playin with the cousins

Some of the best days are when we have cousins over to play. Today was no exception, so glad we could play together.

Ellie and Conner really play well together. I got these great poses from them when I told them to smile.

The rest of the boys (Weiland, Ryker, & Quinton) hangin out on the trampoline enjoying their popsicles.

These two enjoying their treats together. It was a fun day together and we can't wait to do it again!

Sunday Activity

Our copy of the July Friend came in the mail and Quinton loves to read these in bed at bedtime. He came across this picture and loved it. Yesterday in church he had the Friend with him and opened to this page and told me he wanted armor like this. I didn't think much of it at the time and the day went on. Later that afternoon I was sitting outside with the kids and Quinton runs in and grabs this picture and reminds me he wants armor like this. He runs and grabs a LARGE cardboard box out of the garage and some scissors and brings them to me. I proceed to make FIVE shields and swords for my kids and two friends. They all loved them and were able to decorate them.

For the rest of the afternoon they were the CTR club. Quinton also told me his name was now Captain Moroni and would remind me when I forgot. I think Quinton looks pretty close to how the picture looks, he was pretty pleased.

Snacker

This little girl is growing up so fast. She likes to be independent and get things done herself. She tries to put on pants (anyone's pants) all by herself but usually ends up with both of her legs in one leg of the pants. She is just like her brothers and sisters in that she is a snacker. And if she can find it herself she's even more pleased. Lately I've caught her walking around with a bag of croutons. I've been out side and she'll come wandering out carrying it, and the other morning I came into the kitchen to find her here. She hasn't shut the door for privacy yet so that's a good thing because I don't think she could get out if she did.

Yummy snack ? ! She thinks so.

Loven' the lake

Ellie, Holland, Taylee, Weiland, Ryker, Brynlee, Quinton, Conner

It is officially summer! Our first time at the lake in a VERY long time. We went only once last year and that was because we had a bunch of family in town and it also proved we didn't want to go back with a 9mo old ~ no fun.
But this time was fabulous. Everyone had a great time and I didn't have to stress out about the kids because the water was so shallow. I had to chase after Holland once or twice because she wanted to go where the rest of the kid were but overall so much fun! And what makes it even more fun is going with my sisters and their kids. Thanks girls for a wonderful afternoon!

Holland was in heaven, mud and water all in one place.

These two cute girls are so fun!

The boys looking for tadpoles, and finding tadpoles, and asking to bring them home. ummm, no.

Weiland and his teeth, silly kid. Love how the goggles push his eyes down.

Such a fun day and can't wait to do it again.

we love summer!

Summer is hands down my most favorite season. It has FINALLY warmed up here and we are taking full advantage of the sun and warm days. The kids play outside pretty much all day, and because Holland can't wander out there alone I have spent at least half of my days out there as well. We are blessed to live on an amazing street and have fabulous neighbors. I think there are about 30 kids just on our street, we hardly ever have anyone drive through unless they live on the street, and we try to watch out for each others kids. ~Amazing right!?

By the end of the day yesterday the street was full of kids and mom's. I love that you can just pull out a blanket and place it on the grass and soon it will be full of friends to sit and talk with.

So here are a couple of shots of the kids at the end of a great day.

One of the favorite places to play for the kids is the empty lot behind our house.

Weiland posing with his "sword"

Quinton racing around on someones bike

Ellie taking a break on the blanket

There are some basketball hoops set up in the street and Holland wanted to get in and play with the big kids. I don't know how many times I had to chase her out of the street.

We are looking forward to many more fun days of summer.

Holland

This girl is just growing up so fast. So I thought I should document some of the things she is saying and doing now at 19mo.

Her favorite words are: Ellie, Wei, tinton, daddy, mine, kacker, out, let go. I know there are more but that's all that is coming to mind right now. She LOVES to play outside and just wander around. Our neighbors have this little play house in their backyard and she loves to be in their and play. She loves to swing on the big kids swings and play where ever the kids are. She's tried to get on Ellie's bike a number of times and gets frustrated when she can't reach.

One of my favorite things she does is come up behind me when I'm working at the counter in the kitchen and give me a big hug around the legs, burying her face in my legs. LOVE IT!!!

She is very independent and wants to do things herself but gets frustrated when she can't. She loves to sing Popcorn Popping and 3 Little Monkey's Jumping on the bed. And she gives great kisses.

So thankful she is part of our family.

Holland and our neighbor Tommy (they're nursery buddies)

kids

I promised Todd I'd do better at posting pictures for him here on the blog. I have been REALLY slacking off and will really try to do better.

Today my sister came by and while she was here my kids persuaded her to take them home with her and it worked. So I had a whole afternoon with just Holland around, kinda nice. They always love to go play at their cousins and never want to leave when it's time to go.

I just have to add how much I love my sisters and how I am thankful everyday for them. I am also very thankful that we moved here so that we could grow closer. Love you both so much and thank you Lacey for EVERYTHING!

So for today here's my picture of the kids. I'll try to post one a day if possible for you babe. Miss you.