Hatch Reunion - Fourth of July

The Fourth of July consisted of the "Hatch Olympics" which included a balloon toss, "Can You Dance" contest, "Who Are You" dress up, "Minute to Win It" activity, and a variety of relay races.

This is a picture of Michael with Mallory playing Hungry Hippos...he's very competitive...where did he get that from? Here the group is watching on new dance steps...Brittany wasn't too interested in this portion of the games.

After the balloon toss, we had surprise visitors! Two clowns showed up (they know Grammy and Granddad from church). The kids loved it...ok...well, actually, Brittany ended up on Cory's lap watching from a "safe" distance.

I love this picture of Brittany at the balloon toss....what was she up to?

The kids were so excited to receive their own balloons and when they realized they were to throw them, they are thrilled!

Hatch Reunion - Day at the Beach

For one of the days, we all headed to the beach (of course). The kids love the water, sand, cousins, sand, sun and, yes, the sand! Brittany & Michael love running away from the waves and think it's funny when the waves hit them (that is, until they fall down).

Here's a picture of Jamie and myself...I can't believe I'm actually posting one of me in my swimsuit! Jamie and Michael wanted to build a castle...do you see Michael anywhere? I think it was Daddy who wanted to build one!

The kids loved spending time with their cousins! Here is Brittany with Erin.

Michael with cousins (Mallory, Brandon, Alyson & McKenna).

Action shot with the kids running from the waves!

Another use for Duct tape

Brittany wanted to have a pineta at her party, so Steve & Krista picked up one. Brittany was the first to hit it and then Kaitlyn. To much of our surprise, the thing came apart! So, in order to give all of the kids a turn, we duct tape the thing together...on many, many occasions!

Here are the kids waiting for their turn. Yes, we are taping it together here.

Gotta love that swing!

Kaitlyn should be baseball player!

Brittany just smashed the thing on her first try.

Where did July go?

For the record, are we positive that we had a full month of July? I mean, boy, the month was a complete whirlwind for us. First, we had the Hatch Reunion over the 4th, then Brittany's 4th bday on the 13th and then my 44th bday on the 21st! Here are some pictures showing our festivities during the crazy, unbelievable month of July (at least we have a 4-week repreve until Jamie's bday in August).

First, the bday celebration. During the reunion, we celebrated Brittany's bday with her cousin Kaitlyn. It was a little early, but it was her choice to celebrate it with extended family or later after the reunion. She picked having all of her cousins there.

This is Kaitlyn and Brittany after the cake, pineta and unwrapping of gifts. They had such a great time! Of course, the cake picture.

Blowing out the candles.

Eating the huge pieces of cake!

Michael was making too much noise here, and Brittany didn't like it.

Daddy's helpers?

Jamie has been working on our sprinkler system in the backyard for a few weeks now (we are putting in grass where the previous owner had bark). The kids loved having the dirt with holes and ditches to play in. Here is Brittany (who loves all dirt) playing in the dirt as it was sand at the beach!

Because of the dirt in the backyard, Michael found it necessary to help clean their toys. He brought in a jar (full of dirt unbeknowst to me) and poured into his sink! Yes, you guessed it. He filled up the sink with water and then proceeded to clean his shoes in it! So, the sink has been stopped up all week and Jamie was able to fix it today!

The kids grabbed their tools (yes, they have their own) and ran to help Daddy.

Yes, we are all into safety at our house!

Lynelle's Visit

My niece came to LA for a wedding a few weeks ago (she came from Joplin, MO; these pictures were taken just three days before the huge tonato hit Joplin), so I took the kids down to LA to see her. We picked her up at the hotel and drove to a nearby park. The kids loved seeing Lynelle (although they were a little confused because they thought they were seeing Renel -- my sister) and spending time with her.

First Hot Day of the Year!

These pictures were taken at the beginning of May (which was our very first 90-degree weather of the year). I thought for sure we would be in for a very hot summer, but the weather drop (after two days) to 50's! It has taken this long (June) for it to warm up to warmer temps. For example, today it was 80 degrees! We've had a fantastic Spring! This time last year, it was in the mid-90's!