More Birthday Celebrations, Camping, Swimming!

LILLY TURNED 11!

Unbelievable...she said when she woke up on June 17! Lilly actually feels a year older, as she told everyone at her camping, picnic, swimming, birthday party at Crab Orchard Lake. It was supposed to be a surprise, but she got wind of it. Our friend Jessica made the best ever strawberry shortcake birthday cake decorated like the American Flag...because Lilly's favorite songs are the Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful.

Our friends and families came to enjoy the swimming and fishing. Even Dr. Nick bought a fishing pole and was determined to catch the biggest fish in the lake! Juliana, Gabi and Diego went swimming with Beth and Lilly for the first time in a lake instead of a pool. The BBQ was interrupted by a 15 minute rain shower that forced us to take shelter in our cars and cover the food. But, no one was willing to throw in the towel, so when the drops lightened, we just continued on under the umbrellas and shortly after, under the sun again. Even Baby Gabe loved the party, rain and all!


Beth and Lil spent the evening swimming and having a ball...see photos below.

Unfortunately, we all paid for the experience the next day with all the bug bites. Even the spray didn't seem to help. Everyone here tells us it was chiggers(!!?!!??), tics, mosquitos, and who knows what else. All I know is we're still itching!

THANKS TO GREAT GRANDMA AND GRANDPA HOLLAND!

A couple of days before Lilly's birthday, a package came in the mail for both Beth and Lil. The girls were surprised and happy to get presents from their great grandparents in Michigan. See the collage pictures below of each girl with their gifts. You'll notice how the early morning mail can wake up two girls before they are really ready to face the day!!!

SUPER THANKS TO AUNT KRISTIN!

Both girls received online gift certificates from their Aunt Kristin for Fat Brain Toys. Can't imagine who ever thought up that name! Anyway, both girls are sure taking their time searching for what they want to use their gift money on. Whether it will be a perfume making kit or some scientific experiment, they are sure to enjoy it. They feel so empowered just being able to "shop" online by themselves!

That's it for now...we're getting ready for Heartland Baha'i Summer School, and then off to Six Flags in St. Louis after that. In the meantime, I'm having some spinal injections that will hopefully help my back "aches", and Jim continues having various procedures treating his glaucoma. Aging is the pits; but, the girls keep us young at heart. As Jody says, "life is good." I'm trying to adopt her outlook on life.

Later....