Hatfield family vacation

We praise God for the sweet blessing of family. We took a few days to hang out with them and enjoy the warm summer days together, build memories and refresh our hearts.

The fun got started with a day full of fun in Nana and Grandpa's backyard.

Ataly's buddy Jack

Bean bag toss is always a fun way to pass time...especially when I can beat Luke 2 games to 1 :O)

Luke holding his own from the 'attacks' from Annabelle and Traeger.

A double date with John and Nicole (and Ellie :O)) made for many laughs and great conversation while Nana and Grandpa loved on the kids.

A pool date with the family was a must...the day couldn't have been more perfect.

Daddy and Traeger going in for the big splash.

It was Ataly's turn next and giggled the whole way down.

A day full of fun at the pool with the whole family filled my heart with much joy....

I have such sweet memories of days past when I was a little girl and spent just about every day at the Omro Pool and now watching my kids soak in the sun with smiles from ear to ear while they explore and splash with their cousins is a treat.

bd's Mongolian bbq was a must stop while we were in the area...

Traeger mastering his chop sticks skills.

The kids both loved it....

and Traeger thought hitting the gong was a great way to end the night.

Walking the streets at Bayshore Mall is always an experience.

A trip around the block on Grandpa's motorcyle is always a fun time.

I'm not exactly sure why we were encouraging 2 and 4 years old to play Ninja...I think that can wait a few more years :O)

Grandpa and Nana recently arrived home from their anniversary trip to Hawaii and brought the girls home cute Hawaiian dresses, handsome shirts for the boys and earrings for us girls.

*Aloha from the Hatfield family*

We ended our time together at Bay Beach (on our way home)...

Traeger and Annabelle holding hands while waiting in line for a ride....how cute is that!

Their first ride together as big kids (riding all by themselves!)

Woohoo for ice cream treats to cool off from the heat.

Grandpa, John and Luke....truly kids at heart :O)

Cowboy Traeger...yeehaw!

Little mommy....

When I checked in on Ataly before going to bed I found a little "mommy" all cuddled up with her babies for the night.

Backyard fun

As a kid I always thought having a slip-n-slide would be a real treat but that "dream" never came true until...

I was 30 yrs. old and I could buy one for $5 for my kids :O)

They had a blast...

and this momma looked on with a huge smile on my face and in my heart. I didn't think I should dare give it a shot since I'm not of age for such a toy anymore or am I?!

The simple joys in life!

Kicking back and enjoying a picnic lunch in the shade

Date night

While we were home on vacation it was a sweet blessing to have my parents love on the kiddos so Luke and I could sneak out (without being on the clock for paying a sitter) and enjoy a night on the town.

Every kid's dream...

We visited the Appleton Children's Museum...it was our first ever visit and it didn't disappoint.

Each activity room was more fascinating than the next. All the activities captured their full attention and peeked their curiosity. I was drooling at the thought of having such a treasure so close to pass the long winter days.

Ataly giving the boys moral support on their endeavor.

Traeger intrigued with the water gadget

H2O table fun

the joy on the kids faces throughout the whole museum was priceless!

To end the day, the boys got a box of edible crickets to try...

Traeger going in for the bite

apparently the crunch factor of eating the eyeball didn't gross him out to much :O)

Two wheel ridin'

Nonnie thought it was about time to take those training wheels off Traeger's bike. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical of the idea (thinking he still might be a little too young) but agreed that if she wanted to she could take the time to teach him.

The wheels were off and Nonnie took him to the top of their mound and let go...

and he was off and never looked back.

(He proved to this skeptical mommy that he was more than ready)

Sporting a proud grin from ear to ear.

Way to have confidence in your grandsons Nonnie...she has successfully taught all the boys how to ride their bikes.

Learning the ropes

Grandpa picked Traeger and I up for the morning and showed us the ropes of his trucking business.

After about an hour and a half of riding we learned lots and were grateful for the time spent with Grandpa Bruce!

4th of July festivities

We had a blast on the 4th...

The boys got to ride in the parade with Nonnie on their VBS float

"Fired up for Jesus" is the theme...isn't that an amazing float!

Hey we know those cute kids on that float :O)...

This is old hat for the big boys but it was Traeger's first year so he was still warming up to the idea, can you tell?

After they made their way through the parade, the boys ran back to meet us so they could score some candy too.

And here's Miss Melia as she patiently observed and took in all the traditional 4th of July festivities...another first.

July 3rd

After picking up G from CFS we finished packing up and headed to Omro for a few days....

Mom and Dad hosted a get together with the family before we made our way to the Fisk fireworks....it was great to see you there Jay!

Ataly soaking up the gentle kisses from daddy!

Hanging out waiting for the fireworks to begin.

Isn't this cute!

I think she's proud to call Melia her new cousin, what do you think?

Ataly gladly took on the role of snack server...

Melia's first ever firework show.

Cuddle time with Nonnie is the best!

Once the fireworks started Ataly wasn't too sure she was a fan but the boys gladly snuggled in with Non to watch the show!