Quick trip to the zoo

After the excitement of having family in town for two weeks, we found ourselves needing something do to do. Summer was almost over. Mark was out of town & us girls ventured off. We tried a new place called Bounce! that the girls loved. Sorry- no pictures. I had to keep an eye on everyone going in different directions. Like I said, the girls loved it. I was tired.....

Later that week we went to the zoo with some friends of ours. We did spot some flying pigs there (haha).... I should've taken a picture since I actually had my camera AND TOOK PICTURES. Crazy, I know. So here they are-

This was a giant nest for the kids to sit in- Our friends Austin & Palin

Do we have to take another picture? 

Reese's attempt to say "cheese"- this cracks me up!

Thanks for the roadtrip!

The ONLY picture of all 6 kids at the same time =)
They all played together so good & seemed to have fun being with each other again. It made me happy & miss my little nephews!

Grama knows how to keep them busy..... STICKERS!

My Mom & sister drove up with her 3 boys to visit. It was their first drive up here (and hopefully not the last???) It is a LONG drive with little kids. The cousins were SOOOOOOO excited to see each other. It was so cute. Paige immediately was giving the boys the tour of the house, making sure they knew where all they toys were and the blow up beds where they'd be sleeping.
I only took a few pictures, but thankfully Melissa & my Mom had their cameras ready. Six kids under the age of 5 1/2 can be tricky- nap times, meals & just getting out of the house is an adventure. It was awesome to have my Mom here and to have Grandma's extra set of hands. She appropriately spoiled the girls & we are ever appreciative for that (and my Dad too for letting her come & letting her spoil =))
Claire & Dylan (both 3) are crazy good at puzzles. We have pictures of them & their very serious accomplishments.

Poor Dylan had an ear infection & strep! I love this picture- he reminds me of Linus from Peanuts

So proud & SO CHEESY!

Our crazy adventure at Red Robin.....

Love that Aunt Renee wanted to hang out with all those kids!

We didn't manage to take pictures of everyone swimming at the pool or our adventures at the mall & outlet for some much needed school shopping (thanks again Mom for that). Luckily the camera's were out at Red Robin- the only pictures the adults are in.

Thanks Mom & Melis for making the drive. I'm so happy you came to see us. We're thinking a kidless rendezvous might be our next adventure- LOVE YA TONS!

Josh & Krista came up to visit

My little brother Josh & his wife Krista came up to visit for the weekend. They were here just a few days after my Mom, sister & her boys were here (posting those pics soon). It was SO fun to hang out with them! The girls loved hanging out with them too. They couldn't wait for Aunt Krista to come & visit.

I was taking the pictures & managed to get in a picture with both brothers, but don't have it on my camera. I'll have to post it once I can get it.

We had awesome pool weather & lucked out to have the pool to ourselves for a little while on Friday & Saturday. Sunday we grilled up Carne Asada with all the sides that make it amazing- guac, salsa & Juanita's Chips, rice & beans.  Thanks babe for a yummy dinner =)

 It's weird to be together with some family, but not everyone at the same time. So glad Josh & Krista could visit and that Nick & Renee are here all the time. Thanks for playing with our kiddos =) They love ya! (and of course we do too!)

Back to School

Paige is officially in kindergarten! She was so excited about it & had no concerns about saying "goodbye". I can't wait to hear all about her first day. Crazy that she's in kindergarten already. I'm excited for her & know she'll have SO much fun being a big girl at school. Here are a couple pictures    of her first day of school!

                                                          

Ready for Kindergarten!

Oh what do we do in the Summertime....

Here are some of the things we've been up to this summer...

Eating Otter Pops outside under the trampoline

(I love these pictures)

Making Cookies- they LOVE to help

Wanting to help too!

I couldn't resist taking this picture... we played "bibbity bobbity boutique" (make up & painted nails) earlier in the day. She looks so SWEET sleeping.

Making 4th of July cakes & then not taking any other pictures that day :(

Trying new hair dos

Oh my....

These dandelions were SO HUGE! Paige spotted one on our walk. Then we found another one for Claire. Reese didn't appreciate them the same way... the girls thought they were perfect wands (until they wished them away). It was super bright outside- hence the look on Claire's face.

Finally!

Claire's hair is finally long enough to do fun things with! It's only taken a year for it to grow back out... I'm not complaining. Just so happy it's long & cute again.

I wish I would've taken a better picture from the side, because her hair was super cute. For the record, I was proud of myself for even taking a picture at all  =)

                This was Paige's famous haircut on Claire just over a year ago. This still makes me sad!