The Riccobenes

Family, Friends and the 4th of July

The weather was perfect for all the water fun that was to happen!

We had NO clue Ben was behind us in all 20 pictures Vinny was snapping of us!

Noodle wars were ON!

How many people can fit on the floating dock???

Most delicious cake ever made by Marissa!!! Barefoot Contessa recipe was AMAZING!!

Starting with sparklers

The Kissel Fam...and how lucky I feel that FOUR of my most best friends from high school came with their families to spend the evening!!! "Who says you can't go back?" (Bon Jovi) God truly blessed me with friendships that last a lifetime. (but I do feel old saying we have been best friends for 20 + years...wow!!! that is what life is all about!)

Waiting in anticipation for something to happen!

Snuggling with Amy

These guys had so much fun with their own photo session! They were so cute!

4th of July Parade

The Duerrs joined us this year at the Tumwater 4th of July Parade!

The motorcycles were a favorite of the kids.

Waving to all the parade participants

The Day Before the 4th...

We got to have some fun time with Dan, Jody and Payton on the 3rd.

All the kids and Vince getting pulled on "big momma" by Uncle Dan!

Uncle Dan trying to read the paper...not working out so well! But hey, when you are loved, you can't complain!

Nick is an awesome babysitter!!

I went for a massage the other day and Nick babysat the kids.

This is what I came home to!

The kids sure love their big brother!!

Thank the Lord for Grandma and Grandpa!

Once Vinny left for Spokane on his motorcycle, the house was feeling empty and quiet until...Grandma and Grandpa walked through the door! It is like an electric current is zapping them in the rears as soon as they see "bramma and brampa."

Grandpa made a fire one of the nights and it was so fun sitting around, playing with fire, and laughing!

YUMMY GOOEY marshmallow mess!

Dom and G both have official "fire sticks" that they like to poke the fire with and play around with as the fire is going...here, the sticks meet!

G's current "cheesy laugh" ha ha ha"

They can't get enough of their grandparents

Grandpa teasing G, acting like he is throwing her in the fire...while Grandma says: No Denny, oh no Denny,No! (G loved retelling this story over and over the next day!)

I wish I could put into eloquent words how much they ADORE their grandparents!

Teasing grandpa across the lawn...G taking the lead from her big brother

Grandpa can't let them get away with that!! No way!

Of course G has to be in the middle of any wrestling match!

While they were here Grandpa put in new countertops (these are the old ones), pressure washed our outdoor furniture, set up a new picnic table...he likes projects!

the new ones...of course we still need to get rid of the hideous wallpaper, put on new hardware...but at least the turquoise tops are gone!

Dom sat down and wrote a "small moment" (personal narrative) about Grandma and Grandpa being here ALL ON HIS OWN!!! My heart was beating ferociously!!