4th of July

We once again spent our 4th of July holiday at the bay. The Irelands and us headed over in the zodiac and the paddle boards for a wonderful time. The same crew is at the bay each year and it is so fun to see the kids grow up together. Each year, it gets easier and easier with the kids, and they always have such a great time. Sarah brought hair dye, which was a huge hit with all of the kids. We've learned from the past, that the kids are so done from being out in the sun all day, that we just stay home and enjoy a peaceful BBQ and fireworks from our rooftop.

4th of July 2011

Paige was floating around

Reagan, Bailey and Raif showing off their colorful hair
All of the kids with their dyed hair!

Say cheese!

Bailey and Reagan out for a paddle board ride

Raif prefers it on the sand

The fire rescue boat sprayed water on the kids

Colby and Raif were digging it!

Pretty wet from the fire boat!

I'd say Raif loved it!

Raif even got to ride on the police 4 wheeler

He's getting adventurous!

Sarah and me

Colby and me

Bailey and Reagan on the floating raft

Roasting marshmallows after dinner

Bailey was still in a patriotic mood, busting out her 4th of July dress from 2 year ago!

Boomer wanted a marshmallow too!

Avalon Trip

Saturday and Sunday we spent over at Avalon. Uncle Greg, Aunt Shelley, my mom and dad, and us and the kids all headed over for a fun overnight stay. On the way back, we were in a huge school of dolphins which was very exciting. I didn't get any pictures of the dolphins, but it was still very exciting.

Grandpa and Raif enjoying a snack on the ride over
Aunt Shelley and Fancy Nancy

Uncle Greg relaxing on the ride over

I mean, really, does it get any better than this?

Uncle Greg decided to give the paddle boards a try

Man down

One more go at it

Uncle Greg, the adventurer, jumped off the bucket tower

A little siesta before heading home

She is definitely not camera shy

Cheryl Burke at Kaleidoscope

Colby's new project at the Kaleidoscope Mall had an event that featured Cheryl Burke, from Dancing with the Stars. Bailey is a huge fan, so we took the kids for a fun evening. Kelly, Eli and Lexy came as well along with three of her friends. We had prime seats for watching the performance. Bailey also got to meet her and pose for a picture.

Bailey and Cheryl
Lexy along with her friends, Morgan, Nina and Lexy

They were having so much fun with the dueling pianos, the singer gave each one of them a hat.

A view of the stage and band

My hubby giving his speech welcoming everyone to the mall

The two Lexy's trying to do the dance lessons from Cheryl

Grandma and Bailey watching the dancers

Aunt Kelly and Uncle Eli having some fun

9 Year Anniversary

Happy 9 Year Anniversary to Us!

We had a mellow evening with some much needed adult conversation and a delicious dinner at Michael's on Naples.

It's Finally Summer!

We had our first trip to the island this weekend, making it officially summer for The Durnin Family. My mom joined us on the trip and we had a blast. We left Saturday morning and came home Sunday afternoon, but we made the most of our short trip and had such a great time.

We were trying to get the kids on the paddle boards, but Boomer beat them to it for a ride.

A man and his dog

Boomer thought swimming behind us was fun, that dog could swim for hours.

Bailey loves going on the paddle boards

Bailey's turn with Daddy, Raif and I are slowly making our way forward

Raif is still not sure about the paddle boards, let me tell you it is not that easy paddling sitting down!

Lily loved the paddle boarding.

Yes, that is my mom on the board!!!

Multiple knee surgeries and a knee replacement didn't stop her!

A much need cocktail after paddle boarding.

One more much needed cocktail after paddle boarding! Our first buffalo milk of the summer!!!!

Some french fries for our little guy.

A mouth full of fries for Raif.

My kiddos

We decided to take a hike to try and find Reagan and Aaron, who were camping with their Indian Princesses group.

After too many cocktails and a pretty good hike, we found them!

A beautiful view on the way home.

We fished for sand dabs on the way home.

Raif gave it a try. Success!

Bailey's Last Day of Preschool

Bailey had her last day of preschool today. I thought I would be a bit sadder than I was, but I'm excited for her. She is truly ready to start Kindergarten. It's hard to say, but she actually
out-grew preschool. That's the point, right? She isn't a baby anymore, but a little girl. Her time at preschool was wonderful. The teachers are so loving and the philosophy of learning was just perfect to fit the needs of Bailey. It's always hard, but exciting to close one chapter and open another. But, I can honestly say I'm ready for her to start Kindergarten. Although, I might need to be reminded of that when I'm crying my eyes out on her first day of kindergarten!

Bailey and Mrs. Moreno
Bailey with Mrs. Stocking

Bailey with Ms. Renner

I think Raif was trying to tell me he was ready to start preschool, this is the furthest he has ever ventured away from me

One of Raif's favorite things to climb in

Say cheese!

Father's Day

Father's Day morning started off at the bay. We were really hoping the sun would burst through the clouds and provide us with a beautiful day, however that did not happen. The other thing that did not happen was picture taking. Hey, sometimes you're in the mood for photos and sometimes you're not. We had Colby's parents, my parents, and my sister, Eli and their brood over for dinner. It was a pleasant evening, nothing spectacular. Just good food, good conversation, and a nice way to spend the day. Here are a few photos of the morning.

It must have been cold if even Colby had his sweatshirt on!
Reagan and Paige, they didn't seem to notice the chilly weather

Paige and Raif were creating a Happy Father's Day cake for the Daddys