Summer of Fun

What a fun summer we have had. I think Brooklyn describes it best with the look on her face here. Pure joy. We were very busy this summer, but have a lot of fun memories to take with us. There were countless trips to the park where as you can see Brooklyn fell in love with the swings. The higher the better... she is such a little daredevil. We also spent a ton of time at the pool soaking up the sun. It is our favorite thing to do on a hot day.

We were able to take a few trips to see family this summer. One place we went was to see Aunt Ashley, Uncle Jordan, Jackson and Tyler in Pittsburg. We got to see the new baby and help out where we could. You are such a cute family and we feel very blessed to live close enough to see eachother often. We love you guys!! We also spent a day downtown where there was this great little water park for the kids to run through. They were drenched..., but grinning.

After PA we went to Nauvoo to spend some time with grandparents and take in a little history. The boys had a wonderful time and will remember this trip for a long time to come. Thanks to G&G Lords for sharing your home and making the trip so special. Here are a few of the fun activities we did.

Go Kaden!

Faster Grandpa!

When Grandma and Grandpa came to visit we had a blast. They are always so much fun and so loved in our house. One day we went to the state fair. It was incredibly hot that day, but the kids

had a great time. I don't know what it is with little kids and stinky animals. They can't go by without making friends... I think they stunk the rest of the day.

First Elephant ride!

Alas, all good things must end sometime and give way to other good things. So we say goodbye to the summer for now and head off to school. Tanner in first, Kaden in Kindergarten and mom gets a little free time. Have a great year boys and we look forward already to making more memories next summer!

So our town has this amazing park where they hold 4th of July festivities every year. There is always so much going on for kids and music and of course great fireworks! It has become a fun tradition to go every year and make memories. We wondered this year how Brooklyn would handle the fireworks and being up so late. She was such a trooper and wasn't scared at all. She loved the bright colors and just stared at them the whole time.

Brooklyn had her first twizzler while we were there. What a jaw grip! We had a hard time getting it away from her. She must have a sweet tooth like her mom.

There was a water dunking booth for the local football team to raise money. Tanner and Kaden had a lot of fun trying (and succeeding) to sink the teenage boys. They thought it was the funniest thing to watch them fall in. I think they would have spent all their money there if we had let them.

However, Kaden quickly learned that he got the same result by quickly running up there and pushing the button.

Thankfully, it was a very hot day and the football players didn't seem to mind Kaden's method of getting them wet. They were good sports about it.

One of there favorite activities of the day was the rock wall. Tanner made it all the way to the top... with a little help from his belay.

I know it has been a while since we have updated you all. We have been without a computer for a while after a lightning strike. You really realize how much you depend on something when it is gone. Anyways, we hope you are all doing well and having a great summer. Here are some of the things we have been up to.

At the beginning of the summer, Tanner's school had a field day. The boys had so much fun joining in on all the games. Here is Tanner in his box car he and his Dad built. He was so proud of himself for coming in second place. Go Tanner!

Kaden was sure concentrating on that egg race. He never dropped it!

I think I have the sweetest husband in the world. We had our anniversary this past week and celebrated on Friday night. We were getting ready to leave and a big black limo pulls up in front of the house. He totally surprised me and had this whole night planned. We had so much fun. It is great to go out and remember that you are someone other than a mom once in a while. Thank you honey...I love you.

Little Kaden, you are growing up too fast. I can't believe you have already graduated from preschool. I know you are very excited to go to kindergarten next year and ride the bus, but I am going to miss you so much. You are the sweetest boy ever and leave a void whenever you are not here. I am so proud of you and who you are becoming. I love you.

The young men in our ward had a campout last weekend so Tim took the boys with him. They had so much fun. They felt so big because they got to go with the big boys. They built fires, played games, roasted countless marshmallows,went fishing and more. I never knew it was possible to get so dirty in 1 night!

Oh...you look so cute together. Are you sure all 3 of you are going to fit into that tent?

Tucked in nice and tight!

Look grandpa..I caught a big one. Don't worry, I put it back so we can get it next time.

Hey Ash... this one is for you. You can't see the ribbon very well in any of the pictures though. I think it is because of her rolly little belly. She looked so cute. Especially next to her Daddy because he had a pink tie to match. They wore this on Valentines Day. I tried to get the boys to wear a pink tie like Tim, but they were not having it and called it his sissy la la tie. I told them it wasn't and that even Uncle Aaron , Uncle Drew and Grandpa (who is the toughest guy on the planet to them) wore pink ties. They promptly told me that "well, I guess they are sissy la la's too." Don't worry Dad they still think you are iron man and can lift all the big heavy rocks!