Summer Sleepovers

Since Randy and I returned from the Boogren wedding, we've stayed relatively close to home.  Sometimes unplanned, impromptu events are the best and that is what we've experienced lately.  I'm one of those people that just tries to squeeze every last ounce of fun out of these summer days, because the cold and gray winter days come too quickly!

Erin and Travis had planned a short visit in early August for the Timberlake concert, and last minute Nolan was asking to see Helaina, so Randy and I gladly had the kids for the evening while Erin and Travis spent a night together in downtown Detroit.  It had been a long time since Helaina and Nolan had seen each other, but they picked up right where they left off....bikes, toys, movies, ice cream, and a sleep over.  Zach is finally old enough that he "tries" to keep up with the big kids.  There were definitely some precious moments with the 3 of these kiddos together. 

This is what the next day looks like after a sleepover with your friend.  Even Roscoe wanted a part of nap time.

The kids and I had been itching to get out and do something different, so last Friday, we drove about an hour south to the Toledo Zoo.  It had been 3 years since I had been there with my parents and Helaina and this was Zach's first trip.  It is a fabulous place for kids and families!!!  We had great weather and the kids were really well behaved.
This picture melts my heart because it describes in detail, each of their personalities.  Helaina with her pink and purple rainbow face paint and her purse draped across her petite little shoulder while Zach chose the orange tiger face painting and held tightly to his football for the most of the day.  It was a wonderful day spent with my little buddies!    

Our neighbors from the old house were such a big help with the move, so we promised a sleepover to their girls.  On Saturday, Helaina had that sleepover with her friends, Reese and Brie.  We took them to Paradise Park where they played in the arcade, had a pizza party, jumped in the trampoline, road go-carts, and played their first game of mini-golf.
If you look closely, you'll see that Randy has himself a passenger :)!

The 3 amigos!  We sure do miss having these girls right outside our front door.  They've had a couple play dates since our move last month, and I'm sure there will be plenty more in the future.