This is what summer should be!

I am not quite sure where our summer has gone. But somehow it is the end of July and we have done none of the things that we had hoped to do this summer... mostly relax and enjoy time with friends and family.

Last week we were able to clear some time in our hectic schedule for a fun picnic dinner with the Lovejoy's. Never mind that my beer can chicken caught on fire on the grill and then proceeded to get eaten by crows. Never mind that Dan was running to Met Market to get a raosted chicken when we were supposed to be eating already. Never mind that the bees found our picnic rather inviting. Despite all the blunders it was a great evening with friends.

Thanks Jack and Katie for joining us... and laughing with us at the chaos that was that night! Can't wait to do it again.

Yes, I do have a 5 year old...

As I was looking back through posts I took notice to how few pictures of Tyler there are. He is alive, he is five and he hates to have his picture taken. What can I say?

He also knows how to rack up the water bills!

I love you buggers!

♥

This dude's got 'tude!

Let's just put it this way...

I was so happy to go to work on saturday after a week off with the boys!

These boys, they keep me on my toes!

Update...

So, I finally WOKE this little dude up

at...

!!!!!!

Don't hate!

(PS. It is now 3pm and he is sleeping again!)

Seriously...

Is this a glimpse of what's to come?

It's saturday morning at

(PS. at this point it is now 10:43 am)

I have dutifully made a breakfast of waffles with blueberries for my wonderful family and here Alex's sits because he is still fast asleep.

Seriously, is he 17 or something?

California and such...

Yes, we did travel to California. Yes, we did celebrate our county's independence. Yes, my wee man did turn 14 month old. Yes, said one year old did start walking... finally! Yes, I am way behind on blogging. And yes, I do have major blogger's block. So pictures are going to have to do, I got nothing clever to say.

Much unlike Tyler at this age, Alex LOVED the horses.

Waiting for Grandpa Jan to finish lunging the horse.

Alex screamed when it was time to get off. He thought riding with his big brother was the coolest!

One of my many attempts at a mini photo shoot. I played around with a lot of my camera settings and I am not very happy with my pictures from this trip. Guess I should go back to the way that works.

We got to experience the annual Penngrove Parade this year. And my, what an experience that was!

Uncle Larry getting crazy with the water guns.

Tyler and Jeff bonding over some cold ones.

The wee man showing off his walking skills after taking a 4 hour nap.

The Fourth Family Photo

All the cousins playing the Wii.

Watching the fireworks of which Alex was not so much a fan.

I found the perfect door for a photo. Jocelyn would be so proud!

We even came upon some railroad tracks which made for yet another photo op.

She just kind of fits!

In a family full of boys, Miss Maddie just kind of fits.

She's wild and crazy,

and sweet as can be.

She loves her cousins,

and they love her!

We can't wait for our next visit Maddie!

We miss you already!

A little Vitamin D

It's was about time for some sun in Seattle. But it seems to have come and gone.

Here's what we did while it was here...

tested out our new board shorts,

spruced up on our swimming skills,

ate lots of watermelon,

made all the chicks swoon,

had a fine feast on sand,

splurged on a seaweed body wrap,

and ended with a brotherly bonding session.

Please sunshine, we miss you already. Come back soon!

PA-WEEEEEESE!!