The boys love to have picnics. We would have one every day if it was up to them. Today, I took them to one of the nearby parks for play time and a picnic. They donned their hats & sunglasses and dined on PB&J, grapes and cheese sticks. Our lunches are pretty predictable. As long as they enjoy them, right???
We celebrated our Nation’s birthday a day early this year. We took a few friends along with us to Jake’s parents’ cabin. It was a fantastic day to be on the lake! We arrived a little before lunch time and everyone headed for the water. We had lunch and then went back for more water play. At one point, the boat had a minor tow rope issue, so Jason, Jake & their dad had to take it to the boat launch to have a look. While they were fixing the problem, Jake turned into a lobster. You could see how red he was getting from across the lake! (Needless to say, the next few days will probably be pretty painful for him!)
We ended the day with a few fireworks on the beach – the kids loved the sparkles. On the drive home, the boys all crashed. Not surprising, I know, since we had spent the entire day outside in the fresh air. Still, the little sleepers always manage to bring a smile to my face – they are just so precious (and quiet) when they’re sleeping.
We met our friends, at the park this morning. The kids had a blast on the equipment, the super long slide into the woods, and the “adventure” walk we took. The boys all had swords, compliments of one friend, while the other friend and I followed them through the “forest.” Afterward we went back to our house for a pool party. The kids went from the sandbox to the pool and back again until there was a small beach in the bottom of the pool 🙂 They also relaxed on the hammock for a little while. It was a great way to spend a fun summer day.
Jake is such a great dad. I love that he gets right in the pool with the kids – despite how cold the water is! The boys love it too. He’s also doubles as their own personal jungle gym at times.
The weather has been SO hot already this summer. Today I reached a breaking point. I loaded up the kids into the suburban and headed for Menards. The boys love going to any of the big box hardware stores. They actually know the difference too, which is hilarious to me. When we drive by one, Nolan is usually quick to point out which one we are passing. We have also taught him what Ace Hardware is as well, since it’s important for him to know Uncle Mark’s store 🙂
Anyway, I digress. We picked up a cart and headed for the garden section. The boys were given the choice between a purple or blue pool. They chose purple. We loaded it into the truck and headed right home. They were uber excited to fill it and play. Water temperature doesn’t phase them in the least. Their lips could be blue and their skin have goosebumps and they’ll continue to play. As for me, dipping my feet is enough! I have a feeling the pool is going to be an important part of our outdoor play this summer.
For Father’s Day this year, Jake asked for a tent. We picked one out as a family and he and the boys set it up in the backyard for the kids’ first camp out. We put their sleeping bag cots on each end and Jake slept in between. The boys got a good night’s sleep – I don’t think Jake really did. Apparently they were woken up by the crows in the neighbor’s trees at about 5AM, but they were kind enough to let me sleep until about 7, when they came back into the house.
Every once in a while, Nolan will say to me, “Mommy, take our picture!” The two of them are usually not doing anything wild & crazy when he makes this request, so it’s nice to be able to capture them on their better behavior once in a while 🙂
I love it when the boys play together nicely. Here’s a glimpse of them sharing the piano bench. They’re practicing a duet 🙂
Our friend, Michelle and her youngest brother, Alex, came over for dinner tonight. Michelle is so good about letting us know when Alex is visiting – we always enjoy seeing him and the boys have a lot of fun with him! (I think he has fun with them as well :)) After a tasty enchilada dinner, we had cake for dessert (decorated with sprinkles by the boys.) Then we spent a little time in the living room being entertained by the 3 youngest of the group. The boys brought in props and Alex read to us. Thanks for humoring us and the boys, Alex!
