Toes in the water

If the boys had to choose between spending the night at Nana and Papaw's or hanging out with their dear loving mama, I think know I would be tossed aside like yesterdays news. But who wouldn't? They got to swim, cook out, roast marshmallows, shop for new toys, eat ice cream three times in one day, camp out on the floor, eat more junk food and do all the things that I don't let them do. I kinda wished I spent the night too. I want to eat ice cream three times in one day...

Since I was all alone and bored, I sat on the back deck a shared a beer with my best buddy Samson. He likes to act like an only child when the boys are gone.

Then Brian came home and we were bored together. It was nice. We don't get a lot of alone time. But it's always funny when we do, because all we do is talk about the kids and wonder what they're doing.

Hot summer

This summer has been insanely hot. Crazy hot! In the 100's hot! We had a few days of cool 80-90 degree relief but today it's 95 and humid. It kinda sucks.
Other than the weather, we've had a nice summer. Last week we had out of town family here. The boys were in heaven! Grandpa, Penny and David drove down from MN and Uncle Rick and Auna were here from CT. We went to movies, the arcade, had a cook out and just hung out enjoying each others company. It was really nice having everyone together and really sad to see everyone leave.
Now we are getting ready for school. Just a couple more weeks and Nathan will be a big 4th grader and Brandon will start kindergarten. Crayons, glue sticks and number 2 pencils will need to be bought along with Kleenex for the first day of school. I may need a tissue or two to get me through the day. I'll now be handing off both of my children to strangers. It just doesn't feel right. But I suppose those apron strings need to be cut. And I may be a tad bit dramatic about the stranger part. Just a tad though.

$6.00 worth of fun

Never underestimate an inexpensive toy.
$6.00 can equal over 3 hours of crazy imagination fun.
Bow and arrows can turn an ordinary boy into a hunter, protector, and superhero.
It took the promise of food and that there is always tomorrow to get them inside tonight. That was the best 6 dollar toy ever! (Thanks Nana and Papaw!)

This is what big brothers are for...

They tie your shoes for you when you just can't get it right.

Adventures with the boys

This past weekend Brian and I took the boys on an adventure.
First we took them on a cave tour. Brandon wasn't impressed at first. Dirt, rocks and holes in the ground isn't new to him. But by the end of the tour he was pretty excited. Nathan loved every minute of it, especially when they turned out all the lights and lit a candle to show how they use to give the tours way back when.
After exploring the cave we went canoeing. This was a huge hit! For all of us. We loaded up on a canoe, drifted down the river, spotted all sorts of critters, stopped for a picnic lunch and paddled until our arms were worn out. It was lots and lots and lots of fun! We are already planning another trip down the river.

Monkey on my back

Best buds!

Happy Memorial Day

I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Thank you to all that have served, to all the brave men and women who have given their lives for our freedom.