no-no's, sand crabs and sunburns on the bum!

I really don't have much to say. We've been moving along, keeping all things in check. We're summering and finding our groove. Or, not. Everyone is getting REAL comfortable around here.

Anyway, an update in pics. Just 'cause that is what I do. I don't write witty banter or update you on current things going on. Heck, I don't even watch TV. (And, I use the word heck) BUT, I try to accentuate the positive and raise kids that will, too.

{a 20 month old that still has a no-no. that is harrison speak for paci/pacifier/binky}

{cam is now tall enough to drive/ride autopia at disneyland ALONE}

{the boys slept in a tent in our family room last weekend. harrison, did not. he's a poser}

{this now hangs in my house. see how much I love my husband? because I do think it'd look MUCH better if it were black and gold and said UNIVERSITY OF IOWA. happy fathers day, honey}

{a super fun beach trip was had this weekend. the baby had a great time and loved playing with the trucks. he really liked wreaking havoc on the poor sand crabs pictured below, as well}

{my friend michele taught us about sand crabs. in all the times i've been to the beach (MANY) I've never seen or heard of sand crabs. it was fun and we kept these little grey things in a pail until it was time to go home. then we set them free}

{the big boys had lots of fun playing too. so much fun, in fact, that cam rarely noticed when his pants were down and his shirt was up - resulting in a lovely stripe of a sunburn. the white is quite blinding}

{see how fun this is?}

In other exciting news...there was a small plane crash in our neighborhood yesterday. Across the street from my friend Mindy's house. Her husband, Mike, pulled the pilot from the plane.

You can read more about it here: http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-riverside-plane-into-home,0,1761897.story (You can't always believe what you read/hear. This isn't Lake Elsinore! ;) )

Getting back to business

Who am I to slack off on BLOGGING? I mean, really...actually living and MAKING these memories isn't as important as chronicalling them, is it?! Oh wait...I was mistaken. It's MORE important.

We've been going to the pool, Disneyland, the pool some more and fun water parks. That, is more like it!

A little of what we've been up to...more updates to come. (I hope!)

{splashing around outside!}

{guitar hero!}

Funny how their brains work...

The other day, Andy was having a discussion with the kids about how certain foods come from different places. They hashed out all sorts of ideas, and then Cam busts out with how steak is Austrailian.

Andy asked him if that was because of Outback Steakhouse. Yup. Thanks to that chain restaurant delight, my 7 year old boy thinks the Aussie's invented the steak.

I love childhood!

{campbell}

I ♥ Faces

I wasn't going to enter any more I ♥ Faces contests. Then, I changed my mind. Here it is : Let's hear it for the boy! Or, in this case, boys. My boys and their joy - their joy for life, fun and each other. Completely and totally contagious!

Happy Fathers Day, big daddy!

You are the best daddy in the world...the kind that every kid should have.

You work hard, you play, you give care and you are always there. There is no one more valuable than you.

The kids are lucky, I am lucky and the world is lucky!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

AND, **HAPPY FATHERS DAY** to the very best Papa on the planet. We are so happy to have you as our leader and we are thrilled to be your minions!

19 months = BUSY

Being 19 months old for Harry means lots of stuff. Mostly, it means an EXPLOSION of words (several new ones a day. yesterday nine, Matt, and more made the list), yelling at whoever will pay attention and getting into something every day.

Yesterday, he chose magic markers. Not only did he get into them. He USED them.

{the whole package. foot, legs, hand, face}

{he thought to give me a better look at his thighs all on his own}

{another excellent full body shot of all the damage}

{every good artiste needs a moustache. too bad the brown here is chocolate!}

I found him with a crayon today (since hopefully all the markers are not within toddler reach) and watched him write all over his body with that. Funny to see where else he chose today, arms, cheeks, etc. Funny baby!

First day of summer

I don't have much to say, mostly because I'm in get ready to go mode...BUT, I did want to share one of my favorite days of the year - first day of summer break!

We're laid back, relaxed and ready for FUN!

{art work courtesy of Cam}

{we chalked. then we hopscotched}


{we rested in the grass for a bit. okay, we laid in the grass for a photo. then got our milk dud bribe}

{we enjoyed the beauty and splendor around us}

I encourage you to do the same. Find some joy and some beauty and rejoice in the fun that is SUMMER!

last day of school

Yesterday, Thursday, was both boys last day of school. No longer do I have a second grader and a kindergartner. Now, my friends, my children are third and first graders. It's over...but you know, it's a little exciting, too. (Only a little, though)

Here are my boys on the first and last days of school. The pictures are just snapshots, unedited and not good. But, they capture the growth and changes...ah, the changes...

{Campbell}

{Sawyer}

Summer has started with a bang and we had a great day today. Looking forward to many more of them!

One fantastic boy

I have to reflect on the fact that I've got some great stuff going on here. I've got a wonderful life, a great husband and THREE amazing, spectacular and stupendous boys. I'd brag for a bit, but something tells me I don't have to and that all of you already know how great my kids are. ;)

But, I do want to share with you some recent works from Cam. He's beginning to grow up, you know. And, he's starting to express who HE is (not just what we project onto him) and what thoughts he has for his future.

Examples:

{his self portrait that went with his what he will be doing in 20 years}

{My fantastic boy who will have his last day of 2nd grade tomorrow. This was his last baseball game}

{and, the baby just for fun}

More later...we had a kinder graduation today...plus tomorrow is the last day of school. Then we go to Iowa!

Happy Birthday

Nope, not another birthday just yet. (since this picture is from the one he *JUST* had) But, an I ♥ Faces contest. Sick of them yet? I will be in a couple more weeks when I've not won in any category. (JUST KIDDING!) It's still fun for now.

Anyway, tomorrow I'll have some of my usual drivel. It'll include some of Campbell's best work. ;)

Until then...a birthday picture of Sawyer for I ♥ Faces.