The 4th was a wonderful weekend for our family. We actually had three whole days of celebrating, not just one! Our fun started on the 3rd with town activities and then fireworks that night. I was a little bummed about not having fireworks on the 4th, but hey, at least we had them. The show was awesome! One the fourth I had to work for a few hours but then we had our BBQ, just the family this year. We are still getting to know people and working hard on our home and in our jobs. Bills to pay and all that nonsense. The kids had a blast. We went and rented a canoe on the 3rd (the date on the pic is off). It was so much fun and the kids just had a great time! On the 5th we went to the beach and had a cookout and played in the sand and the waves. We were all so exhausted (me because I worked some all three of these days and cooked, cleaned, and played). Love and miss you all! Angel
We have been having quite a lot of fun this sumer with many days being spent out at the beach. Lake Michigan is a wonderful stop for fun. Nick and Caitlynn started in early May preparing for a summer of beach fun. They stopped for a rest under a beach tent that was for sale at a sporting goods store. They looked so cute reclining on the chairs with their shades on and, of course, baby near Caitlynn's side. Yes, she is in that stage where a baby must go anywhere and everywhere with us. Our first trip to the beach was just the kids and I. The weather was perfect, although the lake was still a little cool (in the 30's). You would have thought the water was perfect for Nick though. The child played and spashed with other kids until I had to pull him out because he was shivering. He played in the lake about 45 minutes. I thought he was going to freeze - I know I wanted to. 
By the end of the day she had buried herself more than once up to the waist and myself countless times. She doesn't remember going to the beach last summer I am sure - we only made it once. It is so nice to live just 5 miles from the beach instead of 90 minutes. A state park pass allows us unlimited access to the beach during the day. We have been making the most of it on the good days. I tried to get in a little early tanning and Caitlynn thought it would be fun to copy mommy and join in. 
She laid down on the towels next to me and tried to copy my posture. The opportunity was too good to miss and I had to grab the camera and snap a shot. We look forward to more time at the beach. Come and visit and you too shall become a "beach bum"! Love ya'll!
