Summer

 We've been having a fun summer around here.  A while back we went to Binder Park Zoo with Jeremy, Marilee, Jennalynn, and Lydia.  We loved seeing the animals, and especially the Africa part.  The only part Orrin was interested in was the train.  He was pretty excited for the "train" (a tram" ride) to the Africa exhibit.  And of course the giraffes were a hit.

Orrin and Joanna painted rocks for Scott for Father's Day.  It was an adventure finding the rocks (had to climb a large dirt hill on the other side of our neighborhood where they are building a new house).  Joanna was absolutely covered in (non-toxic) paint, while Orrin neatly painted with his brush and bowl - not a speck of paint on him when we were done.

Orrin is ready for the Grandville 4th of July parade.

Playing with his cousins after the parade.  

Our jungle/garden.  This was taken several weeks ago.  Unfortunately after harvesting a bunch of zucchini, we had to pull out the plants.  So the back third of the garden is empty now.  Zucchini and pumpkin got infested with squash vine borer.  I'll spare you the gross details of what we found in the zucchini stems.  Sad to lose the pumpkins especially since there were a bunch that were growing, but it was clear that they had been infested as well so they had to go.  The watermelons have escaped the garden now.  And we are being overwhelmed by cucumbers.  Scott has had to cut them back a few times already to try and save the tomatoes.  The poor pepper and eggplant plants have just been swallowed up and are barely growing.  Its a learning process I guess.  Next year - not so many plants, more cages and more space between plants!  :)

Orrin loves to help wash the car!

Joanna just loves to watch.

Orrin has been pretty obsessed with umbrellas lately.  He would carry his around everywhere, a very sad sight in this drought.  So one day during dinner, we got like 5 minutes of a light rain.  So we quickly left our plates and ran outside so Orrin could stand under his umbrella.  Since then, I think he has been able to use it in one more rain.  

In mid-July, we went camping with friends.  It was a lot of fun - and a lot of work with two young kids!  Especially with Joanna, who is very difficult to contain at the moment.  We also forgot to take many pictures.  But I do think Orrin is hooked and camping will always be a fun family vacation for us.

Remember how I said we are overwhelmed with cucumbers?  So far, we have made 30 (!) quarts of pickles - 20 of bread and butter, 10 of dill.  Then we harvested a whole bunch more, so we've been giving them away, and Scott is hoping to try canning some relish.  Next up - the tomatoes!

Orrin is super excited about his new Scooter from Oma!

We went up to visit Lisa and Creig this past weekend.  Orrin learned how to skateboard.

We spent some time at the beach.  We had a blast playing in the sand and water, but it is difficult with Joanna b/c she missed her afternoon nap.  She was grumpy after a while, and it was tough keeping her from eating handfuls of sand.  But overall a fun time.

Lisa made Orrin a cake to celebrate his birthday.  This was the smile when everyone started singing to him.  So cute.  I'm not sure I can top that on his actual birthday this week, but I'll try.  :)