Valpo Vacation

Here is part II of our photos from our vacation in Valpo.  Aunt Sheila and Uncle Kevin, they're practically famous.  The kids talk about them even when we're in MI.  They have the best home for entertaining and are even better company.  We spent a couple days in the pool, in the sandbox, on the play set, and jumping on the trampoline.  Zachary is our next fish...jumping off the diving board, racing down the slide, and hanging out in the deep end.   

The kids were just as excited to spend the day at the lake with Grandpa.  Unfortunately, Grandma broke her foot the day before and could not join us, but it was definitely best for her to rest up for the remainder of our trip.  You need two healthy feet to chase these wild children around!
Helaina knows the drill.  She's becoming Captain Don's little helper.  

Zachary hanging out like one of the big kids. It's amazing to see the change since last year at this time.  He could barely stay away during the boat ride last year, and this year he was tubing with mommy!

Not sure who was having more fun?!?

Helaina insisted on going in the tube by herself.  We rode together initially and then upon returning to the boat she says, "I'm going in this tube by myself!  Mommy's knees were all over my back and it wasn't any fun."  

Helping Grandma Catherine water her flowers.  This kept him busy for about 20 minutes.  And this pretty little Great-Grandma is going to be 88 years old this winter! Glad we are able to spend such quality time with them each summer!

Our annual summer visit with Grace and Claire.  Just wish we could see their family more than just 1 or 2 times a year.  In a couple years, we'd like to take a trip out east to visit them in Maryland to see that part of the country.  

Great-Grandpa Walter helping Zachary crack the shells off the peanuts.  And this young man turned 78 years old this spring.  Still farming that land, keeping himself young, and letting the kids play with all the farm equipment.  Grandpa Bob is also famous in our house.  Any and every tractor we see is "like Grandpa Bob's."

The "Whistle Stop" restaurant.  Trains, trains, and more trains.

On the last part of our trip, we traveled 2 1/2 hours from Valpo out to Danville to celebrate the 1st birthday of these beautiful twins.  Hadley and Owen are 1 year old!!!  Could they be any more cute?

Having their smash cake for their country-themed county fair party.

Playing pin the tail on the donkey.

Sack races!!!

 So after an afternoon of driving and a full night of playing together, Aiden and Helaina had their first "real" slumber party.  This is a picture for the memory books!

One of the main reasons we scheduled our trip to Valpo was to attend the Open House for our niece, Amber.  She graduated from Wheeler High School and will be attending Ball State this fall.  It was a nice afternoon spent with family and the kids just love playing getting to spend time at their house.  Congratulations and best wishes to you Amber!

This is for you Daddy! Look at the tricks we learned while we were away!