The finished product

We came home from our vacation on Thursday evening to a pool that was completed! We wasted no time to enjoy it and have been since. The first pool party was Friday with Bernie & Patricia and their kids. Julianna doesn't want any other clothes on besides her swimsuit, and Arianna and Asher are very eager to help me around the house so we can spend the rest of our time in the water. Oh the lazy days of summer...school starts soon here though. I wanted to start Aug. 1st but it looks like next Monday will be the first day of school.

Our Vacation in Flat Rock, NC

My family ( 4 of my siblings) and their families all meet at Bonclarken, the ARP (Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church) facilities for the Family Bible Conference. This was our first time attending, and we really had a great time. The kids had attended kids programs in the morning and evening while we attended the speeches. It was an edifying and enjoyable week. The kids - that would be 21 of them had an absolute blast! I think our family took over the grounds actually, there were a few other families, but mostly seniors. We had a few complaints but none that a red solo cup couldn't fix! I took one picture with Asher on it and don't have any pictures of Arianna- because I rarely saw her!

my wonderful man with Asher & Julianna

Uncle Cor having a great time with the young ladies

The next few pictures are of the 'Pampered Pole', the kids had to climb up this pole, stand up on the top and jump to the hanging bar. Once you started climbing there was no turning back, you HAD to jump. Here are the brave souls. Oh, they were wearing a harness attached to a bungee cord. It was nerve wracking to watch them. (sorry guys I couldn't post everyone doing this)

Joshua being very brave

he made it

Jenna freaking out

screaming loudly....

...and jumping no where close to the bar

even the old guys tried it...Arie & Bernie

Julianna is such a mama's girl that everyone is very proud when she actually gives them a second look.

Stephanie & Julianna

Aunt Wilma & Julianna

Andrea & Julianna

overlooking the lake
( the one that you may not swim in!)

Family Time

Our dishwasher started leaking so we couldn't use it for a few days...

Here's our conversation:

Asher: Oh, I get to dry the icecream scoop. I never dry this because we have a dishwasher.
Arianna: Ya, the dishwasher's a big help
Marlene: this reminds me of living at home with Oma
Arianna: ya, I love helping Oma do the dishes
Cor: I'm thinking that maybe I shouldn't get the dishwasher fixed.
Marlene: Excuse me? Why?
Cor: this is family time...free family time!





...It's fixed!

Waiting...

The pool is almost complete, we are waiting for the fence to be installed. It has been delayed for a week. After the fence, the building (fence, doors and windows) need to be inspected for safety and then the pool company will put the finally coat on the pool and fill it! We are so close to completion the anticipation is growing. We are so excited. Here are some pictures in order of progress.

tiles installed

rebar for the deck to be poured

concrete being poured

acrylic deck being sprayed

the deck is a taupe color with splashes of different chocolate brown colors.
It looks really sharp with the border around the pool, and also hides the dirt with the multi colors.

as the pool is now, waiting for the fence!

Trip to Savannah

Cor and I really enjoyed Savannah when we first visited the city in 2000. We have gone back to visit once with the children. They are not as fond of walking around and sightseeing as we are. Two weeks ago, Cor and I spent two days touring the city without our children. We had a great time together, and the children had a blast with Tracy our very capable, energetic sitter. When given the choice to come with us or have Tracy take care of them and sleep over she won hands down!

Small parks at the intersection of downtown street called squares. The city has 22 squares and each square has its own identity. Some squares have monuments and others have fountains. Each square is very beautiful.



Named in honor of the American victory in the Battle of Chippewa during the War of 1812. Chippewa Square is the square where Forrest Gump's bench was placed during the filming of the movie

Independent Presbyterian Church







loaded down!

Tybee Island

Tybee Island lighthouse

Would you like to borrow this toy?

My friend left this toy at our house...Julianna has enjoyed playing with it so much, after a few days the songs are in your head! (Neurosmith Jumbo Music Block)



Our little girl is entertaining...
Arianna and Asher slept for most of the 3 1/2 drive home from Vero Beach, but not Julianna, not a wink. She's movin' to the music.