Ben & Sam- June

Benjamin:

Samuel:

Pool Time

We bought a ring pool to entertain, wear out & keep us cool!  It has been an absolute blast for the kids, and some of the bigger kids.  Having this pool has been especially great this summer because there is no way I was toting my brood of boys to the community pool on my own during these oh-so-hot summer days.  Initially, William clung to the side of the pool like a scared cat hating every drop of water that landed on him, but it wasn't long before he was in the middle of the excitement.  He now walks around the pool splashing his hands in front of him, "swimming", but not to be confused with "walking", sans the splashing.  Pretty cute, that boy...

 The sun had not heated the pool yet, burrrr!

 Then this guy showed up, and made things even more exciting....

 Meanwhile, William decided to take a break and observe

 More onlookers (Ben)

This is William's preferable water activity.  He spent many hours in the ocean floating and relaxing like this, almost to the point of sleep.

Ordinary Days- June

There are a lot of "U-Pick" farms around here, and so we have been keeping track of seasonal fruits and vegetables that we may want.  Unfortunately, we have not been able to get outside and pick as much as we have wanted to because of the heat, as well as having two babies, and more heat!  We did get out from some DELICIOUS strawberry picking.  Yum, they didn't last long...

This is how William insists on wearing his hat.  Yes, we have tried to lift the bill, but we have been unsuccessful.  And, yes, he has run into numerous structures because he can't see, and even that has not persuaded the boy to make a change...dumb or stubborn?  We aren't sure either. 

We had a great visit from our former neighbors in Florida.  It was absolutely wonderful to see them, and have them meet the babies.  Terri was actually baby sitting the three older boys when I had the ultrasound that revealed two babies, so she was one of the first to know and share in our joy/shock!  We sure miss them, we all love them, and wish that we could bring them along to every destination of ours.

Our backyard toad

Cheap labor

The significance of this picture?  Oh, just the first time that I ventured to the grocery store on my own with all five children.  Big deal?  Absolutely!  The grocery store was 20 minutes away, and we weren't getting our normal two weeks worth of food, but we managed to fill a carts worth of necessary items.  It was a huge success, the big boys did great, although the babies did fuss the whole way home.

This may look like a moment of brotherly love, but it isn't.  I just happened to catch William right as he was about to bite Sean.  I was yelling "NO biting!" as I snapped the shot...talent, right?

Will using his teeth in a more appropriate fashion.  Interesting way to eat apple slices, though.

Precious Moments, in real life....