4th of July

We had a fabulous gathering of friends at our house for the 4th. I believe we had a group of about 20 people including kids and even the elders ended up coming. We had so much yummy food my mouth is watering just thinking about it. We feasted on many things bbq-ed and dipped in fondue: chicken, ham, asparagus, mushrooms, green peppers, french bread and the list goes on. Thanks to Michael who bbq-ed everyting in the 112 degree heat while we all waited inside for the grub. Of course, we had chocolate fondue for dessert. What could have been better????? I'm sad we didn't get a picture of the whole group (and for my family's sake) the food, but here's the Stimpson fam after the fact.
Julia helping with the table decorations before the company arrived.
Dollar store treasures!!!!!
Catherine (4 months)
Collin just loves talking to his little sister Catherine. It is especially fun when he can get her to laugh.

Austin Texas with the Theriaults

In June the girls (Julia and Catherine) and I flew to visit my younger sister, Janet, and her family in Cedar Park Texas while Michael and Collin flew to Idaho for a dune trip with the Stimpsons.
My older sister Karen and her baby Miranda who currently live in Michigan planned a visit to Austin while we were there too. So we had such a wonderful relaxing time just hanging out and letting the kids play together (6 kids all together).

Here we are outside County Line, a BBQ restaurant we ate at while there. It was so beautiful and lush with all the greenery and this cool "river" that ran right along the back of the restaurant. Pardon my excitement, I don't get to see that kind of green too often living in AZ. There were also about 100 turtles swimming around in the water. The kids were feeding them potato chips. : ) Here are the Theriaults: Emily (7), Noah (5), Steve, Janet, and Austin (2)
Pic #4 Just the girl cousins: Emily, Catherine, Miranda, and Julia.

Pic #5 Miranda attacking Catherine (J/K). Miranda is a spunky fun baby.

Theriaults, thanks for hosting a house full for a week. We love you!!!