Botanical Gardens

I'm trying to really enjoy these last days of summer break before school starts. Last week went to the zoo with a group of friends and this last Thursday, we went with this group of fun friends to the Botanical Gardens. It was the perfect temperature and a ton of fun for the kids to run around and play.







A little less than two weeks left, I can't believe how fast the summer has gone!

Jake's Summer

We have gone non stop this summer, and poor little Jake has been our mascot! He has gone to every tee ball practice, tee ball game, soccer practice, swim lesson, you name it. I truly think he believes he's just as old and big as his brothers. He is dying to get on every field and looking for ways to get around me or anything else in his way. He's such a good natured little fellow, I had to give him a post before I put all of the big boys summer adventures up. He's Max and Seth's BIGGEST FAN! We love you Baby! (For some reason, who ever is the youngest child we call them Baby Max, or Baby Seth, or now...Baby Jake. We eventually just drop their name and call them Baby.)

Ben took this picture; Jake has conquered climbing onto the counter. He really is a Super Baby!

Here he is drinking Seth's water bottle while at tee ball practice.

Poor guy is watching the boys play with fire crackers.

Jake is watching a little dog out the window at a boat marina.

After all our trips to the Lake this summer, Jake has finally warmed up to swimming and getting into the water...he loves it!

The Blob and Water Tramp

We had a blast in TN again! This time we brought a water Trampoline, it was a blast. Can't wait till next week!

Moments That Matter Most

Some Friends that are Great as Hale

These are some of our best family friends. They have truly been a blessing to Ben and I since living in OH. They are a couple that would do anything for you and we have learned so much from their example of service and love. Thanks so much for all you do and ALL the fun we have down in Tennessee!

Red and Oh So Sweet!

Last year was our first year picking strawberries, I just about missed the season. This year, I've been keeping tabs on a local strawberry farm just down from our house. We even brought Ben along to help us with our efforts. Jake was old enough this year to walk along side of us and eat what he picked. He was a mess by the time we were finished. I had to remind the big boys to only pick the red ones, not the green or orange ones. Thank goodness I was making freezer jam with them...it calls for a ton of sugar!

Sorry to all those that aren't on my visiting teaching route...this was there June treat with visit!

Fun as Hale

We love spending our Memorial Day weekend down in Tennessee! This year there was a new addition to the Hale family...our boat! My vote for his name is, "Fun as Hale"...let me know if you have any better ideas for names?!?! Here is a few pictures from our weekend of fun.

The maiden voyage. Our friends dropped us in and drove the truck back to the cabin so we could take the boat out for the first time as a family!

Yes, I was finally able to get up on the wake board...I know it might be hard to believe since this picture doesn't show me up.

A weekend at the cabin wouldn't be complete without fire crackers*****