Family and Festivities!!!

The past two weeks have been filled with family activities and busy days. Papa's family was having a weekend of parties in Folsom celebrating our nephew Brandon's graduation and then the 4th of July. Claire and Chloe got to go with us since their parents' schedule wouldn't permit their attendance this time. We started out the weekend with a visit to the Folsom zoo. What a great little zoo it is. It would have been a better day, had it not been so hot, but we trekked along for a while and took in a few exhibits. Claire is looking at some monkeys in this picture.










Papa and Chloe are checking out another cage area in this picture.

Claire-bear ......

The real bears were so fun to watch. They were having a great time in their water exhibit and that was worth the visit alone.

Chloe-bear..........

Then off to Aunt Jenny and Uncle Mark's house for a fun graduation party. The girls

met another set of 3 year old twins, Easton and Layla, who are a week or so younger that Claire and Chloe. It was fun to watch a little interaction between them. Easton and Layla are cruising the pool on a little raft. Sure wish I had gotten a close up picture of all of them together.

Chloe and Claire swam.......


And swam.....
And swam....with Uncle Mark in this picture below.

And swam.......

And swam......

And swam some more.....

Cupcakes were on the menu.


As well as learning new games with Brandon and Uncle Larry while waiting for breakfast on the 4th....

Claire dressed up in a Goofy costume and had such fun.

Some crash time with Uncle mark in the shade canopy.

Brandon, Jesse, Claire and Chloe with the pinata.

And oh the candy........

Chris didn't make the trip with us, but we told him all about it when we got home.

Claire and Chloe still had to keep cool at home so Nonie got them a little pool to help with that process.

Then a couple of days later Aunt NJ, Uncle Bob, Cousin Mark and his wife Carrie came to visit. Chris was so happy to meet everyone and be included in the fun. Below Carrie and Chris become friends.

Chloe stuck close to Papa until she became a little more acquainted. She had, at first, come out on the deck and said, "Hi, I'm Chloe, but then she suddenly turned shy.

Eventually both girls had a great time showing Uncle Bob their toys and then giving him a tour of their house and room.

Our visitors from the Midwest and Northwest.....


BBQ and more swimming at Papa and Grandma's on Saturday night.

Aunt NJ and Chris.

Claire and Chloe had a great time in the water with our friend Lisa.

Cousin Mark cuddling with baby Chris.

All in all our busy weeks have been so rewarding and fun. There is nothing like extended family time and get-togethers! Hope it happens again soon.