laser show.

We took the kids to the laser show on Saturday. We knew we were taking a huge risk keeping the kids up way past their bedtime, but we figured we'd give it a shot.

We loaded down the Bob with our picnic, cooler, blankets, toys, and 2 kiddos and walked at least a mile from our parking spot to the grassy hill overlooking the mountain. We set up shop, ate our dinner, played until we were dripping sweat, climbed rocks, and spent way to much money on glow-in-the-dark chotskies for the kids.

Taylor feeding EK her dinner.


My attempt at a family pic. Check out my kids' faces.


It was tricky trying to contain EK. She really wanted to visit with our neighbors. Keeping her on our quilt proved quite difficult.


Happy boy.


Happy girl.


P had a blast playing on the rocks right behind our spot. I think every kid in the park was playing on those rocks.


I also think every kid in the park wanted the light up light saber that P had. It was so funny to watch a million kids ask P if they could borrow it. He is getting really good at sharing these days, so he actually let a few kids play with it, but you could see the concern on his face when they would run off with it to show their parents. I think he was afraid they wouldn't bring it back. Too funny!


The show didn't start until 9:30pm. EK was already asleep. P was terrified of the fireworks, so I had to hold him the whole time. He ended up conking out in my arms about halfway through the show. It was a late night but a lot of fun. Definitely check it out this year. The special effects that they added to the show make it much better.

more pool time.

We are still getting in lots of pool time. Jill, Jackson, and Truett were our pool guests last week and Amy and her kids came down Tuesday to hang out for the day. So much fun!

P is still happy hanging out on the pool steps, but has progressed to Step Number Three, with the water about waist-deep. Way to go P! I'm hoping he'll get a little braver every time we go.


Emma Kate has no fear. She has discovered that she can crawl along the top step, dipping her face under when she deems necessary. She's a little fish.


Hanging in daddy's arms, splashing my camera lens. I don't think I'll be getting in the pool with my camera again anytime soon.


Loving our pool time this summer.

first harvest.

We're pretty excited about our garden. We pulled out all stops to protect our garden this year, with an electric fence strong enough to shock a horse. Those dogs better not mess with it. We have four tomato plants, including some yummy heirloom varieties, squash, cucumber, red and green bell pepper, banana pepper, and jalapeno plants. The garden is really making progress, with huge yields and, I'm sure, some yummy vegetables ready for picking in just a few days. I cannot wait to make homemade salsa with our tomatoes and jalapenos!

P.S. Does anyone know why my yellow squash are bumpy? I cannot figure this out!

this is them.

Emotional. Strong-willed. Heartfelt. Dislikes my camera.


Indifferent. Easy-going. Carefree. Fascinated by my camera.


My children are so very different. Special in their own way. This is them and I wouldn't change a thing.

cookout with the crosby's.

We've had a lot of fun hanging out with the Crosby's this summer. Both sets of our children are very close in age and they get along really well.

We planned on taking the kids to the rodeo last weekend but with 90+ degree temps and two babies, it just wasn't a good idea. Instead, we headed to their house to grill out and let the kids play.

EK hanging out in the swing.


The boys played in the sandbox, threw rocks in the river, and picked up pinecones and then dumped them from the bed of the gator. Boys will be boys.


They were good about taking turns driving. Time to turn the turbo on, Crosby's! Aren't they too cute together?


We had fun, guys! I'm sure this summer will be full of lots more get-togethers.

staying cool at the pool.

Ever since Memorial Day, we have gone to the pool almost every single day I've been off work. I had to drag P there the first time because his only recollection of swimming at a pool was this, but ever since then, he begs to go and cries when we leave. Emma Kate loves it, too.



She will crawl straight in and put her head completely under water. You'd think she wouldn't do it again when she comes up coughing, but she goes straight back under. I really have to keep an eye on her. She is also content just splashing. The more water that splashes in her face, the harder she splashes. She cracks us up.


P, on the other hand, is happy just getting his feet wet. He'll play in two inch deep water for hours. My children are yin and yang.


Too cool for school. I think his hair is wet in this pic due to sweat, not pool water.


Yay for pool time! We've already met so many nice people from the hood there and we've loved having friends come over to swim, too. It's going to be a great summer!

diva.

God knew what he was doing when he gave me a girl. I just love to dress her up, put bows in her hair, and snap lots of cheesy pictures.


The best part? She loves getting dolled up, too. I better get this out of my system while she's still young, before she starts protesting.

memorial weekend.

We had a fun and relaxing Memorial weekend.

Found a rattlesnake on our property.


Emma Kate got in the pool and the lake for the first time and loved it.


And P tubed for the first time.




Probably doesn't sound too relaxing to you, but we all had a great time!