Back to Mamy's house... again.

Swimming at Mamy's house (that's Aunt Amy) has been a huge hit this summer. Ben has come so far with his swimming. I am so proud of him for working so hard at putting his face under the water and jumping off the diving board. Liam also loves the water and is a great jumper as well. Swimming is just about the only way we can stand to be outside for more than 15 minutes so we are grateful for the pool.

Good work

Today we put together the new toy mega-tub for the backyard. Ben did most of the work. The rest of us just helped.



After it was finished, the boys played in it for several hours. No chance that would have happened outside. It's about 110 degrees today.

Rest stop

The boys and I stopped at our downtown park this afternoon. There is a caboose for climbing on, a fountain for cooling off your feet and an amphitheater for doing live performances. Makes for a good place to stop and take a break. Don't miss Liam - he's in both photos - behind the leaves in the first and just above Ben's ring finger in the second.

Sweaty fun

The high temps didn't keep the boys from the fort today. It's just too tempting so we go out for short periods at a time. None of us can stand the heat for very long but it is hard to resist this much fun.



The heat is really getting to Liam so we called it quits for now. I can't wait for cooler weather so we can have picnics on the upper deck.

Just what we wanted

A slice of little boy heaven now resides in our backyard. Thanks to Poppy and Grammy we have the coolest fort. There are four levels, a huge sand box, slide, loft and wrap around deck. A little cooler weather and I don't think I will be able to drag the boys inside.

To give it some scale, the climbing wall is 8' tall. The wrap around deck is also at the 8' foot level. There is a loft in the level above the slide.

Forty-Two

July 26, 1968
Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad. You give the rest of us a lot to live up to. Thanks for setting such a great example. We love you. Tricia and Rob

Getaway day 2

We started the morning with a breath taking view of Hot Springs.

Then we stopped at a small camp ground to check out this beautiful creek.



It was just too irresistible to not touch.




After a quick change and a bite to eat, we headed to the Mid-America Science Museum.

The boys had a blast.


Can't wait to go back!

Getaway

We got out of town this afternoon for a mini-vaca. Just needing to get a recharge so we can keep up this crazy pace we've got going this summer. The boys had a blast in the hotel room tonight.

I picked up these magnet games and they were quite a hit. Liam punched out all his magnets and stuck them all over the fire house scene in his magnetic carrying box. Ben was very selective and only picked three super hero magnets for his scene. He then told us numerous stories using the three magnets. Very creative. Love these new toys.

Christmas in July

I was sorting clothes in Liam's closet today and in the process pulled out a box of toys. Ben immediately grabbed the Little Peeps nativity and played for a good hour. He was so happy to see Jesus and apparently He fits perfectly in the cart pulled by the mule.

For a good time

In a large tub, mix shaving cream, food coloring, and kitchen utensils.
Add water and two small boys.
Stir gently. Enjoy.

Archives

Liam - July 21, 2009 - walking trail.


Currently:
Liam is cracking us up these days with the hilarious things he is saying and doing. His personality is coming out more and more all the time. He is super sweet and cuddly but can also be a little toot. He mimics everything Ben does. He has perfected the way Ben "throws a fit" when things aren't going his way. He likes us to guess which hand he is hiding something in behind his back. If he throws a ball in your general direction and you don't catch it - he says "you missed" in the cutest voice ever. If you do happen to catch it, you are rewarded with, "good catch". Love this little ball of energy.

Pets

These are Ben's special "pets". He sleeps with all of them - every night. He called me into his room to take this photo. He had arranged them in this way so that they were all "comfortable" and could be seen in the photo. Sweet boy loves his pets.

Time flies

July '07 - Where does the time go? Seems like just yesterday we were planning Ben's second birthday party - tractor theme. Now we are gearing up for number five. Amazing. Time flies when there are little people in your life. And, I can't get enough of this sweet face. I love my BenBen.

Fun in the sun

Family fun - swimming at Amy's house. We wish Riley and Maggie were here to swim with us but we sure do have fun in their pool.

King of the world

(I think my Ben looks pretty small up there - and that's only level 2 of 4.)

Oh, boy!

After one day of construction, it's already getting pretty exciting!

Going, going...

This quiet spot for two will never be the same.

Little gymnast

I love to look over and find Liam trying out a new skill. He is turning into a big boy so quickly. Good thing he still loves to cuddle.


And, I love these Lightning McQueen shoes. Too funny on little boy feet.

I think I can

It's pretty far.

But, with a little help,

He did it!

Ladies and Gentlemen...

Ben might have a future in the theater. He puts on shows for us all the time. Mostly impromptu reciting of a Transformer or Super Hero show he saw recently. He does have an amazing imagination and retention. Notice, his little brother is watching very closely.

He begins every show: "Ladies and Gentlemen..."