Another Annoucement...

We are happy to announce the engagement of Ashlee Rene Willeke to Daniel Franklin Wells. July 27th, 2009

Ooo My!

We never thought Anna would like this swing, but it was worth a try. Her excitement was priceless. Listen closely. :)

Independence Day Snap Shot Highlights

Aliza and her friend Olivia

Playing with the rocks by the water fountain was the highlight of entertainment for the girls.

Super Man Nevin

Nate and Annie

Nolan- happy as always.

Bootcamp and Basketball Bloopers

For nearly two weeks Nathan has been at U.S Naval Sea Cadet boot camp. He learned to make his bed every morning with military precision, to answer each question with "Yes, ma'am," or "No, ma'am," and to respond to each command with, "Ay, Ay, Sir."

The entire family drove to Camp Perry for the graduation Thursday afternoon, and were pleasantly surprised to see Nate as the guardsman for the American flag.

The reunion was sweet. Mom got a little teary-eyed, and we all laughed at Nathan's raspy, coarse voice, that seemed two tones deeper after shouting for days on end.

The Navy whites suited him well, and he looked super-handsome all dressed up.

We went out for dinner after the ceremony, and had a great time laughing and catching up- hearing crazy stories about fellow cadets trying to run away from camp despite being caught by commanding officers before they even exited the building; or listening to Nathan tell all about the rigorous physical training they went through twice a day.

We had a lot to fill Nate in on too: Michael Jackson died. Shaq joined the Cavs for a year. Obama's still president. He missed a lot.

While discussing the basketball situation in Cleveland, Angela looked surprised and said, "Wait, so we have Shaq and Michael Jordan?"
We laughed at her- even Dad, and corrected Jordan for James. "I'm sorry!" Angela laughed, "I just don't know baseball that well."

(Nate's the solider with the gun standing to the left of
the flagsman with the American flag)

DQ Delight

We had an adventure to Dairy Queen this evening. Nevin and Nolan used their own money to pay for their treats, and as generous older brothers they paid for Aliza and Anna as well.

Chocolate Extreme Blizzard- possibly our family's most frequently purchased blizzard

"Lick for lick" a family tradition. No free licks around here, you want a taste, you've gotta give one. Even Anna has caught on. Aliza wanted a taste of Anna's vanilla cone, and asked for a lick, leaning in to take it. Anna pulled away and said, "NO! Lick for lick." :-D

Last one standing...

It's Raining it's pouring

We've had a lot of rain recently... this picture was captured Sunday morning after church. She looked so picture perfect waiting for Daddy to pull up the Suburban.