July Finale

Wow, we are to the end of July already! One more day at home and I'm headed back to work. Where does the time go? It's been fabulous being home with the kids for a couple of months. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think to myself...."Gosh I'm one lucky girl." Feeling very blessed with the time I have with the kids.

We've had a rather rough week with Frisco. He's 12 now and is starting to slow down a bit. Unfortunately he's been diagnosed with what we call "Dizzy Dog Syndrome." He's a bit off balance and is moving pretty slow. The vet thinks he's going to be fine in a few more days. This apparently is a condition that happens with older dogs. So, in the meantime we're giving him lots of love around here.

Do I really want to get in?

This diving stick tastes like a lollipop

Street Party in Leawood.....just dancin' to some good tunes 

I'll stay put on the curb with Dad while Hope dances the night away 

Time for another haircut. This time it's with Lightning McQueen

Mac & Cheese feast at the neighbor's house

These Dum Dums are DELISH! (and they're keeping us quiet)

I've conquered my fear of elephants 

Oh so cozy together

I love you Frisco! Just trying to sneak a ride in without Mom and Dad looking.

Sitting still, watching TV for a whole 5 minutes together......Success!

Splish Splashin' Fun

We've been wet and wild all week long. Papa came on Monday night to help out for the week while I attended a workshop in town. The kids had an absolute blast with him. He kept them busy outside and successfully wore them out each day. It was great to have him here enjoying some Kansas sun and hot weather with them. They played in the yard, went on a walk and spent two evenings at the pool. He even taught them a new trick....how to splash in the pool. I dropped him at the train station Friday morning so he could move on to his next leg of summer travels and kid visits.

The weekend brought another family adventure. We went to DesMoines on Saturday to visit our friends the Swansons. It was great fun catching up with them and having time with their kids. They too have a set of twins who are 7 years old. I learn so much from Gina when we're together and enjoy chatting twin strategies with her. The kids played hard in the yard and at the splash park. The husbands, who are fraternity brothers, stayed up late into the night enjoying the fire pit in the driveway. Good times with good friends!

Hey this is just like an outdoor foot spa 

Lovin' the "Grub Scouts"- they even make a good drinking fountain

Backyard pool fun

Happy Hour with Papa

Enjoying the evening at the pool

They have really cool slides in DesMoines

I'm hanging on tight 

Splash park fun with Drew

Just fillin' my cup 

Why yes Drew,  I'd love a cookie

Hiking across the bridge

Just checking things out

I see you!

Wheeee!!! Merry Go Round

Lawn boy in training - Lovin' life on the Deere

Social Butterflies

It's been a very full week! Thank goodness it's Sunday and we've decided to take a little rest (well three of us are resting and one is mowing outside). There were lots of social outings this week and a couple of adventures to see animals. Jack is still not a fan of goats and even Hope was a little intimidated by them this time. We are having so much fun exploring things this summer!

Future Marathoner 

Playing with our friend Jacob at Deanna Rose

Hanging out at the farm with friends

The butterfly garden is a fun place to play 

What beautiful wings

 

After a long day, nothing is better than chips and salsa at the Salty Iguana

I could just make this my meal 

Do you need orange? 

Water table time

Water fun with Babysitter Liz

Backyard BBQ with neighbors....Life is good at the kids table  

Our first family adventure to the zoo

These fish are hungry dad

What does the lion say?

We've been to Australia and Africa and back, it's time to home

Happy 4th of July!

We had a fun holiday sharing some time as a family and with some good friends. Check out our 4th festivities.

Pool time at our neighborhood pool

I'd rather sit here and play with a bucket

Going for a swim with Dad

Picnic lunch poolside

Hmmm....so many choices

Yummy! These are tasty and patriotic.

Want a smooch?

It even dripped down to my belly button. 

Play time with Todd 

Backyard picnic with Scotti & Todd

Chillin with Dad

Just a little more backyard time before bed.