A girl just never can have too many bracelets, right?!

Camp Hatfield

While big brother G went to CFS for the week, middle brother B thought attending Camp Hatfield would be just as much fun. Though I'm not sure if we can compare to the happenings at CFS, I'm confident we did have a fabulous and memory filled time together.

At the last minute the P family decided to stay the night after dropping G off at CFS and B off here...so we threw a sleeping bag down, pulled out a few extra pillows and the cousins were ready for a sleepover.

We took a trip to the park...

Bowling adventures were next on the agenda...

Check out that form, pretty impressive!

Traeger going for the run and throw form.

Ataly bowled about 2 frames and then she found other activities more entertaining.

We had a backyard full of friends to play with one night because the Kinkeads were in town.

cuddle/movie time was a must do on the agenda :O)

Lots of hours spent outside just being boys brought nothing but smiles to their faces.

We took a bike ride to go get....

ice cream...isn't summer grand!

We happened to be headed to the Weston area so we made sure to pack our suits and hit an amazing Aquatic Center for the day.

Last but not least, you just can't spend any amount of time in Medford without making a stop at Happy Joes!

Brecky boy...we're so thankful for the time we got to spend with you for the week. I know Traeger couldn't wait to wake up to a new day to spend it with YOU!

Have a I told you how much I love summer?

Family movie night!

Here's our first attempt at dinner and a movie....no major spills and the bonding time couldn't be beat.

Traeger got our "chairs" set up and it was show time.

Go Blue!

The whole family enjoyed the beautiful summer night cheering for Silas and his soccer team...

Go Blue!

Singin' in the rain...

It was the perfect night to go for a run in the rain but since the motivation wasn't there to do that we all got our swimsuits on and ran, splashed in puddles and played in the rain in our driveway.

couldn't contain their excitement about going out to play in the rain

(well, I'm not sure daddy was as excited as the kiddos :O))

splishin' and a splashin'

Happy Father's Day!

There is something unique and special about a father's love.

We love you like crazy daddy and are thankful for your

...............

countless wild and crazy ideas only you would think of

Godly wisdom and direction

your patience

unconditional love for our mommy

firm yet loving correction

your contagious passion to share the love of Jesus with others

the undivided attention you give to read stories, watch a show or play games

your generosity!

Welcome Home Melia Lu!

After 3 1/2 years of praying, the much anticipated day finally took place...

We got to welcome Melia Lu home!

Dishing out lots of lovin'

More kisses for her big brother!

Cori introducing Melia to cousin Ataly...

Melia is a month older than Ataly.

Traeger was pumped to finally get to meet his new cousin.

It was pure greatness to meet Melia.

I just sat and stared at her and thought about the countless prayers God saw fit to answer.

Thank you God for your mighty hand at work...Melia Lu is definitely an evidence of God's grace!

Cuddle time on the couch

The Hatfield family celebrating our new niece and cousin Melia Lu!

If you would like to check out more of the Patrick's journey click here to go to their blog.

Buzz kill

You could just feel the excitement building as everyone was anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new great granddaughter, granddaughter, niece and sister and today was FINALLY the day. Then we got a call saying they were delayed in Chicago due to weather so we....

past some time at Barnes and Noble...

then we made our way to the airport where we sat and waited some more...

and after waiting for 3 hours we got word that their arrival wasn't going to be coming as we all had anticipated and we were sad...

tired...

discouraged...

and down right mad

that we weren't going to be meeting Melia just yet.

The word was that they were going to ditch the plane option and have a friend drive them home from Chicago. Their arrival home would be around the 3 am hour--Ugh!

family trip to the Menominee Park

It's pretty neat when I get the opportunity to take the kids to places I went as a kid. My memory doesn't always serve me well but going to the Menominee Park hasn't escaped me yet.

Acting like monkeys...

feeding the goats

(Cori, I told the kids all about our goats...Strawberry and Blueberry :O))

the train ride was a huge hit...

somehow it managed to show me that I need to do stuff like this way more often because too often I take life way too seriously. It really is the simple joys in life.

This is Ataly's processing face....

by the looks of it she thought it was going to be ok and giggled the whole way through!

Yeehaw!

Do you ever have those moments where you think it would just be easier to fold the laundry by yourself but you chose to let the little helping hands pitch in? It takes a little longer but the joy the kids receive and the reality it brings that a little quicker doesn't always mean better. Who said shorts are better folded in nice straight lines instead of a rolled up ball :O)?

I do!

Puppy love

Visiting the Zenner's puppies.

There was lots of giggles and laughter as the kids pet, chased and got licked by the dogs.

Sunshine

picnic

friends

....

I LOVE SUMMER!

Yeah God!

Sweet friends dropped off a meal while Luke was out of town for a few days. I said out loud "Yeah God for how you provide!" Without skipping a beat Traeger said,"No mom, yeah Brent."

Bowling date with my little man

I love spending time with this guy...he has lots of joy and is full of life!

check this out mom...it's the real deal, I'm so strong

I'm not sure which is cuter....

the tube socks with the athletic shorts or the socks with the bowling shoes?

Memorial Day weekend

Grandpa and Nana have been amazing blessings...their extra hands, abundant love and generosity with their time speaks volumes to our hearts.

Reading and Nana are two of Ataly's favorite things :O)!

Splishing and a splashin'

Ahh...the life of a boy :O)

swinging and chatting with Nana

I love how this picture captures the sweetness of our Ataly Raen

Thanks Port Hatfields for sending birthday love Traeger's way.

Now that's concentration.

Cuddles and reading with Grandpa Tim

Heading out of church on Grandpa's shoulders and a sucker in hand...life is good!