Nothing is better than cousins!

One of our summer highlights was having family come see us. Nick's brother's family came to see us for Alex's baptism. (Tasha, did I use all my possessives correctly?) We enjoyed spending 4th of July and Sam's birthday together as well! Many fun memories we're made!

We spent Sam's Birthday (and 4th of July) at Riverfront Park. The kids had a blast riding rides, eating yummies, and playing in the fountain. 

Alex and Julian

Alvin playing with Kael. 

Watching Taiko drummers. 

Checking hights... yup, we're good!

Uncle Adam, Aunt Andrea, and Kael.

Waiting for their turn.

Rilie loves the airplanes... he could ride them, again and again.

Loving Julian's toothless grin!

Quiet confidence (and tired of smiling for pictures).

Can you imagine how much fund they had on this ride?

This is a picture of a dedicated father.

Can you see how much they love each other?

CHEEZE!

Let it begin! Let it begin!

Don't forget Alanna! She won't let herself be forgotten!

Brothers having fun... well at least, supporting their children in having fun. 

Jackson took to Auntie Sam right away. 

Cousins forever! 

Waiting for their turn on the bumper cars. Sam told me a funny story of Julian coming to Tennyson's rescue the last time they rode in bumper cars. No one messes with his little brother!

We were getting ready to leave when the three older boys HAD to ride this. 

Next stop, Miniature Golf! 

Jackson loves to climb! This place was great. He got to climb up and down all over the course. 

I think we scared off potential customers. 

Rilie didn't understand why no one else liked him stealing their balls. 

Mama to the rescue!

Carousel Ride

This is one of the oldest ones in America. 

Alex

Alvin

Julian

John-David and Alanna. 

Other's rode, but the pictures came out too blurry.

On to the Fountain!

The fountain is surrounded by rocks that shoot water toward the middle.

When I say shoot, don't think pleasant spray of water flowing in a beautiful arch... think FIRE HOSE!

The kids wouldn't have it any other way. 

Kael was so brave! He walked right in there and loved it. 

This is the middle. The water changes it's spray pattern often. 

Rilie loves this place! He ran around causing all sorts of mischief. 

I think we should call him Puck.

Having fun yet?

Yes!

Brother Shot: I can think of some parents that will appreciate this photo!

"Brother's don't shake hands; brothers hug!" ~ Tommy Boy

Originally, they were spaced about one foot apart. 

I told them they needed to get closer together, they obliged by squishing Nick. 

We enjoyed showing family our favorite park. 

Alvin, Julian, Alex

Rilie and Tennyson

Alvin and Alanna

Jackson

Jackson and Alanna love to keep up with their older brothers. Alanna is much quicker at it. Jackson is determined, until a bug, pebble, or something shiny comes along and takes him on a new course. 

The infamous merry-go-round. One of the reasons this is our favorite park! It also has incredible climbing trees. I don't think I have any pictures of them yet. 

Nick really enjoyed having John-David around to talk with.

Nothing is better than cousins! Sam and I love how much our kids love each other! 

They can't wait to see each other and so sad when it's all over. 

I hear Julian and Tennyson are already planning our trip to come see them.