Happy birthday to the Domonique in our life!

Her siblings made cards, pictures and decorated for her special day. We enjoyed pancakes and ice cream for breakfast and she enjoyed helping!

We went to our friend's pool to swim (of course we did) and spend time with the Smiths! We had a very nice time and were so glad we had fun time with our friends - especially since they are moving in a couple of days. But I don't want to talk about that.

Camdilyn and Felix

Steve got out of the pool before the rest of us and ended up peeling my potatoes so they would be ready to cook when we got home. Yes, I should have been more prepared and put the soup in the crock pot before I left but that just didn't happen. Thanks for the help, Steve.

Party Time! She helped make a jell-o cake with whipped cream frosting.

Grammy and Gaffa's card

Grandma Graham's present

Her very own kite.

My Littlest Pet Shop

Horse for Jenny, her doll

Loom bands - a whole lot of them

Flip flops

Puzzles

Candy

New outfit for Jenny

Inside the cake- looks awesome

Birthday girl - who didn't like the cake.

Bummer.

I took the kids to the park for fireworks! We loved our view and no one was scared of all the noise. What a great end to a great day!

We brought all the chairs so everyone could be comfortable.

It was a great show and the finale was amazing! The kids helped carry the chairs and we all made it back to bed happily tucked in for the night. Domonique is so smart and happy and curious. She loves to play and show the younger girls all the things she can do.

Camping in Kalamazoo

We had a strange camp site in Kalamazoo Resort, so never choose #74. They evidently turned it into a pathway but because we arrived so late - due to our car troubles - this is what we had. We parked and set up tents in the dark and went to bed. We tried to make the best of it and just have fun but it was a tiny spot, with people on either side and people walking through our site to go on the trail, or come out. Oh well.

They had mini golf, so we played. I played with the younger girls while Kevin played with the older kids. There was not quite enough shade for such a sunny day. And it was a full 18 holes so it was really long. Oh well.

We ended up moving the van so we weren't blocking the trail which makes our site look even smaller. Let's go home.

Oh the road again!

It would seem that we are meant to have trouble on long trips. As we were driving from the family reunion, we noticed a noise getting louder and then a stinky smell. We stopped and tried to figure out what it was but didn't know what it was. Kevin tried to go farther, at least to the next exit, but the noise and smell got worse so we were stopped on the side of the interstate. Fortunately, our insurance company has roadside assistance and they were able to help us. The next town had a big van service so they came and picked me and the kids up. Kevin waited for the tow truck to take him to the auto mechanic in town. 

The kids were very excited about riding in the bus.

The bus took us to the McDonald's in town so we could be comfortable and have a place for the kids to play. we ate our snacks and watched TV or read books. We got there around 12 and Kevin came to pick us up with a fix Harvey at 5:40. It was the water pump but everything got fixed and we were on our way again - only 6 and a half hours behind schedule.

We did buy dinner and everyone enjoyed that! I was just grateful for all the tender mercies the Lord sent us through the trial. We are getting better at handling these automotive issues - we take a deep breath and press forward.

Recap of past issues:
1. On our way out to Colorado in 2013 we lost a tire - it just rolled off the car and down the interstate. The Lord sent a kind man who brought back our tire, and another kind man who helped us get it back onto the car. 2 hour delay in our travels.
2. On our way to home from Utah in 2015 our alternator died and we had issues with our electronics. The Lord helped us find a shop and they worked diligently to get a new alternator installed so we could get on our way - even though it was closing time.
3. On our way to Massachusetts in 2015 our tire blew. Kevin was able to put on the spare (which was ready to fall apart, too) while I walked with the kids to the rest stop just ahead of us so we could get out of the heat. We made it to the next exit to the Firestone - holiday weekend and they changed all four tires and "fixed" leaking hoses.
4. Our water pump went out and the Lord provided for us. What great opportunities to see the Lord's hand in our lives and learn and gain strength from Him.