Summer goodness

Since my last post I have been trying to make these last weeks fun and summery for the boys. I just wish I had more money to go do the other fun things they want like more swimming, snowies, ice-cream and all the like. But we are making the most of what we have.

We took a trip to the Sno-Shack to have some yummy snowies. Oh, summer time tastes good. Caleb has discovered he likes banana, Peter pretty much likes the flavor red, and although I have tried some new flavors my ultimate favorite is cherry.
This weekend we went to Scofield so they boys can have just a little more outdoor fun. We took a hike to Caleb's cave and got to explore a little. Here he is in his cave.
And here the boys are after playing in the lake, making rock sculptures and getting to the cabin right before a huge down pour of hail and rain from those clouds in the background. It was a fun time, they had lots of fun in the lake and just being free for a day.

Now this next week Rob goes to scout camp and we are left without a truck. So, our adventures will be very close to home but hopefully no one gets too stir-crazy.

Summer, where have you gone?

I just read somewhere on the computer, "the last few weeks of summer" and it made me so bummed! How can it be coming to a close this soon? School starts this month! Ahhhh! I know Caleb and Peter will enjoy the new activity in life but I do not want to start the "school-time routine" already. I want to play and chill and do nothing more. My boys have enjoyed summer, I think. A couple of pictures:

Most of our summer has been Scofield and just messing around in the back yard with water or the boys playing this and that game with their toys. It seems like we have been having fun but now that school is almost here I feel this great need to make August even MORE FUN. How to do that? How can I make the most out of summer without spending a ton of money yet still treat my kids to the best?? I am just going to have to put my thinking cap on and do it quickly.

Just to mention the things good from today

• My dishes are being washed instead on sitting in the sink
• My home is semi-clean
• My kids are asleep
• My kids played with new legos today and enjoyed themselves (for the most part)
• My kids splashed in dirty puddles left from the evening's rain and loved it
• I am the proud owner of a new blender (just because I broke the old one is beside the point)
• I got to help out my grandpa and it is good to serve others
• I will be going to sleep now
• Tomorrow is a new day and new patience and fun will hopefully come

Rachel Jumping

This was Rachel's first time in the jumper. It took her a little bit to figure it out, but she loves it!!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Rachel's 6 Month Update

I can't believe Rachel is already 6 1/2 months old...time flies when you're having fun! Here's a brief update:

• went to the doctor-- weighed a whopping 18 lbs 11 oz (91st %) -- I know, tell me about it, my back is killing me, 26 inches (60th %) -- I think they messed up, she longer than that. But still she is nice and roly poly.
• Got shots, cried for like 2 seconds and then was fine (Yay, she's a toughy!)
  
• Started eating solids - not a fan of green beans (video coming soon), but is willing to try anything
  
• sits up on her own really well
• doesn't roll over, but has started to get on all fours. Doc said sometimes babies skip rolling and go straight to crawling - we'll see
• loves jumping
• starting to giggle/belly laugh a lot while being tickled
• her hair fits in a top of the head pony tail thing
• she is still as curious as ever
• Is so happy and easy going - which is great cause we can take her anywhere
• loves being around different people
  
• Just as fun as can be!!

Could someone tell me again?

Could someone tell me again why they are so excited for me that I am having a girl? Again and again, whether it be a stranger or someone close, they see my three boys (who are so dang cute!)...they see my belly...then they ask if the next one is hopefully a girl. I say yes and they immediately get a smile on their face, a lady even did a happy dance for me today in the store, then they proceed to tell me the "joys" of girls. The heightened emotions, the dramatic flare, the teenage years (one woman loved her little girl until she was a teenager), and just how much easier boys are than girls. The happy dance lady told me that twice during our 2 minute conversation today. I know, I know, I will love this baby and so will my boys. But MAN ALIVE, what am I going to do (Heidi, I am jealous!) !?! Oh, how I love my boys (even when I am complaining about them)! They are the best! Why again should I be excited about this girl (I know, she comes from Heaven, is sent to me for a reason, will be just as cute, I will love her, yadda, yadda, yadda)? I love my boys!

Caleb's birthday

"What more could I ask for than a perfect birthday like this?" That is an exact quote from Caleb tonight as he was playing with one of his new toys right before bed. Boy am I glad to hear he had a good day! But it was not just today, we have been trying to celebrate all weekend.

The awesome birthday boy (he chose to spike his hair today) in all his happiness. He was a perfect little boy, except for one episode of pushing a brother down. He woke up happy, stayed happy, played well, shared all of his new toys (he said it was because he woke up so happy), and got ready for bed with not one struggle. Way to start the year off right.

Rewind it a couple of days....we took our trip to Scofield to watch the fireworks off the lake and play in the water. Caleb was able to play all weekend with his friend Brian and he loved every minute of it.
Caleb was also able to get loaded with candy at the Scofield parade and then he did what he set out to do, climb the rock wall at the town festival. OH, he was so excited! He did awesome, and with a little encouragement, he made it all the way to the top and rung with bell. He was full of pride and confidence and it was such a great thing for him.

We also went to the rodeo the night before Scofield and the boys loved that, as always. I would have photos but our camera was being stupid.

Caleb is a fabulous kid. He has learned so much this past year, Spanish being the top thing. He still speaks it around the house and cannot wait to go back next year and learn more. He is full of excitement and life and also love and creativity. We love him. Happy Birthday, Caleb!