Sliding through Summer

Dig, dig, diggin'

We brought in a little dirt to even things out and get ready for sod. We were grateful for Jason's brother Travis helping us with the use of his truck.


Paul was such a good helper with his little shovel. He was scooping and dumping with no signs of tiring. When we trenched and put the sprinklers in, he worked so hard as well the whole time. Normally they give up after just a little bit, but it has been fun to see Paul so interested and lasting longer on the job.

We had to do some weeding in the yard to get ready for the sod and they all worked so hard. We did tell them they could earn money per weed, and that helped. Haha! It has been so fun to have them work with us on getting the lawn in.

Ducks and Geese 2011

This is not one of my favorite adventures...but the kids enjoy it. Claire squashed one of the loaves of bread beyond individual slice recognition. What do you do with a loaf of bread like that? Well, feed the ducks of course.

Did you notice Ben's boots?

Lainey loved the whole experience. She was eating the bird feed herself and couldn't be happier roaming around.

Curb Action

We did a little bit of curbing to line the flower bed in the front and along the sides of the house. It was fun to watch the whole process.

Grandpa Erickson's Garden Tour

I really loved these!

Cross-eyed CLowning Around

Emma mastered the art of crossing her eyes early.

We miss our Backyard

It looks a mess, but it was grass and swings and dirt and ours.

Hot summer swimming?

It's supposed to be warm out when you go swimming, right?

I said anywhere...

Testing, Testing!

The kids found my recorder and were loving the whole record my voice and listen to it thing. It was really quite entertaining. They would interview each other

Splashing Around

Grandma E got the kids a pool as part of Lainey's birthday gift. We're having a blast splashing around. I'm not loving how much laundry has increased. The kids go out "to watch" and come back soaked by choice or crying because they've been splashed. Either way they have to change their clothes.

Couponing

Biker Chick

Lainey loves to sit on this bike and swing her legs. She's trying so hard to be BIG.

Happy Day!

Grandma E gave Lainey black licorice.
And she loved it!

Father's Day Barbecue Grill

Jason got a Grill Master for Father's Day. With having to put in sprinklers, sod, and fencing this will come in handy. We've always wanted to get one, but the idea usually comes at Christmas when they aren't on sale. So we put it off until summer...and on and on. Well, this is the year that we broke that vicious cycle. We actually bought one. We both love it. He gets his hamburgers and hot dogs and I don't have to cook!

Here he is working the grill!

Armless Crazies

Playing his horn

We were working on laying the pipe for our sprinkler system and Paul just couldn't leave the elbows and tees alone. He would fit them together and make a horn-bah, bah, bah!

So tired!

Have you ever thought or said that you were so tired that you could fall asleep anywhere? Well, this boy really can.

Trenching

We are getting things going for the sprinklers. Yay!

Blooming Beauties

I captured some good ones of the flowers in my mom's garden.

Riding along in my automobile

I love Paul's face.

Shootin Hoops!

We got our basketball hoop put together, finally, after two years. The kids love it...and so do I. Now I can woop Jason at a little one on one. Yes, I will raise the hoop for our game. ;) They had their cousin over and played a lot of ball in the back.

Lainey and the Dancing Frog

My sister gifted this lovely frog to us. When you punch it's hand, it plays the song "Do you love me" by the Contours. Emma loved it when she was Lainey's age. She really busted a move when this thing played (sadly I don't think we have any video or picture memories of it). Now, Lainey loves to dance as the song plays. Once it starts, Lainey puts down whatever she has and starts to dance. It is so much fun!

Fun at the spray park

We have one of these spray park beauties right close to our house. We met some friends there for a picnic and had a blast! Thanks Tim and Haley for showing us this awesome place.

Benjamin and his new buddy Athen testing out the water.

Lainey liked watching the water come on.
She was more interested in the
Dorritos and strawberries