Happy Birthday Russ!

We are going to a movie for Russ' Birthday right after school today, so we celebrated Monday night with the kids. Parker was very adament about what he wanted to get Russ for his Birthday - a Hawaiian scented air freshener for his car. He was also very specific about what he wanted to do for Russ' Birthday games, so I let him be in charge of the family home evening activities for the night. Parker's game involved each of the boys hiding in the house with a present and Russ had to find the boys to get the gifts. The game was a big hit, and family home evening was ending with strawberry frosted angel food cake (request by Russ), when Daddy decided to let the boys see what would happen to their balloons when held up to a burning candle. Cole and Parker both were startled but pleased with the result. Mason, on the other hand, was less than happy until we told him to just go get another one. He was trying to be tough though. Watch the faces closely...

Popsicles & Kiddie Pools!

In this HOT and HUMID summer Florida weather, I am increasingly grateful for Kiddie pools and otter pops! It is the only way my kids want to be outdoors at all. I can't blame them!

Sea World

We went to Sea World a couple of weekends ago and actually managed to get a picture of the whole family while we were there. Less and less common these days - especially with me getting closer to the stage when I would rather not have my picture taken at all! We had a lot of fun despite the heat and afternoon rain. The boys (and parents) got soaked by Shamu for the first time, and the boys loved it - with the exception of Mason. I didn't realize how COLD the water is in that pool!

4th of July in Fort Lauderdale...

Okay, so admittedly this was not the most relaxing vacation we've ever taken.... trying to finish minor problems with the condo, a little cleaning, Russ' deposition that was supposed to be an hour and took closer to three while I waited with the boys and tried to find things to occupy the time, not to mention 3 burned little hands that resulted in blisters from the sparklers and Russ getting sick after sushi...

Nevertheless, it was still really nice to see Jen, Doug, Dallin and Brooke. It was great to see them getting settled in their new place and let the cousins play. Thanks Jen for watching the kids for SO long during a move and everything! Doug has become the hit of their new neighborhood after playing soccer with all the kids in the street. Jen went outside July 5th only to find all the parents out letting their kids stay up past bedtime because the neighbor kids had all heard Doug still had fireworks to light off. That really was lots of fun! Thanks Jen and Doug! Hopefully the next trip will be even more fun and even relaxing!!!

Thanks to Alice and Louis for letting us stay in their beautiful home in Homestead! We had a great time (about the only really relaxing part) at your house on the 4th. It was so fun to get to know Baylee better - she is so cute! The boys miss you guys & Karma!

Dunkaroos!

Cole and Parker finished swimming lessons a couple of weeks ago. They loved it, of course! Cole has been a little fish practically since the day he was born. Parker, on the other hand, loves playing in the water but has always been seriously distressed when his face gets wet. For the first time this year though, he's been willing to put his head under water with no persuasion from Russ or me. I think it's all thanks to a nice teacher and "dunkaroos!" All the kids in the pool practice against the wall yelling out "One, Two, Dunkaroo!" as they go under the water. Apparantly, it's had an effect on Parker. So, all the afternoons out in the humid florida heat trying to keep Mason and his broken arm out of the pool was all worth it!

Cole's last day of swimming...

Parker's Dunkaroos!