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Friday, August 19, 2011

My Birthday


I realized I hadn't posted these pictures from my birthday back in June to the blog. I'm pretty sure some of them got posted to Facebook though.


Sam loved the star candles, but was disappointed when he found out that they were not candy and that he would not be getting to eat them.





Mimi brought these gorgeous flowers that Nanner and Dorsey sent me from The Garden Gate. Ben was completely fascinated and wanted to touch and smell them. Mimi was teaching him the names. It was so cute to hear him say things like "hydrangea."



The flowers were gorgeous and brightened up the house for a week!

4th of July


Anticipation!

Yep, it's the middle of August and I'm just now writing a post about the 4th of July. I have a few posts that I need to catch up on from July, so this is just the first.


Mimi brought some pop-its and other "novelties" and Sam could not have been more excited!


Pops watching from a safe distance.


It's no fun just to watch ... Sam had to get in on the action.



Benny even got to pull the string on a few of them.


Pop-its



Benny the blur.




Lunch at the Big Easy the previous day.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

The Mutt Puddle


We took Cleo to The Mutt Puddle to give her a bath this weekend. The boys got a big kick out of it, Sam more than Ben. Sam helped a lot, especially brushing and spraying. Ben is having a tough time adjusting to new experiences lately, so he's been a little fussy lately. I remember Sam acting the same way, just a taste of the terrible twos.


The boys thought it was funny that Chris was brushing Cleo's teeth.



Spraying the water was definitely Sam's favorite. Cleo tolerated it well. She came out super soft. Much cheaper than the mobile groomer we've been using and a fun family outing too.

Monday, August 15, 2011

First Day of School



I can't believe how fast the summer went by! We got to visit with lots of family and friends, but it was mostly too hot to get out. It almost feels like New Year's resolution time with promises to get up earlier, get the boys to school on time, pack better lunches, and pick them up earlier. I'm in the middle of a two week vacation myself, so I got to spend lots of time with the boys over the last several days. I've gotten a major reset and have been reminded of priorities and of how fast the boys are growing up. We've had such a good time and played so much that the boys really didn't want to go back to school this morning, especially in uniforms with standard issue lunch boxes and bags. I know they have a great time because Sam doesn't want to leave half of the time when I come to pick him up.

Here's looking forward to fall weather, fall festivals, hockey games and the holidays ... not wanting them to come too fast though as we enjoy the boys for exactly who they are today!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Village Beach


We went to the Village Beach today. The boys had a great time playing in the sand, and Chris and I enjoyed the cool morning breeze.


Lots of digging and making shapes.







This could really be fun when it gets a little cooler!


Following the leader, the leader, the leader. Following the leader where ever he may go!


Cooling off.





Lunch at the Purple Cow. Notice Sam's rainbow cow? That's how he colors everything. No solid colors in Sam's world.




Cookies! Nom, nom, nom.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Sea Life


The boys are out of school for two days for teacher planning days before the first day of school next week. With something like 40 days straight of temperatures over 100 degrees, we were looking for some inside, air-conditioned entertainment. Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium just opened last month, so we decided to go check it out.


Even though we purchased tickets online, we still had a short wait in line. It was pretty busy with summer camp groups. One of the girls working there said it's best to come after 4pm right now, but I'm thinking that might switch when school is back in session.


The best thing about the Sea Life aquarium is how they have the exhibits set up. There are lots of glass floors, bubbles, and swim-overs.


This is the sting ray exhibit.


That's Sam in that bubble with a sting ray swimming by.


Two red heads in a bubble.


360 degree shark tunnel.



Ben was a little overwhelmed with how many people were there and wanted to be carried most of the time. He did enjoy looking at the fish when we could find a quiet spot.


Jellyfish!


The Nemo and Dory tank ... always a hit!


A bunch of scarlet-striped shrimp.


Shark walk


Blue light brings out my freckles.



For older kids, they have a scratch-off quiz card which you can answer by reading the "fin facts." Sam and Ben just had fun spinning the answers around.


There's Chris and his boys in a bubble!


Happy Meals at McDonald's followed by a hot fudge sundae recharged their batteries, so they wanted to play on the outside playground. What? No way! Do you remember the part about 40 straight days over 100? Well, something happened between when we walked in and when we walked out and it had dropped about 20 degrees. It was actually pleasant, slightly overcast, and a little breezy. Well, okay. Why not? Wear yourselves out! Who am I kidding? Nothing can wear Sam out, so he watched Finding Nemo on the way home.


At least Benny was ready for a nap.



Driving home with some pretty dark clouds and lots of wind. I hope we get some rain!