Nicole's 7th Birthday Party

We celebrated Nicole's 7th birthday on Sunday, June 8th. We invited her friends to an afternoon of swimming, cake and ice cream, playing in the gym and climbing on the indoor play structure. Nicole really enjoyed herself and I think the kids did too. We all got in the water, even Uncle Chris and Uncle Kenny. We played "spider web", volleyball and basketball in the gym and the kids loved climbing up the rock walls and jungle gym. Our party ended, most kids had left when those remaining were rushed into the women's locker room for safety from the horrible storm and possible tornado. No one really enjoyed that part, but as I told Nicole, "we'll never forget your 7th birthday". Enjoy the photos.

Morgan Starts Piano

Morgan's first day of piano was last Thursday. The top picture is Morgan with her piano teacher Ms. Carol at her first lesson. Morgan was all smiles throughout the lesson and really did an amazing job at listening and following Ms. Carol's directions. Ms. Carol has a very good reputation as a piano teacher who expects great things(and lots of practice) from her students. The bottom picture is of Morgan before her daily practice session at our piano at home. Great Granny Kelbert has graciously given us her piano, and after the piano technician repaired and tuned it, it sounds like new(4 hours of repair!!!). Morgan has been very faithful with her practice and is really catching on fast. Stay tuned for more updates on the piano lessons as we are committed as Morgan says "until she is an adult".

Our Favorite Hobby

Two weekends ago, Mike and I were able to get away for a day and go hiking.

We went to Pontiac Lake Recreation Area about 30 miles west of our house. Mike and I love to hike, but don't get to do it very often. This is something we did even when we were dating. Hiking combines two things I love, being outside and exercising. A friend recommended this hike and it was a great recommendation. We hiked for 6 miles and it was a good combination of uphill and down hill. The hike had some great views of the inland lake and some really beautiful trees. The rain held off until we were walking back to our car. The map above is the 13 mile loop. We did the first three then turned around. We have taken the girls on two hikes and hope this summer to add a few more.