Party at the Yates

Dave & Heather were itching to throw a bash - so when their new sound system and plasma TV was installed, it was time to party.



The food was great, and the company wasn't bad either.



Steve hangs out at the kid table.



Miki & Erin gabbing with the girls.



Big Rock and little Rock made an appearance.



Now that is one good looking couple.



Alex practices to be a big sister.




Sean & Erin take a break from the eats.



Yep, she is a Hanlen.



Ethan & Steve chill out on the couch.



Ryan & Alex play tic-tac-toe.

Ellie's Birthday Party

Ellie had her birthday bash for turning 5 at Chuck E Cheese. Nothing like partying with a rodent.



A birthday hug for Ellie.



What a cute smile.



The girls go 'off roading'.



Ellie hangs with Chuck.



Guess 5 year-olds are still silly.



Space car for a space cadet.



Audrey in her monster truck - she kinda liked this ride.



Ryan gives it a twirl.



Emma settles in for a ride.



The excitement builds to see an overgrown mouse.



Queen for the day.



Lisa hangs out will all the kids.



Time to make a wish.



Presents!

Hiking in Great Falls

For a few days in August, the heat subsided and we were able to get outside for a nice hike in Great Falls. Alex loved climbing around on the rocks at the lookouts, and stopping to pet every dog that out & about.



View from Outlook #1. It has been a dry season.



The girls take a moment from their viewing to pose for a picture.



Dad & Alex plug their noses since in 1972 they would have been underwater.



Them are some high water marks.



Alex checks out the kayaks

Leesburg Animal Park - With Ellie

Jen took Ellie & Alex to the Leesburg Animal Park for an afternoon out. The girls had a grand time, despite the whithering heat.



Alex uses nice form to feed the llama.



All smiles before the hay ride.



Ellie got tired of feeding the animals by hand.



Alex and the goats.



Apparently, this goat isn't listening to Ellie.



Hungry as a horse.



Alex & Ellie horsing around.



Now that is turtle.



Gidde up!



Natural cowgirl.



All smiles.

Cote in Boston

Cote finagled her way into a "Conference" at Fenway Park and took the opportunity to spend some time with friends in the area.


Emily, Jen, & Amy out for dinner.



When are they suppose to grow up anyway?



Emily & Jen pose for a picture.

Blackberry Fest

Early August brought the Blackberry Fest at Tarara Winery. We were joined by Chris & Debbie and their kids Lauren & Carter. While the Virginia heat and humidity had kicked in, we had a great time with the various events.

Alex gives it a go at the balloon drop contest.

Alex and Lauren rest up for the field games.

Alex competes in the egg carry relay.

Don't drop that egg!

The burlap sack race begins.

Alex gets some "help" from her impatient teammate.

Chris coaches the kids on the three-legged race.

Nothing like a downhill three-legged race with two little ones.

Blackberry picking - I think we ate more than we brought home.

Alex & mommy.

A Cote-Nance moment.

Debbie and Lauren.

Chris & Carter.

Alex finished the day off with some ice cream.