Of Matrimony, Mud and Mirth

Last Saturday we had the privilege to attend a wedding for a girl who was part of our youth group when we first moved here 7 years ago. She and her then-fiance asked Danny to lay out the gospel for all of the guests after the wedding party exited the auditorium following the ceremony. As per our usual custom, we took Rach and Zekers with us and the younger 2 stayed at home with a sitter; we've learned through trial and error that this generally makes the evening much more enjoyable for all of us! Rachel was absolutely beside herself with excitement; I'd found a dress while on a thrift store excursion a couple of months ago, and this was the first time she had occasion to wear it. With the help of a few safety pins in the back - to decrease the bodice by a few sizes - it fit her very well and it was pretty apparent that she felt like a little princess in it.

Wearing Daddy's coat and shades


Rachel's good friend Jessica was the flower girl.


On July 4th, we headed to Lebanon, near King's Island, for a Shipper family reunion (Danny's Mom's side), held at the newly-rebuilt home of Danny's Uncle John. The old one burned down 2 years ago, about 6 weeks after our last reunion. Seeing his house almost made me want to set ours on fire - it was so cool! (In case our house ever does catch fire and anyone reads this, I'm totally kidding.) The steady rain that fell all afternoon and evening didn't dampen the kiddos' spirits - in fact, they had a ball playing in the rain and mud. Good thing we brought an extra change of clothes for each of them! After we ate, we were treated to a potato gun demonstration by their cousins, Quinn and Ian, and their Uncle John. That was about as close to seeing fireworks as we got this year!



The frosting was very blue!


Finally - a smile!!


Moo's favorite part of the day involved chasing bubbles.


Can you see the family resemblance?


Cousins on the couch


Yesterday Danny had the day off, and we decided on a whim to go to the Cincinnati Zoo. (We initially wanted to make another attempt to see the "Me" zoo, but of course, it's closed not only on Fridays, but also on Mondays.) We ended up purchasing a family membership, since the prices are such that it more than pays for itself after just 2 trips, with a family our size, and is good through the end of July next year. Plus, we get 50% off at a bunch of other zoos nationwide. We packed our own lunch and brought snacks & drinks, so we didn't have to spend anything on food. The kiddos loved it, and Danny and I got a lot of exercise, pushing the stroller up hills and carrying them on our backs and shoulders! (OK, Danny did most of that.) We stayed until after 5, and still didn't see everything - what a great family day. Even Malachi loved it, pointing excitedly at many of the animals. I'm looking forward to going back!












This is what I get for trying to manufacture cuteness. Click on the picture for an even better view and you'll see what I mean!