Sweet Summertime

Swimming, popsicles, friends, and riding bikes are among the things that make these hot days quite fun!  The girls have been here a good bit, and we just love that!!!  Pop and I have some traveling coming up soon, and we sure are going to miss our big kids and little kids!!  I was showing Maddie a map of where we are going, and she looked at me in shock and said, "And you're not taking me??"  I'm a little surprised by that myself!

Big girl has mastered the pool!  No fear-just lots and lots of fun!!

Pop and Reed watched for a while and then joined in the fun!

 This chunky monkey is always smiling!!

Can you say "Diva"?  

Lots and lots of fun swimming with mom!

And Pop!

We love having Cathy's kids each afternoon!  I also love that the girls are getting to know children of Lindsey's former schoolmates!  (Lillian decided she didn't want to be in the picture!)

Making friends and memories!!

Summer is going way too fast this year!  

One, Three and Six

Time really does fly when you're having fun!  And trust me, fun is had by all when the babies are here.  Recently when everyone was here, we had a little early morning photo shoot!

It all started with this princess!  It was through her that we first learned about this unbelievably wonderful world of being a grandparent.  Wow, she has grown and changed so much!  Tenderhearted, nurturing, and beginning to spread her wings!  So hard to believe 6 years have passed!! Look out first grade!!

Next is this sweet little firecracker!  Strong willed, independent, and oh so very. very loving and sweet! Simply never a dull moment with this little angel!

Sweet, sweet sisters! I think they will always be best buddies!

And last but not least, our bonus baby!  Adventurous, curious, and super sweet!!  He walks nonstop on his journeys exploring and learning!  I think we are in for some fun rides with this little guy!

A good picture with all three was quite the challenge.  I can't imagine anything better than being a grandparent.

Slow down time!  These babies are growing too fast!!

Happy Fourth

I don't ever remember having such a rainy Fourth of July!  However, we still managed to get everything cooked, the family came, and we had a great time together!! Our time was cut short due to rain, but we so enjoyed having everyone here. Lindsey and her family came for a few days before the fourth, and we loved that!!  I'll share more on that visit later.

Pop has wanted to put up a flag in the front yard for some time, and he finally got it up!

He has also wanted to cook a whole hog.  So, he added that to his ribs and chicken this year.  Other than having to stay up all night, I have to say that it was a success.

Uncle C and Aunt Tay came by to help!

However, Aunt Tay and the babies, along with Lindsey and I stayed inside during the beginning.  We just weren't sure about this at first.

Papa is always close by to help!!

The monsoon rains continued throughout the night!  We had to tie the pop up down to keep it from blowing away!  But, the cooking continued!!

The next morning, the little piggy was ready and Josh, Caleb and Pop got busy pulling!

Maddie watched, but she wouldn't help pull!

And on a side note, if you see this guy on Monday, tell him Happy Birthday!!

We anxiously waited as family arrived and it was time to enjoy everyone's company.

Lillian and Kris are buddies!!

The cousins did manage to get in a little swim time in between rains!! I think this is the only picture I took of that!

Family time!

Later that night, we were able to enjoy a few fireworks.

Lillian was not too impressed.  This was her only attempt at a sparkler!  Maddie loved it!

Poor, poor Gus was not a fan!!!