Blankets!

When Abby was about 1-1/2, she loved all things Tinker Bell.  My mom will now be remembering that Abby always called her "Aurabell" and it was so cute.  When we lived in Wise, we got her a Tink blanket that she cuddles up with all the time.

When Sam was just over 1, it seems like all we talked about was Cars.  He loves to get wrapped up in his blanket to watch a movie, curl up with it when he's sad or angry, and whenever Abby is using hers.

We got Lydia her blanket this last week.  She got a princess blanket, not because she loves princesses, but because Abby decided that was what Lydia needed.  And she loves it!  She was so happy to get it out and be just like the big kids today.

She had to stand because Abby was standing...

and then when she saw Sam cover himself up... 

...she had to do it too.  Love it!

Busy

Roy's work had a family day at the zoo.  It was so fun (even if it did take just over an hour to drive each way).  The kids were really excited to see the lion and the seals.  Of course we saw other animals too, but those were the big ones. :)

 Lydia loved the seal tank.  They would swim right by and she was fascinated.

I love these busy little feet! 

This week was our much-anticipated swim lesson week.  The kids were excited to learn to swim.  There were some moments when there was a lack of compliance (like Abby when it came to going under water and she basically popped a blood vessel in her absolute refusal to even consider going under and her fit of horror when her terrible mother gave the swim teacher permission to dunk her...and Sam about every 7 minutes), but they learned a lot.  The swim teacher was awesome and will probably be talked about for years to come.  I'm really glad they have the whole summer to practice their new skills and gain more confidence in the process.

We took the kids on a wagon ride this morning, as per Sunday tradition, and couldn't resist getting a picture of these two sisters giggling and playing together.  I love that they have each other.

A Perfect Day

We've been having a lot of these perfect days lately.  I'm really loving that our family is just happy spending the whole day together.  A couple Saturdays ago, Roy spoiled the kids with fun hats, which they wore through all of our errands that morning.  It was so fun.  Sam especially loves his hat.  

He kept piling hats on his head, which reminded me of the "Caps for Sale" book we read recently.

 She ended up picking a different hat, but this pose was way too cute.

That afternoon, we washed the cars (which the kids love to do and request we do frequently).  Even Lydia got in on the fun this time.  They all did some scrubbing, but did end up a little distracted by the hose.  And the sprinkler.  And attacking each other with water.  There was lots and lots of laughter.  And lots of moments of being grateful for these perfect moments.

This Sam attack captured a hilarious moment.  The third picture in the series is my favorite.  Just check out Abby's pose:

 

And just because washing the car and playing in the sprinklers wasn't enough water time, we filled up the pool in the back and played before and after dinner.  By that point, all the swimsuits were wet and the parents were tired of changing and rechanging kids so we let them just take off their shorts and play half-naked.

 Check out that diaper!

Colonial Beach

We went out to Colonial Beach, VA on Saturday and had the best time.  It was one of those mornings that was perfect.  The weather was perfect, the kids were perfect, the beach was perfect.  I would love to have a repeat performance of Saturday!  Colonial Beach is this cute little beach town along the Potomac River so we were really playing along the river.  The kids all loved the sand and the water.  Like I said, it was perfect!

 It was funny to see swans and ducks hanging around.

After the beach, we went and had a picnic lunch at the elementary school playground and ran around for a bit.  For being a small school, they sure had a great play area!

Happy Father's Day!

The 2013 edition of the DAD frame!

Happy Father's Day to the dad who wrestles, tickles, watches movies, beats levels, holds on lap, negotiates resolutions, plays tag, and holds hands.  We love you!

Sam got a matching tie with Roy for Father's Day.  They looked so snazzy together!  We'll have to take a picture of them actually both wearing them. :)

Catch Up!

Here are some bits and pieces of our lives over the last few weeks.

Our marble maze garage sale find. 

 Hair time is a family affair.  Lydia helps me with Abby's hair every day.

We took the kids up to a concert at the LDS Temple Visitor's Center.  Jenny Oaks Baker performed a bunch of Disney songs with the Mormon Orchestra of DC.  Abby really enjoyed guessing which songs she performed, Lydia had fun popping around our laps and dancing, and Sam was 50-50 on his enjoyment.  He really enjoyed the violin solo to the point of enthusiastically whooping during a fermata and a very quiet audience.  Yep, that's my boy.

Friends!

River Farm Garden

It is so fun to go exploring with my kids.  We went to River Farm Garden last spring and I love it there.  We had to go again with our nice weather and enjoy the children's garden.  It was crazy to think that last year I had this little bundle of a baby who now wants to be involved in all the fun.  

 Friends!