July 2010

Hi all, Because July was such a busy month, I have to devote one update for it....we began the month celebrating July 4th with the neighbors in north Georgia (Ellijay) at the Veith's cabin. We all went tubing in river and then enjoyed a barbeque. On July 8th, Ella and I flew to MN to visit the Morton family for five days. As always, we had the best time. Ella really enjoyed playing with Sydney, Whitney and Preston!! We also took one day and drove back to SD to visit Dawn's family, my sister and my Aunt Dolly & Uncle Roger. While I was gone to MN, Evan was going on his first mission trip with the youth group at our church. They spent the week in Jackson, Mississippi. While in Jackson, the youth worked together with other youth from other churches to help the less fortunate. They mowed lawns, painted, facilitated Vacation Bible School for younger children etc. Evan was very moved by his experience and is looking forward to another mission trip next summer. Below are various photos taken within the month:

July 4th in Ellijay, GA

Veith's, Kaminski's, Ritchie's & Lazar's families ready to go tubing down the Coosawattee River!

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Minnesota trip with Ella

Ella and Whitney at Como Zoo in MN

Preston, Ella and Whitney in pool

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Day trip to Desoto Falls with friends

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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Youth Group

Mission trip to Jackson photo

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Addison's 4th Birthday Party Ella and Addison celebrating Caliou birthday pty for their babies...so cute!!

May and June 2010

Below are some photos that highlight May and June. May consisted of Evan celebrating his 16th birthday....OMGosh - cant believe by little boy is 16!!!!!! He completed 10th grade May 28th. Ella celebrated with her friends at preschool with a end of year party. Summer break started with a drive to Delaware to visit family and celebrate Samara's (Paul's cousin, David's daughter) high school graduation party (photos below). It is always a good time when we are with family :-). Evan and I volunteered at our church with Vacation Bible School again this year. We each had a group of pre-schoolers....such fun!! Ella invited her friend Morgan to attend VBS too so they alot of fun with music, crafts etc.

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Enjoying the lake with Dance family below.....thx for inviting us!!

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Ella's 4th Birthday

Ella turned four years old on April 25th and below are some photos of her special day and weekend. Her Godmother, Dawn and her daughter, Whitney came to Woodstock to celebrate Ella's birthday. We had a busy weekend planned ...........Friday night dinner at American Girl Resturant where Ella and Whitney got to bring their dolls; Saturday lunch at mexican restaurant; Saturday afternoon tea at Tea Leaves and Thyme and Sunday her party at Earth, Paint and Fire where they painted icecream bowls and ate icecream cake! She had such a wonderful birthday and was especially appreciative to spend quality time with Whitney and Dawn which made her 4th birthday so special!!!!!!

Happy 4th Birthday Ella!!!!

Ella and her friends painted the birthday plate above....Ellas handprint and thumbprints from her friends (Reese, Brooke Anna, Katie, Lydia, Alli, Morgan Addison, Whitney, Morgan, Cooper and Rylan) whom came to her birthday party

Having dinner at American Girl Restuarant with their AG baby/doll

Modeling her Dora pjs that Ms. Jill made for her b-day....thank you!!

Evan got Ella princess scooter - she's so excited!

Ella opening presents and mommy reading cards

Ella's favorite birthday gift - Dora bike (thx Dawn)

Ella giving Dawn hugs

Having tea at Tea Leaves & Thyme - girls loved dressing up in hats, jewelry and dresses!

Spring Break - April 2010

Hi all, Below are some photos from our trip to Hilton Head North Carolina for spring break in April. We shared a three bedroom house with our dear friends Mike, Jill and Maya McFee. Evan brought his friend Jake Spencer and of course Ella and Maya spend unlimited time together. We spent our week biking, walking, shopping, hanging at pool and on the beach and just relaxing!!

Mom, Ella, Jake and Evan going for a bike ride

Maya and Ella finger painting on deck

Ella and Maya's photo shoot