It is a great summer to not have our air conditioner working! But although it is so pleasant outside, it is still hard to get the air to move though the house. We are using fans a lot. And I think it was the night air one night from the fan in the window that caused the head colds for a few of the children.
There was one really hot week - we melted, it was amazing that there was anything left of us at the end of the day! The cooler basement offered some relief. This summer we have a big pool; thanks to Jason for his effort in making that possible! I think he should get to enjoy it some too, and he has once or twice. I told him there is one requirement I have; when he comes home from work, he needs to come in and kiss me before diving in! :)
A few weeks ago we got an old rabbit hutch from my home place, fixed it up and re-painted it, and found a nice spot for it at the edge of the woods, behind the mini barn. Now it is home to two cute rabbits, a black one, Ink Pot, and a white one, Snowy. They belong to the girls, I guess, who are the ones that look after them every day. This morning they were out with their pets, and we found that the little kiddie pool (with out water of course) is a good place for them to run around while the children enjoy them. Venesa loves to pick grass for them and feed them through the wire in the hutch. And I love to watch her! 
This summer we offered to host my family's yearly camp out. It has been at my parent's place since we began the tradition several years ago. We were thinking the pool might be enjoyed a lot, remembering last year when we were together, it was so hot!!  We were so happy to have such beautiful weather this year, and it was almost too cool for much pool time! On Friday night it kept raining some, so no tents were set up outside. We found a place for everyone to sleep inside instead. I guess maybe they all got as good of a nights sleep as they would've in a tent! 
On Sat. we had a delicious brunch! Then we did some activities with the children...each of us sisters that have children took an age group and did something fun with them. Jason had taken over for me;
I chose the older boys group, and had an idea that included rockets. So he and Ryan made a water rocket launch pad. It was pretty impressive how high the pop bottles shot into the sky!
I loved all the other ideas they came up with for the babies, little boys, and the boys and girls ages 
5 to 7. A fishing game ( how Eric loved that!) a treasure hunt, play date for the babies. I think there was six children age two and under.
 It was great to be together. We missed our brothers and their families, but didn't expect them to join us this year, being very busy with moves, ect.
Jason and I watch with amazement how Bradyn grows! He has been sitting well for a month, and enjoying toys so much. People just have to laugh when they see his chubby cheeks. 
 He reminds us so much of Eric, except Eric was blonde and Bradyn is dark. I gave him his first hair cut the other day. He is nearly six months old. Last year around  this time Venesa was seven months, and I pumped so I could leave her over night with my mom for our anniversary! 
This week I am introducing Bradyn to a bottle, and pumping every morning so Jason and I can go with a group of  youth on a canoe trip this Sat. I am really looking forward to it! Getting enough milk is turning out to be easier than getting him to drink it!  He did better this morning with one of the sippy cups, but it was messy cause it came too fast. I am praying the children will be in better health by this weekend.