Summer Fun

Its been a fun and great start to summer so far! We've spent time with friends and extended, and had lots of dinners outside, I've been able to plow through some books, and our veggies are growing like crazy.  We've got pumpkins, lettuce and a few tomatoes.
Lots of time in the pool, and lots of time just being a family.
I love summer....just for that last reason there!

Lily

Besides destroying literally ANYTHING that is left out in the garage while we are gone, the dog has pretty much adjusted well into our family.  She is not as terrified of every man who walks in our door.  She is still slightly skittish, but won't run and hide.  She is putting on some weight, and her scars have almost disapeared under new healthy fur.  She seems to adore the kids, and hasn't shown any aggressive behavior toward them.  Its been frustrating to loose so many pairs of shoes, but I am hoping (fingers crossed) that she will outgrow that. In the meantime I have gone through a few bottles of chew deterent which seems to work *relatively* well.

Cousin Time

My girls adore their baby cousin. 
Like, can't-stop-touching-him, have-to-hold-him, won't-leave-him-alone type of adoration.
I don't think he minds it....yet.

Foot selfie

Giggles

If I remember right, this toy was 25 cents at a garage sale....5 years ago?

Best quarter I ever spent.....

Opposites attract

We seriously couldn't be more different when it comes to our reading material.

Him = puritan prayer

Me = book club fiction

Us = best thing ever....

Mad gardening skills

Our front planter boxes are going crazy!! Its like we planted in super soil or something!!

Our kale wouldn't quit.  It was amazing! 

I got very *creative* in my use of kale.

Cause we had it all. the. time.

And so far this pumpkin plant looks like it belongs in a jurrasic jungle.  

As I write this, the plant has taken over almost the entire front area, and is climbing the hedge.  

If you don't hear from us for a while...its because we are trapped by this giant plant.

PS - it appears that I will need some good pumpkin recipes soon....

Spoiler Alert

These dives don't end well...

Gotta love learning......

Swim Lessons

These are the faces of 5 happy people.

This one loves being in the water for any reason at all.

This one loves to good off and enjoys hamming it up for everyone.

This one is doing amazing and learning something new everyday!

This one "listens to his teacher and ALWAYS does what she says cause he's a good boy". {Uhm.....ok}.

And THIS one gets to sit on deck, and take pictures of her kids, and enjoy it. For the first time in 9 years.

And I think she's the happiest one of them all. 

Camping

Rich took the kids for an overnight camping trip. 

All by himself. 

As in.....without me. 

I was nervous. I won't lie. 

But I enjoyed having the house to myself. 

It wasn't quite 24 hrs, but it was the first time I'd been alone in the house since before we got married. 

And that was pretty amazing. 

They all got home safe and sound. Smelling like campfire, and covered with sand. 
Tired, but giggling and happy, full of stories to share! 

I just had a *few* questions when I found these socks. 

So far all I can gather is that someone got wet. 
And then someone else thought it would be a good idea to dry the wet socks near or in the fire. 

And then maybe the socks started to catch on fire...

{let's just pretend that the adult in charge wasn't the one who suggested drying the socks in the fire} 

Summer!!!!!!

It's FINALLY here!!!!

We survived all the end of the year craziness.

The music concerts...

The end of the year outdoor play days and parties.

The last day of school, complete with hugs from the teachers, and slurpies with the cousins after school.

Now its time for lazy days in the pool. And ice cream.  And roasting marshmallows.  And giggles. And jammies all day.  And all the good stuff that makes up Summer.