Summer!

Riding bikes together

What a summer!  Heidi (Tim's sister) and Jazzy (her daughter) came for three weeks!  They always visit Nana & Papa Mewes for the summer, but this year, Nana & Papa were in Virginia, so we got to enjoy them as well.
The kids enjoyed just playing and hanging out with each other, and the girls got to celebrate their birthdays together (they're just three weeks apart).  We took everyone to see the Minion movie as part of the celebration and had a small birthday party.

The three younger kids and their cousin were able to participate in our church's VBS.  They enjoyed learning about Jesus and His sacrifice for us.  Caroline went early one day to work at a homeless shelter, doing laundry, cleaning, and serving breakfast.

Girls on a train!

Another highlight was a trip to DC for Independence Day.  Usually we stay close to home, because who wants to drive back from DC so late?  This year, the Virginia Railway Express offered train rides to and from for only $10!!  SOLD!!  We had a great time!  We learned a few things for next year...one, food is not close.  I'm so glad I brought SOMETHING to eat.  It was meant to be a snack, but it ended up being the only thing we had until after the fireworks.

The boys went to West Virginia for a week for camp.  Jonathan's was more of a fun camp, playing games, swimming, etc.  Peter's - well, that was more like a boot camp.  We got there and he instantly had to drop and start doing push-ups.  He said it was awful for the first few days, but after that it was more fun.  Still lots of drilling, marching, discipline, but some fun things too.  He no longer complains about how hard WE are on him.  Ha!

While the boys were gone, we kept having fun with Heidi and Jazzy, going to Monticello, having meals, shopping, and just enjoying each other's company.  We were very sad to see them leave, but we are looking forward to this being a yearly event!!