how we summer

We are in the thick of summer here - a weirdly cool summer, all things considered. My kids are pretty lucky that we have friends with pools because their father is very resistant to the idea of them getting even a slightly larger pool here at home. 

River surprised me one day and somersaulted into the pool. It was so cute!

Both of my older two are into their goggles. Or in this case, someone else's goggles.

Little Mr. Finn, getting bigger and cuter and sweeter every day.

Shortly after Finn was born, Madeira decided that she wasn't into taking naps any more - not really the best thing for her or me or any of us...but who could resist that face? Not her mother, that is for sure. And it was temporary, fortunately. She naps now; she just requests that her door be left ajar.

We took the kids up to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago for River's 4th birthday. The kids really enjoyed it - River asked me when we could go up again. The sting ray touch exhibit was the favorite. I love that the kids are getting old enough to enjoy outings like this, rather than just being hauled around for the ride.

One of River's birthday gifts - his dad is all about him sharing toys and their accessories...

 

This picture kills me - River asked me what happened to her face when he saw it. :)

The first camping trip of his little life.

By dint of circumstances, we acquired a camper this year. This camping trip was our maiden voyage, thus explaining why we were only at Dawson Lake for one night. We had fun though.

You know how there are some days when you should just crawl back into bed? One of those days...

And I thank the Lord that toddlers and preschoolers being created as they are, that they need naps. The golden napping hour(s) at this home!

This is what Finn and I tend to do while the rest of the family is swimming. I got him a tiny swimming suit for vacation. :) Next picture will be of us in the pool, not basking pool side.

Not sure what is blooming here, but she likes to "do" my nails. With a hat pin. :)

Ah! Love!

He requested a helicopter cake for his birthday. I don't think he was impressed. Anyone have an idea how to make RED frosting? The pink wasn't very appropriate.

We went to the Children's Discovery Museum while Jen was out here. River said the train tracks were his favorite. I think Mad's was watching videos of cows on the ag floor. She's got dairy blood in her genes. :)

Our Two Blokes on a Bus lunch experience. The kids loved eating on the top.