Lost World Cavern and Coal Mine

Today we started and ended our day celebrating Maddie turning 8 (presents in the morning, and then swimming with pizza before bed).

We then headed to the Lost World Cavern to see some fantastic sights underground.  The younger four love anything rock related so it was a big hit.

After the cave, we drove to the Coal Mine which was beyond educational and fun. We rode a train into the mine and had a four-year veteran teach us about its history.  

Madeline Turns 8 Years Old

Today Madeline turns eight.  Right now she still is the tallest girl in her class with bright blue eyes, enjoys playing outside, swimming, art, and building Legos. She is so smart, inquisitive, and full of nonstop excitement. 

Happy 8th Birthday, Madeline!  We love you so much

Madeline was so excited this year as she got her first friend party.  She spent her day doing everything she loves to do.  She had art club this morning and then had her three best friends over for a pool party.  With temps in the high 90s, it was a perfect pool day.  The girls swam, ate cake, opened presents, and giggled a lot.  The day was perfect, just hope eight continues to be just as awesome for her as today was.  

Beckley, West Virginia

Today we drove from Michigan to West Virginia.  We arrived around dinner time, so we went out to eat at a nice Mexican restaurant and then played a round of mini-golf.

Summer Road Trip - Visit the Speckmans

Today kicked off our two-week road trip.  First stop, visiting the Speckmans in Michigan.  We spent two days together playing games, swimming, playing outside, and laughing.  Special thanks to the Speckmans for hosting.  We always love seeing you all.

Vocal Recital

Tonight was Elyse's vocal recital.  Thankfully this year we suggested to her teacher to have it at Constance Church so the recital would have a better sound system, lighting, and air conditioning.  So glad she took us up on it because it was wonderful!  The entire thing was way more enjoyable and easier to hear.  Plus Elyse did a fabulous job.  She sang, "Notice Me, Horton" from "Seussical".  (Reason for the pink tail 😁)

Klauser Family Visits

Starting Sunday to today we had the honor of hosting the California Klausers.  We just love when they come to visit!  We didn't capture many pictures, proving we had such a great time we didn't stop to capture it.  We did spend our time playing many outdoor games, swimming, baking, card game playing, and laughing.  We also spent a few hours separated by gender so boys could go mini-golfing and bowling, while the girls went shopping and got drinks at Starbucks.  Overall, the visit was short, but the memories will last forever.  Love them all and hope to see them again soon.

Summer Bucket List

 A few weeks back, friends of ours suggested in order to keep summer fun and interesting, make a bucket list.  Therefore, whenever we have nothing to do or the kiddos are complaining, we will do something to check it off the list.  We came up with a list a few days later and began checking things off today, four to be exact.  Thanks to Grand Slam, we played in an arcade, did Laser Tag, and went mini-golfing.  We also celebrated with rootbeer floats for dessert. 😀