The Goggles

Cate is goofy. Seems like she's always got a new "thing". Her boys try and guess what's going to be next. If you're keeping score, we've been through the "wear everything around her neck" phase, "wear two baseball hats" phase, and her latest..."wear daddy's shoes" phase. She's moved beyond those...well, mostly. Her current obsession...goggles. Oh yeah...ugly, swim goggles. She wears them all day everyday. Backwards of course.

Cute headband???

Of course not

Perfect accessory for sweeping the floor

She literally wears them all the time

Pretty blue eyes and dinner on her face

The boys like to say she has eyes in the back of her head. And look at all of that hair!!!

Are You Kidding Me??

That was my reaction this morning when Bennett and Brady woke up and declared they wanted to join the swim team. Carter joined the swim team when he was five years old and is currently swimming his 7th season. Bennett has always refused to even consider it and Brady wouldn't try because he doesn't want to do anything without Ben. They are both very strong swimmers and love swimming, but have shown no interest in joining the team. Until last night. Carter had a swim meet and both boys had a great time watching. They loved cheering on their friends during the races. But that was last night. I did not think they would wake up with the same enthusiasm. I should know better. My kids always do the opposite of what I think they're going to do. So, this morning when they announced they were ready to join, we told them to "suit" up and we took them to the pool. Again, I was shocked when both Ben and Brady got in line with the other swimmers and took off like they had been doing this for years.

Cate and Carter watching a race

Cate eating ice...probably off the ground

Bennett ready to dive in during his first swim practice

Brady kickin' down the pool

Bennett swimming freestyle

Probably needs to work on his dive

He's Back........

Yay! Carter is back from vacation with his dad. Eight whole days...the longest he's ever been away. And he is very very happy to be home...almost as happy as his brothers are to have him back. They've been bouncing off the walls ever since he walked in the door. He bought them each necklaces (with spending money his MauMau gave him for himself..very sweet), and has been entertaining us with stories about Disneyworld, waterparks, and the beach. He had a great time but we're so glad he's home.

Band of Brothers...happy to be back together (at least for tonight)

Happy 4th of July!!!!

4th of July...summer is half over. Hopefully, the next six weeks won't fly by like the last six. Today we celebrated my much older sisters birthday at my moms then watched the GC fireworks. Another busy, fun day.

Hmm...another picture of Cate eating ice cream

Dancing to the music

Bennett, Jon, and Cate chillin out before the fireworks

He just loves having his picture taken :)

Trying to clap while holding the umbrella. It drizzled for about ten minutes...not too bad considering it rained all day.

Bennett, Jon, and Brady watching the fireworks

Ooooh....Ahhhhhh

Cate loved the fireworks too!

Bennett fell asleep half way through the show...that boy can sleep through anything!

My camera has a fireworks setting and I got some really cool pictures

"Hold the Gate for the Blonde Family"

People are crazy. Are we the only "blonde family" in the world? I think not. However, for some reason, we attract a lot of attention when out in public. At the zoo tonight, someone literally yelled (loudly) "Hold the gate for the blonde family!!!" At least ten people commented on Brady and Cate's hair and two guys gave Scott a slap on the back and spoke our least favorite line "Can't deny them kids, can you?". Yuck.

Anyway, today was a great day. We started at 9am with a fun three hours at Splash City, lunch- naps- and dinner at home, then off to the zoo for a concert, and Ted Drewes to end the day. Fun!!

The boys loved the lazy river

Cate liked playing in the fountains the best

I think Bennett went down the "big slide" at least 20 times.

Not easy getting a drink out of this water spout

Ahhhh...much better

Petting the stingrays

Two monkeys and a gorilla

This furry creature crossed our path on our way to see the chimps. We don't know if he was on the loose or visiting from a nearby lake. Brady chased it off.

K. Massie in concert. Notice the crazy lady on the right. She "danced" to every song and had everyone's attention. Her moves were outrageous and she danced with a Japanese fan. It was the craziest thing I've ever seen!

Cate dancing to the music

We love Ted Drewes!!!

Catie Bug loves her ice cream!!

Will Walk For Ice Cream

Scott took the boys to the Legion baseball game tonight. Cate and I are tired of watching baseball. I know, I know...we have years of baseball ahead of us...but last week we had six games and I'm a bit burned out. So, I decided to take Cate for a walk to the ice cream shop by our house. I loaded her up in her new HUGE jogging stroller and we were off.

Checking the straps to make sure she's all locked in

Waiting patiently in line for her ice cream cone

Delish!

A sticky mess

This is the biggest stroller ever. In fact, the weight maximum is 80 pounds. Carter weighs in at only 79 pounds!!! Cate's feet may never reach the foot rests, but it must be very comfy because she loves riding in it.

Finishing off the night with a swim in the tub

An Evening By The Pool

Most evenings you can find us at the pool. Last night was a little breezy but the kids didn't seem to mind. It's rarely crowded in the evenings and Scott and I enjoy sitting on the pool deck chatting while the kids wear themselves out.

Opening the gate to the baby pool

Whoops...locked herself out

Hmmm...I know these aren't mine, but.....

"Oooh...it's warm"

Washing herself off with the stolen bucket

Soaked

Bennett trying to get away from the "1-9" girls. This group of girls (Carter's friends) are literally at the pool from 1-9 everyday. Reminds me of me and my girls back in the day!!!

Caught!!

They've found another Smallie Boy!

But this one got away

She's done.

A bag of popcorn makes everything better