We had a morning with just Avery and Layla while Kieron and Silas spent the night at Uncle Brian’s. We took the opportunity to be tourists on Balboa Island.

This Fourth of July was much more fun than last year’s. All the usual festivities were back in full swing with some minor Covid protocols in place. We started the day with the neighborhood parade.

A little backyard fun

Playing at the Shepard’s house before the big fireworks show

Miles & Layla

Look who we ran into!

Back at the Shepard’s house again after the show

We lit a few sparklers back at our place at the end of the night

Nicole had a track event up north in June, so she, Andrew and Uncle Scott paid us a visit on their way there. Andrew stayed with us for a few days during the event, and we were happy to get some extra time with him. On their way back we got to visit more with Nicole and Uncle Scott. We missed Aunt Manivanh, but we were thankful for the time we got.

These boys got flipped once!

Silas, riding home in the tube

Silas and Layla went to a movie night at the Christian’s

These boys hung out one afternoon while Avery had a rowing camp

With my bro

Here’s what we were up to in June. But first, in case you ever wondered what our family would look like as cartoon characters, here we are:

Avery got vaxed

The three of us took a little day trip to B’ham

Of course we went to Mallard’s Ice Cream

Outside Rumor’s Cabaret

Jonathan’s with his rowing buddies, Gabe & James. Gabe’s mom passed away and they went down for her funeral.

Fun fact: I fell in love with Gabe’s parent’s house and the way his mom decorated it when we spent one 4th of July there. Much of it has been redone in the 20 years since, but here’s part of the kitchen.

Jono, James & Joe, together again. I’m sure they didn’t get into any trouble.

Layla & Clare – besties!

Literally climbing the walls

Just a little chipmunk taunting our pets

Uno with Maggie & Layla

Playing with the new Barbie camper

Silas was thrilled to sit in James’ Tesla when he came to visit

Free dress day at ballet

Notice the three Belles

Returning library books

These two play so well together!

Hot dog!

Kitty love

Avery is always tinkering with the lighting in his room. Here’s his under-the-bed lights.

Chalk art by Layla

The kids all joined  swim team at The Club again this summer. Here are pictures from June, lots of practice and a few meets at the end of the month. July will be full of meets. We’ve seen so much growth already in all our kids, especially Layla, who started the season barely swimming and can now make it safely all over the pool. Go Tiger sharks!

Relaxing at a meet

Matthew & Avery

Kieron, Avery, Layla & Hayden

Playing at the pool one evening

Found Layla and Miles having a quiet conversation during one of the meets!