Rock Lake

Our Crew (plus Mom & Dad)

The Dudes.

Captian Jessi and her sidekick.

Cousins and best buds.

Air Time!

Notice the blurry picture...they didn't sit still much!

The Ladies.

Their sandcastles and 'pancakes'

This past weekend we spent on Rock Lake at Jessi's cabin with my family. It was so refreshing and relaxing. We all loved out time with the sun and in the water and especially the company. We spent lots of time paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, boating, playing games and laughing a whole lot.

It's so much fun to see Dawson and Weston's relationship really grow. Each time they spend together they have more and more fun together. It makes my heart smile to see how much fun they have together and the special bond they've already formed. I love thinking about how their bond will continue to grow as they do.

This was our sixth summer doing this as a family and it's always a highlight. I love seeing how are family grows in numbers and more closely together. We are so blessed!

Frankfort, Michigan

July has been a travel-filled month for our family. It been so special to create such memorable experiences with our family and to unplug a bit this summer.

Our first trip this month was to Frankfort, Michigan. It was the cutest, tiny town on Lake Michigan and the beach fronts were beautiful! Lots of parks, swing sets on the beach, great food too! We spent many days at the beach. Mom and Lainey 'relaxing' on the shore and Daryn and Dawson swimming in the water. Dawson's grown so confident in the water this summer and is a total fish. He spent lots of time exploring and gathering rocks and other treasures for his collections.

The scenery was breathtaking. We kept saying to one another, I can't believe this is Michigan! The white sand beaches and blue waters would have lead us to believe otherwise.

We visited Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore a few days and ran the sand dunes, drove the 'Scenic Route' and played on the beaches.

Dawson and Mom went on a river trip and floated down the Platte River into Lake Michigan.

The kids did so great. There were a few moments in the car and that one moment when Dawson melted down about a few near by dogs (he's unfortunately terrified of dogs) and Lainey projectile vomited all over all while Daryn and I were hauling our beach items, etc....But their flexibility and attitudes were amazing.

Floating down the Platte River into Lake Michigan.

Frankfort Beach Sunset

Sleeping Bear Dune Climb

Adding to his unending 'collections'

Lainey: 4 Months

Lainey's fourth month has been a busy month for our family to say the least. We've been gone the last three weekends and the weeks have been filled with fun activities, outings, trips and the like.

Each day we get more of a glimpse into this precious little lady. Her big, blue eyes have a story to tell. She appears to be very reflective and observant. She is very laid back and content with the exception of long car rides and when she needs to get your attention. ;) Lainey is finally warming up to people and once she does, she loves to lean into some extra snuggles and wants to keep your attention.

She loves, loves, loves her brother. Is so sweet to see their relationship grow each day. Dawson is such a great brother to her and is very protective. One of the sweetest things he will stop what he is doing every 10-20 min and come check in on her by squeezing her hands. It's so endearing.

Thankfully she's been very laid back the last few weeks and flexible with our schedule as we've traveled!

At 4 months, Lainey...
- Is 25" tall (72%) and 15lbs, 14oz (81%)
- Loves to be swaddled, however breaks out of it most nights and wakes up as a result...she's one strong lady!
- Really starting to coo and chatter
- Has found her feet and loves to grab them
- Enjoys sucking on her hands rather than a nuk
- Smiling and is cooing lots
- Her happiest time of the day is mornings
- Has a very strong core and sits up on her own for brief moments (and lots of supervision)
- Loves her bumbo chair...the look she gets when she sits in it is so sweet. She's so proud of herself and feels like such a big girl and part of the gang.
- Has not rolled over and doesn't appear to be very motivated to