July...from the late perspective of August

 Well, I'm a little, okay a lot behind.  I have a good reason.  These pictures were too cute (in my humble opinion) not to post.  Especially for Aunt Michelle, my faithful blog reader, who has been so kind not to mention my failure to post in well over a month.  Our 4th was low key.  It was very hot.  We did a short parade in our neighborhood around the fishing pond, followed by popcicles which turned our children patriotic colors.  We had a relaxing day with snap pops to conclude.  I'm going to embrace our children's lack of expectation for awhile.  I'll save my major fireworks buying until they've discovered that.  There was a burn ban anyway.  They had a blast.

Couldn't quite finish the race...glad that Dad was with her and not me.  She'd have been walking.

A firecracker in herself

Memorial Weekend Part II

This was on Sunday, which was leisurely.  Again, an overcast evening and beautiful day lilies, two kids still in their nicer outfits from church.  Got a little camera happy.  This time Dad took some pictures of me.  It was fun.  I don't know how I look half the time.  I think that's why I have some many mirrors around.  Just to make sure I'm presentable when someone shows up at the door or I run an errand.  So it was my lucky day.  Presentable.  My kids, well, they might have a different opinion someday, but they are too cute not to be presentable all the time.

Never let a dress stand in her way of climbing.

Pokes my lens when it gets in her way while playing.

Little man is always so accommodating to my requests for hugs

Drama with a capital D.

Memorial Day Weekend Part I

 Memorial Day weekend marked the beginning of .....SWIMSUIT SEASON.  This is the reason I man the camera.   Though it is always handy to have a pale child attached to you because in our adultness, it always makes you look like you're sporting a tan.  At least, if you have my children who have a LOT of northern European decent in their genetics.  We got to break in Grandma B's pool with Aunts Michelle and Rachael making the trek in too.  It was a laid back Saturday before Memorial day but the kids had fun seeing their aunts and we have the pictures to show it.  ***Aunts*** I did pick what I believe to be flattering pictures of you in your swimsuits.  I know I am paparazzi at our family events and thank you for your tolerance of my telephoto lens and the incessant sound of clicking in the background. 

 

 

 

 

 

Aunt Rachael giving Hayden some swimming lessons.  They have a special bond and he'll let her do that...not so much with mom and dad.

If this had been me, there would not have smiles.

Aunt Michelle taking Hayden prepped and ready for the water war.  Didn't want to waste any extra energy in the 10 feet of walking I guess.  Had to save it for battle.

Has his game face on.  Prepared for being shot himself or falling into the water.  A soldier is always prepared.  Or is that just the boy scouts?

Operation Inner tube.  Aunt Rachael takes the helm, Hayden mans the water gun.

Rosy the riveter or Susie Sunshine. Your choice.

Working it.  Do you think I can convince them to hold hands and for him to walk her protectively around the pool when she is 16?  I'll try.

Aunt Rachael, swim lessons part II.

In the heat of the battle.

Baby down.  Daddy to the Rescue.  Too cold for baby girls in this war.

So cold.  Must...Lay....Out....

All better.  Now where are my animal crackers.  I'm famished from hypothermia.

Celebrating Mamas

 For Mother's Day weekend we spent Saturday visiting the Grandma's and sharing a meal with them.  It was so special to get to see them.  We've had very few mother's days since we've been married to show our appreciation to them.  The thing is mom's never stop being moms.  And if they have grandchildren, they lend a hand in caring for them too.  I don't think I realized how much you still need your mom even in your 30's and beyond.  Its like they pave the path for you.  Give you direction always.  You're always experiencing everything for the first time where they've been there and done that 20+ years prior.    Anyway, just always hope that they know we still need them and love them and appreciate everything that they do.

Being silly with Grandma K after she got home a little after we arrived.

Grandpa K and Clare.  They didn't know what to make of him without his mustache.

Mama and me.

Proclaiming "2!" as she held up two little rocks. 

Making motor noises and loading up the bed with rocks.  Its as if the Ford and Chevy commercials are already made for him.

Grandma K found a ladybug and we had to hold it.

Hayden's little hand.

Clare was afraid the ladybug would bite, but after Hayden held it, she would too.

And then on to Grandma B's to celebrate her.  We snuggled everyone up for a picture with her son and grandkids.  The kids love playing outside and find the simplest of things to amuse themselves like poles to play peek-a-boo.  It was pretty cute to watch.

Just thought this guy was pretty handsome and had to take a picture of him scruff and all.