some quick realities around here

Reality #1: Today a one year old's constipation ruined my overly needed nap. Reality #2: No matter what time I get to bed, my kids always get up about 6am. Urgh. Reality #3: Eli is walking. He is wobbly, but walking. Reality #4: Addie is on the edge of potty training. Princess pull-ups have been bought. Reality #5: After sleepovers with both grandparents this month, Kai has informed me he'd prefer to stay at their houses. Not sure if it's the treats or the attention, or maybe both? Reality #6: I'm working lots of extra hours lately and it doesn't end when I get home. Reality #7: Derrick and I spent ~15 hrs outside in the HOT sun at Heavenfest promoting the upcoming skate ministry event LOUD & CLEAR. Stay tuned for Aug 19th. Reality #8: I am slacking big time at blogs.

4th of July

We had a great 4th of July! Our Alethia church family had a picnic at the park behind our house. Derrick helped Kai decorate his bike for the kids parade. He and his buddy Campbell both road bikes in the parade. Here's Derrick, Addie, Eli and I watching the parade in the HEAT (near 100). Some kids threw candy at the "audience." After a tantrum and catching some Sweet Tarts, Addie decided being in the audience was okay. We decided to brave the late night and traffic to find a spot to watch fireworks with the kids. We burned the hour before it got dark with a nearby school playground, BLUE BELL ice cream, general exploring in the dark and some books. They ALL actually loved watching fireworks (the loud boom didn't even bother Eli--the kid who is scared of ANY size vacuum). Kai and Addie ewed and awed the entire time. We had to quiet them down on more than one occasion. They ALL fell asleep on the drive home. Success.......we're back to annual fireworks after a 4 year hiatus!

HOT fun in the summertime

Summer snapshots are always fun. We've been trying to soak up the sun daily!! Addie girl. Her pigtails are getting ridiculously long. She may have been saying, "hey mommy, there's Home Depot!" It's her phrase of the week. She's talking so much now in nearly full sentences. "E" is my climber. Here he is climbing a kiddie lawn chair until he about tips it over. Yesterday, he started climbing the rainbow monkey bars that start on the ground and arch up to the mid-section of the playset. He made about 2 full sections alone before slipping. The boyz enjoying their morning drinks together. Yes, both sippy and bottle are usually suctioned to their lips until empty! Eli is motionless. It's quite peaceful for about 5 minutes! LOL Kai soaking up some Vitamin D and doing a lil splish splash! Eli was the only one willing to brave the freezing hose water on the slip'n slide for more than a few seconds at a time. American the Beautiful park fountain. Eli loved he could walk with me, sit or stand along the edge and splash around all the big kids! Picnic on our towels. The "squat" in the fountain!

Eli turns 1!

Happy 1st Birthday my 'lil happy man! It's been quite a year! First, I couldn't imagine you in my life, and now I can't imagine life without you!! We love you! This kid loves his balloons. I'm surprised one hasn't popped in his mouth!!! We call this an "Eli sandwich!" Mom and Dad love you. Yummy homemade cheesecake in your own personal dish!