Visits with Great Grandma, Church Picnic, and More

The glow sticks and bracelets were a hit with the kids prior to watching fireworks.
Great Grandma Helbert comes over for a visit and holds the youngest of the 9 great-grandchildren!

The Pier children take a moment to pose with great-grandma.

The kids enjoyed the older style climbing apparatus at the church picnic.

Bet you haven't seen one of these old slides for awhile!

Who can resist this cutie pie?

The boys spend some time working on workbooks after breakfast.

Carson spends time building.

Grammy gets them to cooperate for a quick picture.

And another one of Jackson.....

And Madison enjoyed the big kid slide at the local city pool.

Car Show and Remote Control Airplanes and Helicopters

We stopped by a little park in Ashland where some men show off their remote control airlplanes and helicopters....didn't see a whole lot of action but what we did see was pretty impressive.
A handsome shot of Daddy and Jackson.
The 3 big kids hanging on a pole as a helicopter takes off in the background.

We then headed to Loudonville to see hundreds of antique cars....really impressed with the number of cars there!

Jackson enjoys the ride in the stroller!

A very cool car for the 4th of July!

Tractor Rides and Climbing Trees

One of the highlights of visiting Grammy and Grandpa in the summer is getting rides with Grandpa on the riding lawn mower....aka, the tractor!

Madison patiently waiting for a turn.

Catching a few rays as Madison has a turn.

I try to keep Jackson entertained.

And even Jackson gets a turn!

Now it's time to climb trees.....

Grammy and Grandpa keep their feet on the ground.....

While I head for the top....it was easier going up than down!

Madison loves spending time with Sarge!

Fourth of July Weekend in Ashland, Ohio

We really got to do it all when we visited Mom and Dad in Ashland, Ohio for the 4th of July weekend....the annual hot air balloon festival, 2 different pools, fireworks, church outside at the park followed by a picnic, the Loudonville car show, and a concert in the park.

Our weekend started off at the balloon festival....waiting....
...and finally watching....

We went back at dusk to find some seats to enjoy the balloon glow....so very cool.

More Random Shots from Family's Visit

We spent lots of time outdoors while the family was all here, but also spent some of the hot afternoons indoors....playing with playdoh.

The deck was a great place to hang out in the late afternoons and early evenings....here Sarah commands a game of "Simon Says."

Jackson taking a peek at Grandpa.

Even the oldest girls enjoyed our outdoor "kiddie" pool...especially after hot days in DC!

On the 8th we celebrated Dad's birthday....and the girls put on a little birthday skit!

Dad looks on....

...and Jason can't wait to get some of that cake!

The girls take some time to play on the leapsters.

The last day....Jodi and her 2 youngest had left very early that morning....now the rest were ready to head out.

Cousins!

These 5 kiddos so enjoyed spending time together....from the oldest (Madison born 11-29-05) to the youngest (Jason born 1-15-08)...it's too bad they don't get to see each other very often!

Better take that picture quickly....
....otherwise you'll end up with a picture like this....