Summer Fun

Summer evenings are some of the best times to have fun and enjoy the nice weather with a game of street ball, playing with the dog or just chilling in the stroller with your favorite puppy pillow.  At almost any given time of the day you will see our street full of kids playing basketball.  I am so glad I have not one time had to tell Ethan that he is playing too many video games or watching too much TV this summer.  It has been wonderful!

Cannon enjoyed the nice weather, watching the basketball game from his stroller- a safe distance from the hoop.
Our once little white fur ball is now one big pooch!  Teddy has been really good for our family.  She is very patient with us since we have not had any time to take her to any obedience school or training.  She is fairly calm but when a stranger approaches our house she puts on a scary face and keeps intruders away.  The kids love her and she is great to let them squeeze her, and treat her like a horse (I'll let you figure out which one of my children might be doing that) and we have been lucky enough that she has never bit anyone.  Despite our lack of obedient schools,  Teddy has learned to trot, gallop, canter, do jumps and even wear a bridle sometimes during her playtime with Ella.  Anyhow, even though we were not planning on a dog- and if we were it would've been a smaller one that doesn't shed- we are glad Teddy's our dog.  Even Kent likes having her around and in return Teddy is a big fan of Kent's which I think secretly makes Kent like her even more.

Stories for Cannon

Whether it's a story about a kitten dressed up as a baby or statistics about basketball, Cannon is so happy when his big brother and sister read to him.  Cannon's mom loves it too.  It is almost like a glimpse into heaven.  When life gets so busy and the world seems to be a harsh place, it is a true statement that "there is beauty all around, when there's love at home." To be fully honest, I took these pictures only minutes ago and now as I upload them to the computer, my kids are fighting and have been sent to their rooms.  I'm glad I snapped these pictures to remind me to take the good with the bad.  

Grandma Time

Laura was able to come visit us during her summer break between semesters. I was thankful for that blessing because I had been trying to figure out of who could help watch the kids for a few days while I went to girl's camp.  It just happened that Laura said she'd like to come visit during the same time I needed someone. Her coming was truly an answer to prayers.


  While Grandma was here she went and watched Ella's horse lesson.  This is Ella with her instructor.

I was sad to be gone on Ella's actual birth day so I arranged to have a babysitter come watch Cannon and Ethan while grandma and Ella got to go get manicure and pedicures.  It made me feel good to know that Ella was in good hands while I was gone.  My guilt was completely relieved knowing that Grandma would be able to pamper Ella in just the right way.

Is there any better way to finish a mani/pedi than with a chocolate shake?  I think not!

I wrapped Ella's gifts before I left for camp and grandma let her open them throughout the day.

Ella has been looking forward to having her birthday dinner at Texas Roadhouse for months.  She wanted to be able to sit in the saddle and have everyone sing Happy Birthday to her.

 Grandma was even able to go to one of Ethan's basketball games!

Count it!

Kent loves coaching Ethan's game. I think he was as excited to have his mom see him coach as Ethan was to have his grandma see him play.

Ella's Horse Party

Ella has celebrated her birthday probably four or five times during the month of June.  This celebration was her "official" horse party. We wanted to make sure she had a party while Grandma Laura was visiting.  Ella and her friend Rachel shared their party.  I brought the party and Rachel's mom provided the yard and horses- we made a great team.  A cowgirl hat and a stick horse were given to each party guest.  After the horse riding and pony cart rides, the cowgirls got on their stick horses for a little barrel racing! After the racing, we had sack lunches and then finished up with cake and ice cream.  Rachel's mom made the cake which Ella and Rachel thought was beautiful!  Happy birthday to two darling little cowgirls!

 Even Cannon dressed up in his snazziest cowboy gear (he even is trying to sport a mullet).

Father's Day

 These three little faces are so thankful for their dad!  He is the most loving father.  He plays with them, teases them, challenges them and teaches them what it means to be a good person.  I am thankful that my children have a father that is a big part of their lives.

Making daddy's favorite pancakes for breakfast! Ethan was the chef and Ella was the waitress!

Ella's Field Day

The last days of kindergarten Ella was able to have fun at the field day.  To celebrate, they have fire trucks come and do a sprinkler for the kids to run through, they had a dunking booth to dunk their principal, play relay games and other fun activities. 

 I had the honor of going in to Ella's class each week to read with the kids.  It was a wonderful experience for me.  On the days that it seemed like to much work to find someone to watch Cannon and coordinate my schedule, I was reminded how wonderful these children are when I would walk into the room and they would start clapping and cheering to see me.  I can't think of a better way to lift your spirits.  These kids are seriously the sweetest little things!!

Saying goodbye to Miss Welch was a bit emotional.  She has been the best fit for Ella and her first year in public school.  Thank you to you Miss Welch for loving our little Ella girl! Goodbye kindergarten, Ella is now officially a first grader!