Awesome!

There is no other way to describe the last 28 hours. Aunt Sara, Ava, Nora and Leah are here and we're having a GREAT time!!

Basically, we've done nothing so far. And, nothing is a whole lot of fun!

4 children are having a blast on the swing set!




And, the yard is getting some love. Isn't this cute? ...oh, sorry Ty... cool!

Plenty of room to run just out the back door. I love how the yard looks with 4 children running through it...

Last night we made smores, of course! As soon at the temp rises above 70 on a weekend, it is time!

YUM!

Today we hung out outside. The whole day was spent in the yard and it was perfect. The sprinkler was on, the baby pool was out and this contraption was a hit...

Overall, it doesn't work very well, but they didn't seem to notice. I would love to be 5 again and not care. I think there is a lesson to be learned here.

Chillin'

Little Leah! She couldn't be more adorable.

We had 5 happy kids today. And, 2 happy moms. No schedule, nowhere we had to go. So nice!

I'm not sure if I like smores or soft ice cream better at the end of a beautiful day. Tonight was an ice cream night.

My original plan was to have Ryan share mine. But he had something else in mind. And he won! The girls said he looked like Santa with the ice cream running down his chin!

YUM! Again!

What a great way to welcome summer and our cousin visit. I'd better get to bed so I'm fully rested for tomorrow!

Picture Day

Kids have a way of making preparation meaningless. I made the appointment, coordinated the clothes, got their hair cut, made sure Ry was up early this morning so he'd sleep in the car on the way there, stopped for lunch... it was like a choreographed dance... all hoping for great pictures that would make us smile for years to come. Even with all that preparation, it came down to Ryan's willingness to play along... and he wasn't very willing. In fact, he made me work hard for his smiles. Stinker!!

Here is his official 18 month picture.

Want to know what was happening here? Well, he wouldn't stay by himself so... he's on me. Yup, I'm there. I believe this is the picture that they had to photo shop my arm out of. He's sitting on my knees. I had my hand on his waistband and would pop him up to get a smile. The things we do.

This one is just for fun...

I didn't plan on a picture of Tyler alone, but he was so determined to show everyone what a good job he could do after we all tried so hard with Ryan. He was right, he did a great job. Every picture was a good one. This face!!

On the way home I was going through the pictures and I told Tyler that he was "stinkin' cute." He said "Mom, I am not cute. Could you at least call me cool?!" What comes next? No hug when I drop him off?? I am so not ready for that!

Grandma and Grandpa C joined us as they did for Tyler's 18 month picture. Ryan was pretty done by the time we got to this picture. We'll have to try gain in a year or so.

Ryan was also very uncooperative for the full family shot. He refused to be anywhere other than with me. He's not usually so clingy, but he's got 4 teeth trying to poke through. I think he had a rough day. At least you can't see the hot wheels car that he's got in his hand.

Overall, I think this came out pretty good.

Time is flying... and I will smile at these pictures for years to come. From here on out, there won't be any mid-year pictures. My boys are growing up fast.

Cousins

There is something special about cousins. Something that makes a very long ride in the car worth it. A few weeks ago we made that trip and invaded Aunt Sara's house along with Uncle Dave and Aunt Alisa. We had a blast.

As usual, we tried for a picture of all the kids. Somehow I think we're going to have to wait a few years to get a great picture.



The kids were really excited to see each other. Four of the five participated in the cousin pile-up. I think the girls are winning!

Nope, they're all winners here.

I'll try not to duplicate Sara's post, but I had to share this picture. Hi Ryan!!

Unfortunately I didn't get a good picture of the kids at their table, but I have to put this here because it is a significant event for Ryan. He was able to seat himself at this table and absolutely loved it (despite the face in this picture)! I wish we had room for one.

I wasn't about to let him have his independence with an ear of corn!! Check this kid out... he can EAT!

Dan and Uncle Dave took Tyler and Ava on a special "big kid" trip to Home Depot where they each completed a project.

Hard at work.

But still willing to pose.

I love that she's all dolled up, yet swinging a hammer. Nice job Ava!

Ta da!!

Saturday night Dan went to his first NASCAR race with Dave. From what I hear, it was quite an experience. Maybe next time they'll skip the night race so that the fans don't have quite as much time to tailgate!! The best quote that they shared from the family sitting behind them (in full southern drawl) was "I hope you're not offended by the f-word... 'cause if ya are, I'll have to find a roll of duck tape for his mouth" followed closely by "I can't tell who you're rootin' for by your hat. It's not that Kyle Bush, is it?" Luckily she asked Dan who could say no. Needless to say, Dave clapped quietly when his driver won. Ha! I guess the fans were just as entertaining as the race itself. They had a great time!

On our last day, I decided to go check out a really cool fountain within walking distance with Uncle Dave and a few kiddos. The water sprayed out of the concrete and this was Tyler's initial reaction. Surprised? Nope, didn't think so.

Ave got right in there and tried to encourage Tyler. Meanwhile, Dave and I were sure Ryan was going to get blasted in the face. (He's got incredible timing and managed to leave each spout just before it blasted.)

See what you're missing Ty?

Finally, he decides to give it a try... just as Ava decided she was done.

Ryan was fascinated.

Careful... it's going to blow!!

Yippy! Pure joy!

Oops, are we supposed to be here?? There I go breaking the rules again!!

Proof he got wet.

Why didn't I think to take his clothes off before he got soaked?

Oh well, we had a fabulous time during our visit and can't wait to see everyone again.

Dinosaurs!

When I was little the word "museum" meant "boring." That is no longer the case. If you tell Tyler that you are going to a museum, his eyes light up in excitement. This was the case two weekends ago when we joined Grandma and Grandpa C at another science museum.

The main exhibit was dinosaurs!!

Mostly the main exhibit consisted of elaborate video games where you got to be various dinosaurs and attempt life in the Cretaceous. The goal was to make sure your dinosaur was fed, hydrated, and uninjured. Personally, I enjoyed the carnivorous dinos over the veggie-saurouses! I wonder what that says about me...

It took a few tries, but eventually we figured out the tricks and finished the game. I'm not 100% sure, but this must not have been a successful attempt...

There were all sorts of neat things to do including dressing up like a dino.

And, posing for more pictures!

Tyler even had the chance to dig for dinosaur bones.

The museum wasn't all dinosaurs. The exhibits included all sorts of science experiments including this hover ball. Both boys had a "ball" with this.

We're looking forward to our next adventure at another museum. What a difference 30 years makes!