Dahlke Beach

(Kaitlyn 8, Rachael 2, Jacob 10, Trent - old)

We were able to spend most of June at Grandma and Grandpa Dahlke's house. I loved being able to catch up and spend time with all the amazing family. The kids have lots of cousins they haven't seen for a few years and it was great for them to be able to spend time together.

(Joey 7, Kaitlin 7)

Joey has really taken off with swimming this summer. It helped that Grandma has an awesome pool right outside her back door. The kids swim at least 3 times a day.

Rachael discovered the joys of the pool as well as goggles :)

(Emily 6, Ashley 2, Rachael 2, Kaitlin 7)

We were even able to invite my brother, Mark and his girls over for a visit and a swim.

Uncle Garth

Trent has an eccentric uncle that lives in the high desert, near Palm Springs. When we are out visiting our California family, making the trip to see Uncle Garth is one of our favorite things to do.

Garth is extremely talented and has truly made his patch of desert blossom like a rose. We love climbing on the rocks and discovering the wildlife. This time the older kids and their cousins were allowed to go off on their own. They explored caves, searched for Indian drawings, and challenged one another to see who was the best climber.

Several years ago Garth made the "magnet pond". He collected iron filings and put them into a pit. Over the years many magnets have been brought in and we all love to make unique creations with the filings and magnets.

Joey and his best cousin friend, Ben spent a lot of time feeding the fish their peanut butter sandwiches and trying to catch glimpses of the frogs.