The Aviary

One scorching hot day, we decided to visit the aviary.  

Preston loved chasing this peacock

Nolan loved this "Rio" bird

Our neighborhood traveling group

Did I mention it was HOT!!!

Overall we enjoyed our visit.  But I would HIGHLY suggest going on a day when it's not so hot!

A Typical Lazy Sunday Afternoon

Neptune Park

One afternoon we joined our neighborhood friends for a day at Neptune Park.  This new park is famous for it's climbing pyramid.  I think someone said it is 60 feet tall.  Tyson and his best friend spent much of the day at the top.

I loved this teeter-totter too.  This is about half of the neighbor kids that were at the park that day.  It's a very fun group.

Father's Day 2012

We had fun spoiling Dan for Father's Day this year.

Original Paintings by Tyson, a goofy T-shirt, and a bin of his favorite junk food.

We love our Daddy.  He takes such good care of us.  It's a pleasure to spoil him once in a while.

Our City Celebration

One of our favorite summer traditions is our city celebration.  Just like always . . . . 

Nolan and I watched the parade.

Dan, Tyson and Preston were in the parade.

Tyson was drenched by the firemen while the rest of us kept a safe distance.

The boys enjoyed games and face painting at the carnival.

And we watched the fireworks from our backyard.

Wordless Wednesday

Tyson's First Pack Meeting

As the newest cub scout in the pack, Tyson enjoyed the getting to know you games and the Welcome Hat at his first Pack Meeting.  

He  had to "bob" for his Bobcat award.
He was actually bobing for ping pong balls in a bowl of water.

He also enjoyed getting several awards with his Den

A Fork on the Floor

One morning Nolan was eating his breakfast when he started telling me there was a fork on the floor. As I went to check if some loose silverware had been dropped at dinner the night before I saw what he was talking about.  The sun shining through the window was making some unusual shapes on the floor.  And just like Nolan said, it looked a lot like a fork!

Midway Getaway

One Sunday afternoon I was taking a nap after church.  Dan woke me up with a question.  

"Will go you on an overnight date with me?  I already found people to watch the kids."

What?!  Of course I will!

Dan made surprise reservations in one of the nicest rooms at one of our favorite places, The Inn at Johnson's Mill in Midway.  

The next day I packed up the kids and pawned them off on family and neighbors and we drove up the mountain.  

We had dinner at a cute little Mexican restaurant and checked into our room at the Inn, where we discovered that we were the only guests for the night!  We had the place to ourselves.  It was so quiet and peaceful.  We took a stroll around the grounds, went for a ride in the canoe on the private lake, and enjoyed ice cream while watching a movie.  The next morning we were treated to the most delicious breakfast of stuffed french toast.

And since we were the only people there,
the lady who made our breakfast also offered to take pictures for us. 

Have I mentioned how much I love my husband and how much he spoils me?!

Nolan's Hair

Nolan has really cute curly hair.  But it gets quiet unruly when it's long.  I like it to look nice, Dan likes the curls.  So we made a compromise.  I'd let Nolan's hair grow out until summer, but then it had to go.  

Before the haircut

And after

Curls or no curls, I think he's a pretty cute kid. 

Preston Preschool Graduation

Preston graduated from his second year of Preschool.  His class preformed a cute little program.  Preston was a total ham.  He kept me laughing the whole time.  At the end of the program the kids changed into their caps and gown and each received their Preschool diploma.  

Preston's awesome teachers Miss GeAnna and Miss Ginny

Memorial Day 2012

Unfortunately, we don't have graves nearby to visit for Memorial Day.  Instead we spent the day with family.  My dad has a tradition of making a big Memorial Day breakfast, so we started out the day at my parent's house.  We ate food and played yard games.  Someone got an itch to play volleyball so we located a park in town with a sand volleyball pit and a playground.  We had a great time at the park.  We may not have ancestors to visit on Memorial Day, but we have plenty of family to continue making memories with.

Nolan with his buddy Landon and Great Grandma Toone at the park

Preston Soccer

Preston got his first taste of being on a soccer team this spring.  We signed him up for the Tot Soccer league in our city.  He had fun.  Enough fun that we signed him up for the regular league this fall.  He did well at developing his skills throughout the season, and even scored a couple goals.  His games were a lot of fun to watch.  He had a couple really aggressive/talented kids on his team so we usually dominated the other teams.

His team and 'Coach Rosie'

Preston is far left, about to kick the ball.

Moms and Muffins

Second Grade is fun at our Elementary School.  The kids participate in three special events, Grandparent Day, Dad's and Doughnuts, and Muffins and Moms.  Of the three Muffins and Moms is the most important.  All the children dress up in their nicest clothes (Tyson insisted on wearing his suit) and preform several songs to all their moms sobbing in the crowd.  After the program Tyson escorted me to his classroom for surprises, he even carried my purse for me. Since the program was held the week before Mother's Day the kids had lots of Mother's Day treats for us.  Origami flowers, chocolate, coupon books, etc.  

Picture attempt #1 Tyson looks bored to death

Picture attempt #2 Tyson's getting a little fresh :P