Celebrations: Opportunities To Get Together And Have Fun :-)

     With Nathaniel taking off to Colorado to start his environmental education career at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, we wanted to celebrate this transition from student to career. There were only a few days available for this celebration to take place, and June 3rd was the day that most family could make it.We have also been observing this day for the last 3 years. I call it the "very happy to still have Phillip with us day" since that was the day he survived a horrific car accident. Even though it is an odd combination to celebrate, it was a special day with family joining in to share our joy.
     It was a beautiful day to spend in/by the pool.But, first the floatees need to be blown up.

Lillian is ready with her water wings on.

2nd cousins getting to spend some time together

Most of my pictures of Sky ended up a bit unusual...

 I did get one with his head showing :-)

 We enjoyed the shade while watching the swimmers.

 Stephanie and Lillian in the shallow end. Lillian's a bit squirmy....

    a good arm workout for Stephanie :-)

Such a nice 'toe point' !

   Gabriel practiced the crawl for a short time before.....

   deciding that the diving board was more fun.

 An unusual swimming view of Gabriel ,too :-)

A dolphin?

 We are gradually losing our shady area :-(

 A break from the pool and the sun before lunch.

cell phones come in handy for entertaining a toddler

Lunchtime!

If I cleared the island of junk, we could probably have more room for food and better 'flow' for serving :-)

Nathaniel at the 'kids' table

Back to the pool and time to play 'bumper floatees'.

Lillian is somewhere in that mess of floatees

Stephanie better watch out, they are coming at her at ramming speed!!

Gabriel preparing himself before he joins the 'bumper floatees'

He gets away safely with a smile on his face.

Now, Nathaniel joins the fray!

All too soon, time for hugs goodbye.