The zoo 2013

We took the kidlets to the Dakota zoo on Monday! They loved it!

Posing for pictures!

Aubbie was nosey & wanted to see it all too!

The big kids are all at the perfect ages for the zoo!

We cooled off in here for a bit. Sidney was scared of the bear...haha. Yet we conned her into ONE picture by it. She'll hate us someday. :)

Lake Tachida family fun day!

We decided on a Family Fun Day while Justyn actually had time off from work & the sun was shining. So we headed to Lake Tachida for the afternoon. 

First up was a picnic lunch. 

Aubrey was thrilled to be there!

Then the annoying photo shoot by mom.

Somehow I get them all to cooperate for 2 minutes...

Could be the bribery...or just that they are awesome kids!

Our herd! This picture will be printed & framed...totally makes me laugh & LOVE summer!

Then the swimming began.

Aubbie relaxed in the shade most of the day. She did get her feet wet, but that was all. She would much rather get some tickles from daddy!

Then the boys set out to play with the sand/water. Not exactly sure what you'd call what they made, but they had fun. 

Sidney took over the "mini-pool"

Aubrey loves her daddy!

I'm pretty sure she loves her mama too! 

I think she loves her naps most of all!

She slept for ALOT of our day!

We had so much fun. It was the perfect location, perfect weather & perfect day together! 

We're all itching to plan our next trip there! 

Outdoor fun with the cousins!

The Marotteks came tonight & the kids all immediately paired off & started playing.  The 3 boys ended up trying to climb this tree after getting a shoe & a hat stuck in it.

Cuties! 

Then we started a game of frisbee! So much fun! These are the days they'll look back on & remember! 

Alex & Prestyn were on a team & scheming!

Hope & Cayden were on a team!

Anthony & Sidney were off doing their own thing, always side by side!

Charlie was buy fixing his trap!

These two were close by the action.

While Aubrey just sat looking beautiful & took it all in! 

Then we wrapped up the outdoor festivities on the swinging gate!

Ladybug

Sidney was so proud to find a ladybug! I just LOVE this face!

Branding!

Daddy came to the farm! We wasted no time putting him to work. 

Charlie has been here too & is working hard & having lots of fun! I know this because I'm so much fun! Haha

Sidney needed to ride with daddy!

Papa was ready for the action!

Prestyn got the pleasure of riding with me!

Cayden was with Charlie & we all got to round up the pairs.

Then we got prepped for a mini branding! 

Charlie is a hoot!

Branding in action! 

Friends!

We had a great morning today with awesome friends!  Trisha & her hubby Bill & I went to high school together.  Here is a shot of all of our kids together! Such sweet little people! 

We also managed to have an adventure together we never thought we'd do together, rounding up 2 horses that got out.  Luckily Trisha knows what she's doing.  Not sure she appreciated me documenting the occasion for the blog. Lol

Then there are these two. Ever since they were tiny we've been getting together for play dates. Today we reminded them of the first time they met at 3 months & 6 weeks & Cayden puked on Alexa. They thought it was a pretty funny story. I'll have to round up pictures of their other play dates to see how much they've changed over the years!

Then all the big kids put on a play for us.  It was a great day. So lucky to have such great friends!

Rainbow spaghetti!

Last night for supper we made colorful spaghetti. It was fun & the kids got to help so they were thrilled.

First we cooked, drained & cooled the noodles. Then we put food coloring in ziplock baggies & added the noddles & sealed shut.

Each kid got to pick their own color.

Then they got to smush away & get the color all over the noodles! 

The kids loved getting to help & see the color changes.

Charlie was thrilled! :)

Then we re-rinsed all the noodles & re-heated them.

Here's our crew of noodles! Heehee