Our family of four joined Uncle Phil today for a Memorial Day cook out at his place, then we all went swimming at the pool in his apartment complex. Our boys just love water, especially Benny. He had no fear. With his life jacket on he wanted to swim by himself and you had to watch him like a hawk b/c he didn’t realize that the pool wasn’t the same depth all the way around and he’d just step off into the deep water and you’d have to catch him.

Owen liked to swim along the rope in the middle of the pool and Benny liked to swim to the numbers along the side and tell you what they were. He’s really into counting right now.

I think we’re going to be spending a lot of time at Uncle Phil’s pool this summer. With our two little fish who love the water, this will be a new favorite spot. Makes me wish we had our own pool… but I better keep on dreaming.

We started off the morning knowing we were going to be spending a lot of time in the backyard. The weather was nice, the boys had a bunch of pent up energy, and Mike and I had a ton of yard work to do.

We got the boys all lathered up in sun block, put them in cool clothes, sandals and hats and out back we went. We got all their toys out of the shed…. baseball, soccer, Tonka trucks, golf, Power wheels, the water sink, etc. They were having a great time.

The water sink was a big hit and before you knew it, they were splashing each other. Owen tossed a cup of water at Benny. He laughed. Owen tossed another cup on him and he laughed some more. I couldn’t let Benny be the only one to get wet, so I went over and helped Benny toss water on Owen. This started a big water fight and it was FUN! Owen grabbed the hose and I said, “NO… don’t spray your brother.” I then proceeded to get the hose and yell “Only mommy’s can use the hose!” I started to spray them both and they thought it was hysterical!

With the hose in hand, I chased Owen around the yard, then sprayed Benny, then we took a break. The boys decided to play a little ball with PeePaw Park, then it was back to the water battle, only this time I let then turn the hose on each other.

SO MUCH FUN! What a great way to spend a hot Sunday morning!!

We kicked off the summer a week early and took the boys to Knoebels and met Grammy & Peepaw Thomas there. This is such a fun park that Mike and I’ve been going to since we were kids. It’s so neat to see the boys enjoy it just as much as we did when we were little each and every time we go.

We got to the park early this year and tried something different… a picnic lunch. It worked out really well. We didn’t have to wait in line for food and got to take our time eating and spending time as a family. Benny was finally old enough to ride the Whipper and he loved it just as much as Owen always has and still does. And of course, what’s a trip to Knoebels without waffles and ice cream?!?

I’m sure we’ll be back again this summer. Who can pass up the fun, food and fantasy!

PS – I still can’t believe my baby is old enough to walk around the park now. It seems like just yesterday we were at Knoebels and he was chillin’ out in the back of the double stroller, barely able to sit up, and the only ride he could get on was the train.

I took over 300 pictures in Vegas. It’s just too easy to point and shoot with the little camera. Here are some more favorites of the trip.

The Venetian

Dolphins at the Mirage

Me in the gardens at the Belligao

Mike and I on the strip

The waterfall at the Wynn and the Statue of Liberty at NY NY.

Mike and I at the airport before leaving Las Vegas

There’s this boy named Benjamin. He’s a cutie. He eyes are crystal blue and they mesmerize you. His dirty blonde hair and adorable smile make your heart skip a beat. He has a way with words that make you laugh till your belly hurts. He is full of energy, loves the outdoors, and thinks his family is the best thing going, especially his big brother.

This boy named Benjamin calls me Mama. You may have thought I forgot about him or something, it’s just that he’s too fast to keep up with these days so it’s hard to take pictures of him. He’s still a dream come true and makes everyday of our lives interesting and fun. Michael and I seriously don’t know what we’d do without him, because this boy named Benjamin, our son, is one of the greatest gifts we’ve ever received. We love him oh so much.

I *heart* my baby girl. Her unconditional love, how she snuggles with you, how she takes her paws to get the covers perfectly comfy for herself, how she flips the couch cushions to lay on them, how she loves the boys, how she greets her family (and I mean all family, not just us)… I could just go on and on. I love my Maxie Poo Poo Bears.

Jenny’s boys were in for the weekend so I snapped a few pictures. It’s nice that Owen and Alex are getting older because they are more likely to cooperate and look at the camera for me!

These boys are cutie pauties, that’s for sure. Owen and Alex are just best buds. I hope Benny & Roman become the same way as they get older.

Now that he’s getting older, every once in a while he’ll actually let me take his picture. Well, this week in the backyard he gave me 60 seconds and I got this:

And these:

He’s gorgeous! Those blue eyes, that auburn red hair…the Park/Thomas genes are a great combonation!