Our new pets

Our evening

Lauren learned to swim yesterday, thanks to Auntie Debbie.  

She's got dog paddling down, but is quickly learning the breast 

stroke.  Pretty much refuses to go under water, though.

Owen's not doing too bad himself - although he can ONLY swim under water.

She finally relaxed enough tonight to get the hang of floating.

Noni with her kiddos.

Enjoying an after swim popsicle with cousin Westyn.

Summer's here!

The kids and I spent a few days with my parents at their casita up in the mountains.  We had fun celebrating Owen's third birthday and going on "adventures".  I enjoyed the thunder and random rain that passed through.  We love it up there, and plan to spend lots of time there this summer.

Generations

My grandparents had these figures hanging in one of their bathrooms for as long as I can remember - since before I was born, I'm sure.

I had Adam put them up in the kids' bathroom late last week while the kids were out of town with my parents.  When they were getting out of the bath last night I was drying them off and I noticed Lauren staring at the figures up on the wall.  I knew what she was looking at, but I asked her anyway.  She replied, "I'm looking at that statue of Great Papa.  It looks like just like him when he was a little boy."  

Someone is three today!

Here's my boy and Uncle Abram, showing us Owen's version of how old he is!

Here's a little nugget of info: Owen was born on 6/19 at 9:19pm.  And because he's the second born, I always have to think about it when someone asks me his birth date.  9:19 on 6/19!  Why is it always easier to remember the oldest's birthday?

Headed out this morning to join the kiddos and my parents up in the mountains.  Can't wait to see them, it's only been a couple days, but I missed them the minute I knew they were out of the county.  Call me crazy!

Party pictures

Our very first garden harvest

Not too shabby, eh?  And never mind the naked gardening!

"Truly wonderful the mind of a child is." - Yoda

A couple weeks ago was Lauren's buddy Kove's 5th birthday party, with a Star Wars theme.  Here are a few shots I got of the kids having fun.

Lauren having a light saber duel with Anakin Skywalker 

(a teenager who was not too happy his 

mom had signed him up to work this gig!)

Owen and Daddy failing a Star Wars quiz

Lauren playing house in the sand box

Owen taking it upon himself to keep all three water slides slippery

Rub a dub dub

I love this picture of the kids.  It was taken last week at my grandma's house.  That tub has bathed 3 generations of our family!  I have so many pictures of me, my brother, and my cousins in there.

Our day

Today Lauren had her 5 year checkup.  Her stats are as follows: 44 inches tall, in the 85th percentile, and 45 pounds, in the 75th percentile.  They also checked her eyes and ears, all of which work perfectly - although I did have to question the hearing test results!

Afterward we went out to lunch with Owen and Noni and then decided to go get Lauren's hair cut.  It's so fine and I was tired of fighting those sleepy head knots every morning.  She looks so grown up now.

Before

Before

During

After