Family night Fun night!

After dinner last night Tanner asked if Jared would play catch with him outside.  I thought he would say let's do something inside because it's so hot but out they went!  I came out too and it was actually really nice!  The clouds were covering the sun and there was a nice breeze.  What a relaxing night just being outside with the boys!
Parker ran around with me, we played catch and colored on the sidewalk.  He and Carson also had some fun on the swings.  Carson walked around everywhere and Jared and Tanner played catch.  We ended the night with baths and brownies.  Perfection!  I really love to see my family having fun together.  The boys were all smiles as usual and I wouldn't have it any other way.  How grateful I am for Jared and Tanner and Parker and Carson!  I love you boys!  

Tannerman!

Tanner did swim team this year!  It was his first time and he loved it.  It was so great for him to have his own activity this summer.  He went to practice every Monday through Thursday morning for an hour and we enjoyed cheering him on at his swim meets every week.  Tanner is such a positive and natural athlete.  He loves all sports and he loved swimming.  He was so proud after each race and we were too.  He tried his best each week and beat his own times as the weeks went by.  Tanner especially likes the breaststroke and butterfly.  
My little Tanner is growing up so fast!  He is 9 years old and will be starting 4th grade in a few short weeks.  I can't believe it.  I love him so much and I am grateful that he can spend so much time with us!  Tanner is so loving.  He wants everything to be perfect and he wants everyone to be happy.  He loves having the attention on him and he loves to smile.  I am grateful for his sweet spirit and his example of strength!

Splash Pad Fun

These boys light up my life everyday!

  Tanner is getting way too old and way too smart.  He gets a little bored with the younger kids activities sometimes but is a good sport about it. (Most of the time.)  He always wants to help and talks so sweetly to Parker and Carson.  Parker and Tanner are quite the wild pair.  Even though they are 6 years apart in age they still keep each other company.  Tanner is an amazing big brother!

 Parker is so happy and so energetic and loves his brothers so much.  He is always doing something and laughing while he does it!  He talks in the sweetest little voice to Carson and is teaching Carson everything.  Parker makes me smile and laugh everyday and amazes me with how much he is learning.  Jared only speaks Portuguese to Parker and to Carson.  It is amazing to hear Parker speak it and to see how much he understands when Jared talks to him.   My little Parker is such a mama's boy and I love it!

Carson is my little sweetie that is always smiling.  He understands so much and is finally starting to say more words. He points to his belly button, his nose and his mouth.  I love it! He is a bottomless pit and would eat all day if I let him.  He especially loves fruit!  And he takes after his mama and eats a delicious bowl of oatmeal every morning.  :)  Carson loves his brothers and wants to do everything they do.  He loves Jared and loves to snuggle with him.  As soon as Jared walks in the door Carson lets out a shriek and runs to him.  So sweet!

I am truly grateful to be a mom and to be able to stay home and enjoy these special memories with my kiddos.  They challenge me most days but melt my heart everyday.  I love my family and love to see how much things change each year. 

Anyways......

 We are staying busy and enjoying the summer around here.  The boys come to the gym with me every morning and we try to do something before naptime too.  I am trying to be better about taking pictures!  They just run so fast it's hard to snap any! 

Parker and Carson LOVE water, so the splashpad is an obvious choice.  The splash pad has a nice soft floor and has a big awning over it.! It's so nice because we can enjoy the summer heat but also be in the shade.   I love all of these pics.  Tanner was playing with a friend so he's not in these.  I met Jenna and her kids and they all loved playing in the water together.  Jared even came and met us after his class got out.  He is keeping so busy with his summer classes and studying.  So I really enjoy the times when we can spend time together enjoying our kids smiles.

Happy Summer!

The Garden

Last month we got to help plant a garden with Jared's parents.  The boys loved getting dirty and I was so excited to get to partake of the buckets of veggies!  We planted tomatoes, onions, peppers, carrots, cucumber, watermelon, and I'm sure I'm forgetting the rest.  This last Sunday we were there and came home with tons of green beans, tomatoes, green bell peppers, and onions. YUM!!!  We have already put quite a dent in our stash.  I love planning meals around fresh produce.  Ahhh.......simple pleasures.