seven peaks

I took my brothers and their friends down to seven peaks last week, and we roasted our little tushes off.

Assuming they had a good time.

They were all sawing logs on the drive home.

Reunioning

The second week of June, we conjoined up in Altamont, for the Ross Family Reunion.

I always look forward to this part of the summer, to visit and see my dad's side of the family.

We played loads of games and there was a slip n' slide thrown in the mix.

Marissa convinced me to partake, and I've never felt so old and feeble.

It was a riot.

We had such a great time.

Broken hips and all :)

round of putt putt and a children's museum

I had the chance to go down to the Gateway Children's Museum with my sis-in-law, niece, and nephew, a few weeks back.

It was Autism Day and we hopped at the chance.

I have never been to this one before, and it was so neat. 

Gabe was in ball heaven. Since he was just a tyke, he has had a mad love for balls, of any kind.

He does not discriminate. 

They had a whole system of balls, tubes, and contraptions.

A few sections over there was a water way with boats, ping pong balls, and tunnels.

He was all about it.

Rubi had a nice chat with Bob.

They're basically bffs.

We then had a delightful lunch at Zupas.

Thanks Lace for the invite, I loved it!

D and I played a competitive, nail-biting round of mini golf, a few nights later.

We could chop wood, with Ian and Sharesa, and have a blast.

I lost by a landslide, but we won't get technical.

for purple mountain majesties

We celebrated the 4th over at my parent's with a bbq and grundles of family from out of town.

Another bbq. It's becoming a problem. But not really.

My mother provided quite the spread. Per usual.

Did some swimming and then canoodled Capri.

So did my dad.

Also swung this lil' sweetie.

We ended the night with some fireworks, as you do.

All of us expected the usual street fireworks.

Piddly little suckers, but a joy to watch, no less.

Until, the boys pulled out 2 whopper sized packages. 

They were incredible.

Who needs to voyage to Wyoming?

These were pretty fantastic.

It took me a minute to recover.

Not looking the most alert in this last photo.

Such a wonderful day.

I am dang proud to be an American.

In recent times--summer edition

We attended my cousin's reception at the end of June, down in Alpine. 

It was nestled on a golf course with a beautiful view of the valley.

I loved catching up with family we don't see very much.

I find myself over at my parent's house, on my days off.

 On more occasions than one, I end up outside, swimming and soaking in some Vitamin D.

Sometimes I convince Ryker to swim with me.

We also recently celebrated Andy's bday at an evening bbq.

Only my favorite way to gather these days.

abin-cay

We went up to the cabin last weekend with my family, and loved every second. 

It feels like a treat to leave the city and relax in a cooler, quiet, and peaceful place for a few days.

We also went fishing Saturday morning and hit the jackpot of all fish holes.

It took a few tries but we wound up in a prime spot.

Everyone caught at least one fish, so we chalked it up to be a very successful morning.

 

 

We went back to the cabin, took naps, and ate a lot.

I blinked, and the weekend was over.

Hopefully, we can make it up a few more times this summer.

It can't be beat!