This one- he keeps us hopping.

There is just something magical about cooking your own dinner outside…..add to it a 65 degree day in February and I’m not sure how much better you could paint this picture. I want to forever remember the joyful squeals of life that ring out in our backyard as these three skitter up and down our playset at sunset (and far into the night).

Two weeks ago, Brendan and I enjoyed some wonderful time away in Birmingham. I spent a fair amount of time, during his meetings, updating this blog. You can’t tell from this post, but I went all the way back to early May and added lots of posts with pictures. Now, I promise to focus on Sept-Jan. It will happen- it will! Keep checking back!!!!

These kids can’t help but look swanky because they have a grandmother who whips our her sewing machine for every holiday. I love that the boys could re-use their Easter ties from two years ago….

This little fashionista loves posing lately. Loving these red shoes from a local thrift…

It’s always fun to have a reason to get dressed up to go out on our town.

Our extended family spent a wonderful week at the Lake of the Ozarks in a great condo, right on the water. The kids raced back and forth from the dock, catching huge helpings of crappie and swimming. We even enjoyed a boat ride and a trip to Big Surf, courtesy of our good friends. It was a wonderful week! Here are some highlights…

After we returned from our daytrip, we let the kid do some sparklers to celebrate the fourth a little early..



Uncle Clay is to blame for this last picture….

Our good friend, Joann Sargent, organized a children’s musical at their church. So, we were able to join in with the crowd, so to speak….It was a lot of fun and the kids each did great with their parts.

Stars.

Jude was the whale. He created his own sound effects while singing at the same time…

Sadie was a star-studded angel/ Ninevite….

Seusserific yumminess…

The Dodson’s, Seilback’s and Chase’s helped us celebrate our big guy…11 kids total. (;

extinguishing…

The big 3 year olds minus Gus.

Leading the pack, Silas enjoyed discovering many treasures from nature.

Second in command was, of course, the other important men.

It was important to rest along the way..

…and study small specimen.

Of course it was fun to hitch a ride…

…and pitch a stone.

The best part of all was sharing a laugh…and perhaps a little tickle!