Summer in the States 2009!

We met up with Shawna and her two boys, Logan and Dylan, and Uncle Nick at Grandma's house for a week of fun in Madison. Poor Grandma went from no kids to 5 kids all under the age of 10! Grandma Coleen, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Lynne all stayed in a hotel right nearby Sara's house (and Aunt Jess, Uncle Dan, Aunt Rudie and Uncle Gene live in Madison)- so we spent our days at the Zoo, the numerous parks, the 'beach', State Street and the State Capital, Grandma's hot tub, and a family reunion on Grandma Coleen's side.
Grandma Coleen with her 5 Great-Grandchildren at the Madison Zoo.
Aunt Jess, Aunt Shawna, Grandma Coleen, Krista and Nate
Aunt Lynne, Grandma Coleen, Grandma Sara and Uncle Jeff...

Summer in the States 2009!

Uncle Jeff enjoying the Madison Zoo train ride with his nieces and nephews...
The beloved Carousal ride...
At the Zoo entrance...Dylan, Sera Ann and Max...

Summer in the States 2009!

Grandma Coleen helping Sera Ann feed the goats at the Madison Zoo.
Aunt Shawna and cousin Dylan on the carousel ride.
Logan on his Lion...
Aunt Jess with Sera Ann...

Summer in the States 2009!

Nate, Grandma Sara and the kids at the UW Madison Union Terrace.
Uncle Nick and Nate with the kids at the Terrace...
Tayah (9), Max (7), Logan (8), Sera Ann (4) and Dylan (4) all together at Aunt Jess and Uncle Dan's house.
Grandma Coleen with her three kids - Bob (Grandpa), Aunt Lynne and Uncle Jeff.

Summer in the States 2009!

Nate had found this street sign while road biking when we were staying at Grandma's house. He was so excited to show us all that we jumped in the car and drove out in search of the 'Garfoot' road sign. Grandma Coleen's (the kids great grandma) maiden name is Garfoot.
The kids on State Street in downtown Madison.
Grandma Sara with 'her boys', Nate and Nick at the fountain on State Street.
Leave it to Shawna to go wading in the fountain!!! The kids thought that was great fun.

Summer in the States 2009!

Sera Ann hula-hooping at the Maxwell's house in Madison.
Hula hooping was the 'thing-to-do' this summer...Great fun and great exercise!
The three kids going at it...

Summer in the States 2009!

We spent a week in Door County at Grandpa's house on Lake Michigan - Uncle Nick, Aunt Jess, Uncle Dan and Grandma Coleen were all there as well. As always, we saved a day for The Farm. It is one of our favorite spots in Door County...feeding, petting and holding the baby farm animals, watching baby chickens being born, seeing the horses, cows, bunnies, donkeys, geese, etc.
Holding the kittens is definetly a highlight. This little black kitten was by far the cutest and cuddliest one of the bunch - the kids could have held her all day.

Summer In The States 2009!

Every year that we visit The Farm, we have our family photo taken with our hairy friend and his big tongue. He is one of our favorite (and most impressive :)) animals at The Farm...
and yet another annual photo opp...
every visit the kids have to endure just 'one more photo' with Mr. Scarecrow.
What can be more fun than feeding baby farm animals!??

Summer in the States 2009!

Grandma Coleen, Aunt Jess, Max, Sera Ann and Tayah - happy together on Grandpa's porch.
Celebrating Aunt Jess, Max and Tayah's June birthdays.
Like Uncle, like Nephew...
Both of these boys could spend hours in the sand.
What exactly they were investigating...I am not sure...but they were having a great time doing it!

Summer in the States 2009!

Around Grandpa's campfire - cookin' up some smores...
Running races on the beach with Uncle Dan...
Nate and Max just hangin' out...
It may have been cold in Door County - but the fire and the company kept us warm...It was so wonderful to have Grandma Coleen with us for the week.

Summer in the States 2009!

A day with the Maxwells...

Whenever I am with the Maxwells, I spend my time in awe of just how lucky we are to have such special friends in our lives. You are such an amazingly generous, loving, open family. Thanks guys for everything - you have a really special place in our hearts.
p.s. we missed you Sam!