Summer Trip 8: What Kathryn did. . .

Since Kathryn didn't participate in all the activities of the other kiddos, I thought I would include a few shots of her. One rainy afternoon we took all the kids to see Pixar's "Up". (This was a last min change since we had hoped to take the kids to the zoo -- the downpoured that ensued during our drive changed our minds) The kids and I enjoyed the movie immensely; Kathryn monopolized her dad's time and walked around the lobby. (Thanks, selfless Daddy!) After a week, Kathryn finally started warming up. . .

Kathryn loved the trike and Aunt Hilary giving her a ride.

Summer Trip 7: Family Pictures

We were all together in MO so we thought an "Old Time" picture was appropriate. It turned out surprisingly well.

Here is the picture of Kathryn that I would have photoshopped into all the family pictures if I had the time and expertise:-) Our family:

Daddy & his threeums:

Grandpa & Grandma with ALL 9 grands:

"Go, Cubs, Go" pose:Mom and her girls:

Me and my sisters (and Hilary's dog, Ryken, who posed so beautifully):

My three with their Grandparents:

Summer Trip 6: Indoor Fun

The weather in IL was cool and rainy (which was nice for those of us who are no longer used to the heat & humidity). So, we spent some time indoors!

Dad enjoys his favorite pastime:-):

A little homemade playdough was a fun and creative outlet for all ages:

Ian (the birthday boy, 9)Hilary helps Isaiah (2):

Alethea (6)

Karissa (10)

Eli (a new 3):

Andrew (3):

Anika (5):

Andrew adored his cousin Ian and they enjoyed playing some Wii together. The girls planned an "American Girls" tea party and Karissa was kind enough to let Anika play with one of her dolls. They had a great time and Grandma spoiled them with "real" tea (hot chocolate) and cookies.

Summer Trip 5: From Luau to Hula

After a few days at the condo, we traveled back for some relaxing days in Morrison at Grandma & Grandpa's. Anika has been anxious to have her Grandma (a champion hula-hooper) show her some moves. Anika sure picked up quickly and gave her Grandma a run for her money!

(I'm not sure if her time on the Wii Fit made any difference. . .)

Andrew takes a turn:
Kathryn trys to figure this out:

A hula-hooper is born:

Two at a time (now she is just showing off!):

Summer Trip 4: Luau

Our last night at the condo, the McIlrath's hosted a Luau party. We enjoyed burgers with grilled pineapple, pina coladas w/ paper umbrellas, and leis color-coded for each family. But the highlight for the kids were the costumes. The boys were bucaneers and the girls donned grass skirts and coconut tops. What fun - what memories!!!

Kathryn wore her "Wicker white" lei around her waist:
Andrew really got into his part (we had to outline the "rules" regarding his sword):

Summer Trip 3: Beach

I don't have a lot of pictures of our water fun in MO because it is hard to carry a camera around the pool, lake, jet ski, etc. But one day we took a bit of a jaunt to a beach on the lake. The kids LOVED it. It was water was shallow and the sand was white and fine.

Kathryn wasn't especially fond of her life jacket.

Summer Trip 2: Performance

We enjoyed our annual performance of the "Double A" (Anika & Ali) concert. Karissa wrote, directed and produced! Singing of jet skis & Grandpa, family, and good times!

Kathryn puts on a performance of her own - "So big!"

Cousin Isaiah (2) couldn't cheer loud enough!