It's summer. I have neglected you internet.

We are definitely enjoying our summer break. And, because we are out and about almost all day every day, I have about 500 pictures to upload on the weekends and little time to sort them and post here all the time.

I'm sorry. I promise to be better. Forgive me?

So, let me show you what we've been so busy doing...

Julia likes to encourage the chickens to lay eggs.

We've been having picnics.

Pizza picnics.

Pizza picnics on the side of the road next to the skating rink we were going to.

Julia can't skate yet, but she sure loves to sing.
Elisabeth's getting much better at skating, though!
This would be Julia escaping onto the rink and me frantically chasing her.

Elisabeth joined the summer reading program at the library and has been dutifully reading and filling in her sheet for prizes. Her friends have joined as well, so they like to read together. It's super cute.
Julia discovered puddles.
And marching. ;)

We have not forgotten to still pay attention to our cats, of course.

Elisabeth has been dressing up "hip hop" style.

And, I've been tending my potted garden, which has decided to cooperate with me!!!


I hope you're enjoying your summer as much as we are ours!!!!

An Introduction.

I would like you to meet my new nephew--Owen. He was born this morning at 3:03 AM. Kyle loves having babies while other people are sleeping.

Oh, I know, he's beautiful.

You may remember that I have been waiting a while for his arrival. He decided that maybe he should come 9 days after his due date. He knows how to make an entrance.

What about my Ethan? Well, he's kind of excited his brother's finally out of his mom's belly.

Although, he may not be that *thrilled* with getting his picture taken so much.

But, please, do not be worried. Even though I have yet to physically hold Mr. Owen (um, yeah, I've sobbed a bit over that), I am already in love with him. Why instantly from long distance, you ask?

Well, he's beyond adorable.

And? He has red hair too.

I am officially smitten by two little red head boys.

Congrats Kyle, Matt and Ethan!!!!

Bubbles.

I love summer.

I love being outdoors on a perfect day.

I love Julia in dresses.

I love how much Julia loves bubbles.

Creeking.

This summer, I am thankful for friends with children who enjoy going on outings so that i am not stuck alone with my children constantly.

Amen.

Last Thursday, Rachel and her kids (plus one babysitting kid) and me with my two girls all headed over to Bear Creek Nature Center. I had heard from a couple of people that the place was fabulous and had trails that would be easy for families with little ones. And, since my friends and I had decided to venture out on field trips with the kids over the summer, we thought it'd be a great place to start.

The center itself was awesome with a lot of stuff to look at and explore.

But, the trails were even better!!! It was a gorgeous day.
Julia declared herself the leader and kept yelling, "Come on guys!" over her chubby little shoulder.



The views were beyond gorgeous. My camera did them no justice.
Julia needed frequent snacks to keep her going. ;)

The kids loved this creek.

Oh, and drinks. She needed drinks often as well.
Ebeth and Mabel.

Julia started it. She put her foot in the creek. So, of course, the other kids wanted to as well.

Pretty soon, they were high tailing it down the creek like otters!



Rachel making friends with the kindly old gentleman trail person. Rachel knows no strangers. :)

Julia was not to be left out. She demanded to be in the creek too.






The kids (and me, since we felt at least one grown-up should follow them) were creeking for at least 40 minutes. Then we headed back to the car.

All in all, we were at the park for 2.5 hours. The kids LOVED it and have begged to go back again. I already have plans of making Evan come join us next time. It was a perfect day!