I Heard Said the Bird

We got Lost In Fun

It was a fun afternoon. I didn't get a picture in the jumbo ball pit, which was our favorite.

Wishful Thinking

I'm not really sure what project(s) were being done on the roof.

But the ladder is always fun. Augustine put one on his birthday list. No big deal. Just a $300 ladder on his list. It could happen.

A: Did you put an extension ladder on my wish list?Me: Yep. It's on there. It'll be on there until you turn 30 and can buy yourself one for your birthday.

A kid can dream.

Swim Lessons

It's swim lessons time. Both boys did really well, and I'm pretty sure if Elias were old enough, he would go with Miss Morgan in a heartbeat.

I've watched countless hours of these lessons, and Augustine seems to have moved to the next "level" of learning. The format is different, and challenging him in new ways. He love it! They don't have actual levels, they just remember where very kid is at with swim skills...amazing...and keep building on their skills as they master each teaching.

Lewis has always been a little more apprehensive, but luckily we ran into Miss Jana, the teacher who helped him a lot last year, and she took a lot of time catching up with us and then she walked him into lessons seamlessly. These ladies are amazing at what they do, and we are grateful Grandma Kathleen gifts lessons to the boys each year. Thanks Grandma!

Guenther Visit

Our good friends who recently moved away came back for a visit! It was our first overnight slumber party experience since we've always lived in the same town until now. It was fun! We took them to the sidewalk fountains...one of our favorite summertime outings.

The babies loved it as much as the big kids. Elias got hit in the face with water from a fountain twice, never cried about it, and learned fast.

Everyone was exhausted from a busy day so we put the kids to bed and had uninterrupted conversation and played a few board games. I look forward to when my boys are old enough for us all to sit around a board game and play.

So grateful for quality time. And now tag! We're it!

4th of July!

It was a really hot 4th of July this year. I can't remember this holiday being uncomfortably hot since I was pregnant with Lewis 5 years ago. Just. So. Sweaty.

We hosted the bike parade for the 'hood again! We decided to try a live band that marched with the parade and it was awesome! The 'hood kids practiced together a few days before the event. They received so many compliments afterward that we think it's the new tradition. We even had people ask if they could join the band next year!

I usually stand at the front end of our yard and count participants as they go on their way at the beginning of the parade. I could barely keep up this year! There were approximately 200 participants, and I was hoping we had enough watermelon for afterward.

In years past, I've had two giant bowls left over and we can't eat that much more watermelon after a watermelon feed. I've also had kids say "I ate 15 slices of watermelon!" in years past and yikes...I think it's better to have a few and run out!

My parents usually attend and we love having them join us! A bike parade on the 4th is one of my favorite childhood memories. Julia got to join us too!

We usually have a meal with our immediate neighbors on the block, so we had a pizza lunch in the boiling lava hot sun. The giant cookies were so hot from being in the sun that they tasted like they were right out of the oven.

Our new pastor was able to join us. It's been fun getting to know him the past month!

Logan and Elias stayed in for the evening, and I took the big boys outside to watch fireworks for a little while. It was fun celebrating the land that we love!

Almost 15 Months

He has been enjoying bubbles in the bathtub for a while now. Somehow they keep him from standing up in the tub as much.

He has been insisting on wearing Lewis' helmet lately, so I got out the toddler helmet for him. Of course, it's not as acceptable as big brother's.

He's been concentrating very hard on this train puzzle this week. He doesn't care what order the blocks go on the train, he just wants a spot for all of them. That's hard when you don't put them on in order.

I found his coconut ice cream in sandwich form!!! He doesn't much like sweets, but puppy chow and ice cream are acceptable.

Screen time with Daddy. Usually ends up with creepy and/or disturbing pics, but this one was kind of cute.

Today was SO hot. 102 according to my car. They barely lasted for an hour playing in the water. If it's too hot for water play then it's just too dang hot.

I find myself often saying "Where's Elias?!" only to find him on the living room rug or couch reading a book. #apple

Sensory Bottles

Debbie showed us how to make sensory bottles! She makes all different kinds. The boys loved it because she had ocean themed things for them to put in their bottles.