Grandma and O

Drifting Off

Falling asleep with a good book.

4th of July

The Derecho party continued over the 4th of July with everyone going to watch the fireworks.  It's a good thing fireworks don't require electricity!

Uncle Richard bet Sammy that she couldn't climb the pole

He lost the bet.

Sammy bet Uncle Richard that he couldn't climb the pole.  He lost that bet too.

Fun with glo necklaces

Owen likes things that glow too.

Silly faces

El Derecho

On June 29, 2012 much of the United States learned what a weather Derecho is.  A storm carrying straight line winds nearing 100 mph formed in northwest Indiana and carved a path of destruction 600 miles long.  That night I actually moved the kids into the bathroom to sleep as I watched the windows bow in and out in my kitchen.  During a lull I went outside to see how things looked.  I heard trees falling around me...big trees.

We were lucky.  Our power did not go out for very long and we only lost a few trees.  My house became a party spot however, as the rest of the family had no power for over a week.  As I drove around the number of trees down and property damaged was staggering.  Below are the pictures of the small damage that we sustained in our yard.

There were branches everywhere, and we lost a number of the trees behind the shed

This is actually deceptive because of all the vines.  We lost several large trees heading down toward the river.  This was actually a good thing as we wanted to clear a path down anyway.

Quite a few shingles were lost as well

As I said, the power being out everywhere left my place as the hot spot for everyone.  That meant, everyone in the pool!

A Summer's Day

Why yes, that is a grill...

Sammy and Layla in a tree

Your guess is as good as mine

Later That Day...

Sammy's party included the usual campfire.  While they girls were off playing in the pool, Owen decided to go traveling....

He started out on a blanket way back by the fire

Traveling is more fun when you have a kitty by your side

Owen LOVES to go in the car, but I'm not sure this is the best way in .

But, if Mommy opens the door, I can climb in...

I'm in, let's go!

Or maybe I'll drive?

Happy Birthday Sammy!

I did not think to take many pictures on Sammy's birthday.  It was a beautiful day.  She had a cupcake pinata, a watermelon cake, and a great time in the pool.