While Joe's parents were here in August we all went to the Zoo together.

The kids looking at a gorilla that was right by the window.

It was so cool that they came so close.
This is us as the Fins and Feathers show. The kids enjoyed watching the animals.
Daddy and the kids on the carousel.
Grandpa with Leesi-bug.
Daddy and his girl:)
Me showing Darron a baby gorilla with the mommy.
Grandma and Leesi dreading going back outside in the heat:)
Us grooming the gorilla:)
Okay I couldn't get this picture to turn. Lame I know but here it is:)
Alyse was really excited about the giraffes.

Obviously Darron was as well:)
My cute kids:)
All of us. Well sort of you can only see Alyse's hat.
Ready for the tram ride:)
Alyse being her silly self. :)

For the 4th of July we went to Paducah, Ky to visit Mimi and Papa. We had so much fun. This is us at Fort Massac. It is a really cool old army fort right off of the Ohio river. We had a lot of fun climbing around inside the buildings.

Darron and Joe coming down one of the ladders.
Our little family:)
The kids looking out the top of one of the buildings.
This is the Land Between the Lakes. It is gorgeous:)
Mimi & Papa. What a pretty picture:)
Here we are in front of the lighthouse.
Papa and Alyse:)
Use walking away from the pier.
My adorable kids:)
Joe being Joe:) Awesome picture.

Throwing rocks into the river.
We saw a few little turtle heads come up and the kids were just fascinated.
My Joseph and me:)
Papa giving his girl kisses.
The whole group:)


Lambert's Home of the Throwed Rolls (you read it right)
While we were in Paducah we decided to drive about an hour to Sikeston, IL to go to Lambert's restraunt. The food was great and what is better than a restraunt that throws rolls at you. Darron thought this was the best place ever.

The kids playing in a race car.
Giddy-up Horse.
How do you steer this thing?
Mimi and Papa in front of Lambert's with the kids.
But the sun is right in my eyes.

Thumbs up from the kids....Well sort of.
Family pic in front of a wagon.
Forget the wagon. Go horsy go!!!

Downtown Paducah is so much fun in the summer. You can go down by the river and they have bands playing and the kids can color on the side walk. Just very old town feel.
Sliding in downtown.
After much walking and fun.

Our Little Leesi-bug turns 2

Alyse's birthday is actually not until tomorrow but since it is on a Sunday and it being Father's Day we celebrated it today. We call Alyse Leesi-bug all the time so it was only appropriate that bug be our theme for this birthday. I just can't believe that she is two already. I know it is so cliche but man how time flies. Here are a few highlights of the fun party.

Our little leesi-bug cakes:)

And of course the birthday girl with here cake. She was not really into smiling today.

Blow out the Candles!!!

Dessert! Yummmmm!

She seems to like it:)

My sweet girl getting ready for water fun.

Here are the party animals:)

I am pretty sure Alyse was telling me to stop in this picture. She was getting sick of people telling her to smile and say cheese.

Enjoying a smaller bug:)

Isaac on the slip and slide. It looks like he might take out Emmy. The kids had so much fun outside. It is amazing how just a little bit of water can keep kids entertained forever.

Alyse's baby doll from Grandma & Grandpa Broderick.

Alyse got some new books from them to. A funny thing happened, after the party I asked Joe where all of the pictures of the other presents were. Apparently I was so busy video taping I forgot to take any pictures of it. Awesome!

This year there are several of our friends turning 30 in the ward so we decided to have an 80s themed party to celebrate altogether. It was such a blast.

Joe and I strutting our 80s garb.
Ella and Sam, what a pair:)
Here are all the guys at the party And of course, all the ladies.
We all knew the time would come. Joe finally snapped. I think he was having a little to much fun:)