bounce houses.  We didn't take advantage of our daughter working there, it was free!

 We walked around the local car show one evening.  Along with thousands of other people.

Happy Birthday, Ryan!!  Ryan turned 11!  He requested bowling on his birthday, so we complied, and we threw in some mini golf, as well.

 We made a fun anti-gravity birthday cake.  He was pretty specific about what he wanted: 4 layers, multi colors, and recess peanut butter cups and other candies.  And we decided to add the pouring m&m's package, just for fun.

 A new bike and a Ronaldo shirt were his gifts (we've had World Cup fever around here).

Ryan is such a funny, fun part of our family.  He makes us laugh with his silly faces and voices.  He doesn't like to sit still at all (except for when he is reading, and then I can't get him to move!).  He loves all sports, and soccer is the current favorite.  He is a loving boy, and gives the best hugs.  He is a hard worker and his favorite thing is to spend time with Dustin (preferably riding bikes, or kicking the ball).  He is headed into 6th grade and is a great student.  We love Fry Guy!