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.

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.

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!

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.