Happy 4th of July!

On the 4th of July, we went to my brother's house to have food, family fun, and fireworks. My sis-in-law had lots of water activities to keep the boys cool. It was fun to spend the time w/family.

And what are the older boys doing you ask-watching TV!

After dinner, we had more cousins to add to the fun. The T's (nickname for Trevor and Tyler) were enough to bring out Noah to play!

Tyler had a harder time staying ON the slide!

But he had loads of helping hands! Such good big cousins!

Baby pool!

Big cousins wanted to play in the baby pool too!

The 12yr olds thought they could have a moment of peace.

Not for long!

Yes that is Noah under there!

Sprinkler. Ty did not "yike" it, "water got in my eye!" LOL!

Chasing cousins.

Time to dry off before fireworks, so we moved to the front shaded part of the yard. Had some homemade ice cream and even Colin got to join us.

And he had a few visitors.

Who wants to push Princess Victoria?

Follow the chalk road.

My turn, my turn.

Pitiful faces for poor boys who don't have their own fireworks to shoot off!

How many wardrobe changes did Princess Victoria have? 4- now one outfit she had on twice but it was still 4!

Onto the fireworks!

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July!

Ta da . . . . .

Okay FOREVER ago, I said I would update w/some pics of the boys projects from school. So, finally I am getting around to updating w/pics!
From Noah

Poetry from Eli

Lucas

So, I will have a few more posts to bring you up to speed on how the boys and I are spending the summer.

Cousins and school picnics!

So, my nephews spent the night on Monday, so they could go to the school picnic w/the boys on Tuesday. Which worked out well since Tuesday was Eli's birthday and I needed some helpers for Eli's birthday treats. And I know Trevor and Tyler are great helpers with cupcakes!
The boys putting the finishing touches on the cupcakes. When I was packing up the food for the picnic, to include Eli's birthday treats, Ty said "Hey why are you taking MY cupcakes?!?!"

Okay, Trevor doesn't look to happy but he did have fun, especially once he got a cupcake!

Too cute! My boys and my nephews of course!

Poor Lucas was missing his cousin buddy Victoria. But I don't think that she would have sat still for lunch.

Finally the CUPCAKES!

After eating, Lucas and I took the boys to the school park and played. It was getting pretty cloudy looking but the weather held long enough for the boys to get to play outside for nearly 30min.

Noah was also outside at the same time but he was busy with tether ball.

Trevor on the swing.

Ty saying "Help, Help!" Trevor heard the calls and quickly came to Ty's rescue!

Look at Trevor. This pic took 3 takes, and even though Trevor was tired of Aunt Rachel's slow picture taking skills - he kept going back so the moment could be captured! Thx Trevor!

Ty playing tether ball.

It was fun having a cousin sleepover w/the little cousins. The boys want to have more sleepovers when they don't have to go to pesky school in the morning! Well, school is offically over and I am sure I will have more posts regarding all our summer fun!

Farewell to 6th grade and on to middleschool!

On Monday, Noah had his farewell to 6th grade and his music program. The whole family was able to make it and even though the program was longer than usual the little ones did great!
Noah walking in.

Adjusting his collar.

Getting his certificate.

Waiting for his turn to pack up his chair for the music program.

Over by the drums.

Look a smile!

And the hint of another smile!

Now, Trevor wants some C-A-K-E!

TaaaaDaaaa! The highlight of the evening for the little boys.

And for your viewing pleasure. Here is a little before and after. Above Noah's school pic from the beginning of the year.

And now here he is at the end of the year. He has changed so much this year. Both inside and out. He has grown 7 inches, and his new haircut makes him look so much older. But he has really grown as a student, figuring out what he needs to do to be successful. I am so proud of you Noah!