Oops!

 I had no idea that I never shared this post! Reed and I enjoyed a quick get away to the beach for Father’s Day.  Basically, we ate and sat on the beach. What could be better? We are gearing up for a busy week ahead, and we just can’t wait. I love to spend time with family and friends, and we have several opportunities to do just that this week.

First, a little from the beach trip-

These guys were actually at Dauphin Island the same time we were at the beach.  The ferry wasn't running due to weather, so we didn't get to see them.  They will be here next week, and I just can't wait!

These cuties have kept me company for a couple of days recently.

This one is part fish!

This one is part stinker! :) 

Conquering mountains!

This splashpad was a perfect way to spend a really hot afternoon.

Happy Fourth!

June

Summer continues to fly by.  It's hard to believe that June is already half gone.  Summer adventures continue with lots more fun to come.  The garden is growing, the flowers are blooming, the pool is finally warming up, and the grandchildren are keeping us busy!

Lillian had a blast at 4H camp this week.  So much fun!

                                              

While she was at camp, this soon to be nine year old (tomorrow) came to visit.  We watched movies, got in lots of swimming, spent a day with the little ones and more!  It's rare for us to have just one at a time, so we really enjoyed this visit.  We are headed back to meet his mom later today.  We are going to stop by the theater and squeeze in one more movie.

What fun these three are!  They play so well together.  In between swims, we made cookies, built forts, played soccer, and played with every toy in the house.

Bucket head, bucket head, Jack has a bucket head!  (Thanks Mel for the great swim rhyme).

All aboard! Choo choo!

They love this tree!  It's perfect for climbing!  In the second picture, the boys also did a little tree fishing with their sticks!

 Maddie is busy with summer workouts, but we hope she can join us soon.  Growing up is for the birds!

Summer

We have enjoyed lots of pool days recently, and those are simply my favorite days. We have also been busy with work, a little travel, Bible School, swim lessons, birthday parties and more!  Life is busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

These pictures are not in order, so hang with me as I try to explain.......

Swimming lessons with Mel are going great!  John Sawyer is doing about as well as he possibly could.  Jack had a rocky first day, but has been awesome since then.  Mel even brought Mrs. Marie out of retirement to help.  

This one has loved Bible School this week.  

 

So much fun!!

Boys being boys!

Our first river trip of the season was lots of fun!  Lots of memories are made on these trips.

Searching for frogs and more pool fun.

We celebrated all of our recent and upcoming birthdays. Love this bunch.  

John Sawyer helped Pop and his dad put up flags for the city.  Pop and Lillian cooked pancakes for all of us one morning.  And the little ones are jumping in!

More fun to come.

Three

 I was beginning a new blog and realized that for some reason I didn't publish this post.  This little one definitely deserves his own post.  

 Jack is simply filled with personality.  He is funny, loveable, sweet as sugar, tough as nails, independent, and quite the character.  He reminds me lots of his daddy when he was little.  His little voice is just precious, and his vocabulary is amazing. Now don't get me wrong, he does have his moments when he's a bit challenging, but he's so darn cute that it's hard to get on to him.  He's the baby of the bunch, and has us all wrapped around his little finger.

He had the best party this past weekend complete with a jumper, cotton candy, lots of airplanes, a lady that painted faces and more.  Fun was had by all-especially Jack!

Best buddies!!

Aunt Sandy made the cutest plates, and Sandy McDaniel made a precious cake. Cotton candy, a balloon arch, jumpy house, friends and family made it a perfect day. Notice that little fingerprint on the cake.  He just couldn't wait.

Gifts galore!

Next up, Reed's All-Star soccer tournament.  The game was the same time as the party.  Luckily, Pop was able to go Sunday.

Awards and More

 What a week!  Quite often when I run into people, they will ask me where I've been.  They also ask why they never see me anymore. I have 5 wonderful reasons, and I hope it never changes!!  This week has been filled with a little pool time, lots of awards programs, a final softball game and more.  I have kept the roads hot this week!  As of this week, soccer, softball, track, and baseball are all over. Bring on summer!

These two have gotten lots of swim time in lately.  John Sawyer is a little fish.  Fingers crossed that Jack soon learns to swim without his floaties.  He literally has no fear!! The big cousins will be here this weekend to join in the fun!  We can't wait.

We were so excited that Lillian got cleared to play in her last softball game of the season.  It was her first start as catcher, and she did great.  She was a natural!  It was wonderful to see her doing what she loves so much!

I went for Reed's awards program on Tuesday, and then returned for Lillian and Maddie's Thursday.  Let me tell you, these are three smart kiddos.  I would try and name all of the awards they won, but I know I would mess it up! (Awards included all A's for each, multiple highest averages, and lots of others) Trust me, they all have bright futures ahead of them.  We spend so much time enjoying sporting events with them, but I am even prouder of how they each excel academically!  

John Sawyer also had a precious Pre-K celebration this week.  He also received awards for knowing his upper and lowercase abc's, counting to 100, and the special Stretch award.  This was awarded to the student that grew and excelled this year.  So proud of him!!

This cutie just celebrated his 3rd birthday.  He is going to get a post of his own coming up next.