Erickson Family Reunion

We had our Erickson Family Reunion last week. We had a good time seeing our relatives that we truly only see once a year.

We started off the festivities by making caramel corn with Minnie Mouse. Our treat to take and share with everyone else.

There was an old bunkhouse at Early Park that the kids loved playing in.

One of the relatives had two dogs that were all flowered up. The girls never (and I mean never) left them alone.

The homemade train that took all the kids on rides.

My moms cousin, Kris, is still trying to give up her binki.

My Grandma Hazel and my mom.

Relay races.

Water balloon fights. I know this looks as though Troy is trying to get his mother-in-law wet but I am sure it is just the angle of the camera. Notice that she is protecting herself with a Diet Coke.

See the Family Reunion Ambush (once again Grandma Rett uses the Diet Coke Defense... This time it gets knocked out of her hand)...

As the grand finale, they had a homemade cannon that shot out money and candy. It was like an early Halloween. Loads and loads of yummy candy.

An awesome time was had by all. We look forward to another year...

Aeva's 4!

Anyone who knows when my little Aeva's birthday is (July 12) will know how far behind I am on my blogging. I blame it all on Troy... You see, he got me a new phone with an awesome camera. That means I am taking more pictures than ever before. That also means, all those pictures have to find their way onto the blog. Maybe he will buy me a professional blogger at some point to keep up with all of my dutiful picture taking!

Anyway, this cute little girl has turned 4! How time flies. She is a so sweet and keeps us entertained 24/7. Her sisters adore her and her mom and dad can't wait to hear what she says next. We are so blessed that she came to our family. An addition we could not live without!

Grandpa Ken gave her one of her favorite gifts...yup, shin guards. She will start playing this Fall and is more than excited. She even slept in these things for a few nights!

Great Grandma Pearl sewed her a puppet bear.

She still loves doughnuts way more than cake. Fine with me!

I look forward to watching her grow. There is even a hint of sadness that she is my last "baby." What do all of you senior citizens do with yourselves when you don't have something cute to chase around the house??? Thanks, Aeva, for keeping us smiling. You are one loved little girl!

We love you! Happy Birthday.

Ding Dong

Aeva has a favorite thing to do. Every other Sunday we eat dinner at my dad's house. We park the car and head toward the garage door. Without fail, Aeva, will turn to the left and head for the front door. She hangs on the door knob so that she can reach the bell. She then proceeds to ring it several times and waits for grandpa to come and answer it. Grandpa knows immediately who it is. He smiles, gets up from his chair and heads toward the rarely opened front door.

This girls knows how to make an entrance. She also knows that Grandpa will never leave her waiting.

Best Friends

Everyone has a best friend, right? Aeva, has had one since birth. They were born 5 days apart and have never stopped hanging out since. This is Ms. Piper. She and Aeva celebrated their 4th birthdays in July.

They make me smile as I think back to my best friends and how much fun I had growing up with them.

Keep smiling, girls! True friendship is a blessing to be cherished.

End of the year BBQ

Maddie finished up her year with the Valley Vipers. We had tons of fun and made lots of new friends. Here are some of the final pictures...

Thanks for a great year!

Um...had a great 4th of July

The dating of this post will tell you how many pictures I have taken and how hard it has been to get them all on the blog. I'll be catching up for the rest of my life! Maybe when school starts things will slow down a bit. Then again, maybe they will get more hectic?

Anyhoo, this is how we spent our 4th...

Our little neighborhood bike parade.

The somewhat larger Huntsville parade.

My favorite...the fireworks. Love seeing the flag!

And to top it off, Aeva's ride back to the car. She was delirious by this point and holding on to Troy's hat for support.

Oh, and finishing off the popcorn.

Another wonderful 4th! God bless America, our troops and the freedoms we enjoy.

We managed for two years...and then, it was back.

Troy and I managed to keep our children away from Lagoon for 2 years! 2 wonderful, blissful years. And then, it was back. Stake Lagoon Day ruined our little streak of brainwashing our children into thinking Lagoon was a sewage treatment plant. They now know the truth and we are doomed.

Not only are we doomed once but...twice. After all, if you can Bounce Back for $10 you have to do it, right?

For posterity sake, I will post some memories. I will then hope that my feet and wallet recover before next years Stake Lagoon Day rolls around.

This is what happens when a lady with big buttons on her pockets walks by. The button grabs on to small girls ponies and yanks them to the side. I think Aeva lost half of her hair. Poor child. At least she has several years to grow it back.

Aeva LOVED the Tidal Wave. I actually get quite sick on the Tidal Wave. Something that never happened when I was younger. In fact, I used to point and mock people that got sick on rides. Karma has hit...I am now one of those "old, sick people." I did go on it for a second time, however. I had to catch Aeva's face each time she went up. I think the man in front (in the gray shirt) is waiting for me to puke on him. Taking pictures while already motion sick is not something I would recommend.

This is turning into an Aeva show but she is the only one that would hang out with mom for extended periods of time. Anyway, this is what happens when you put two 4 year olds on a water ride and neither of them know how to steer. They got soaked. Very fun to watch. Thumbs up for anyone needing some entertainment.

Thank you, Lagoon, for a fabulous time. Maybe I do like it. Perhaps having all 3 girls out of diapers and not needing naps makes this enjoyable. I'm sure I will be able to let you know next year. We will never be allowed to miss a year again. My girls are hooked!

The Poppers

We had a surprise visit from some of our favorite people...The Stapleys! The dropped into town and we reserved them for a night. We were also lucky enough to have a visit from The Poppers, an up and coming musical group.

They have a concert program to help you follow along and now when to "take a break."

They sing.

And dance.

And most importantly, they sign autographs!

And pose for pictures with their biggest fans.

And they are still humble enough to sleep on the floor.

Thanks Stapleys for an awesome time. We look forward to more surprise visits. We would also like to be advised of any concerts in the near vicinity.