life in june

I'm pretty sure my kids have asked to go to the pool every single day so far this summer!  But I love watching them play together, so it's a win for everyone!  We were also the only ones at the pool, so its a good thing they have each other for entertainment :)

I decided to start the summer off with some chores, and the kids were surprisingly excited about it, haha.  We focused on the patio and tasks included: washing windows, wiping down chairs, and cleaning the ceiling fan and light fixtures.

We celebrated our anniversary a few weeks early when we found out that Ian Munsick was coming to Billy Bob's in Fort Worth.  Kevin came across his song "Long Haul" last summer and we've been loving it ever since.  So grateful that Kevin is "in it for the long haul."  Sixteen years and counting!!

We made a weekend out of it and enjoyed a yummy brunch on Saturday.  Big thanks for Grandma and papa for hosting the kids for a sleepover so we could enjoy this mini getaway!

Just a bit of chalk art while we waited for Kevin after church!  It seems silly to drive two cars to church when gas is so expensive (and the drive takes 20-25 minutes), but sometimes waiting is a major patience-tester and I vow that I will definitely drive separately next time. 

I don't remember the background behind this story, but clearly I was washing my sheets since I can see my unprotected mattress.  Most likely, Colby wanted to wrestle and I eventually convinced him to just snuggle me instead :)

We spent the day at Hawaiian Falls, and although we were supposed to go with cousins, they were stuck with me since their cousins got sick.

Having fun with lunch :)

Date Night with the Hawkins family to see Sonic 2...

Loved the enthusiasm these boys had!  Brock was literally running around the movie theatre like Sonic :)

The kids started drop-in tennis lessons and LOVED it!  It became obvious that they both needed bigger rackets, so the kids agreed to cash in their "piano points" to get new ones!

We planned on going for a boat ride the night before Brooke's birthday, and as I sat watching her before we headed out, I had so many memories pop into my head about the last 9 years with her.  Time is really such a strange thing, and although I love to see the young lady she is becoming, it's hard to accept the fact that she's growing up each and every day. 

As soon as we got on the boat, Colby decided that his loose tooth was finally loose enough to come out.  Kevin encouraged him to wiggle it around, but he wanted Kevin to pull it.  So after what felt like an eternity, Kevin was able to get that wiggly tooth out.  

We needed one good BEFORE shot...

The AFTER...

The other front tooth was then super loose as well, so he let Kevin pull that one as well.  A lot of blood was involved, but he was SO excited with the end result. 

Pulling two teeth within minutes of each other is not for the faint of heart!!  So glad that Kevin did the honors :)

And one sweet picture of my sun-kissed and beautiful Brookie girl, who kept encouraging Colby and telling him that he was the bravest boy she's even known and that he had "the most adorable smile EVER"!

He put both of those teeth in his tiny treasure box and eagerly awaited the tooth fairy's visit...

Day two of tennis lessons with their new rackets.  I tried to make them move for the pic and got the "Mom, you're embarrassing me" smile from Brooke. 

I love watching Brooke play, especially because when we play as a family, it doesn't always go as planned and I get a bit of attitude from her.

Colby was loving his new smile, so I had to document it again...

We coordinated a ward playdate at the lake, but since we are usually the first ones there, the kids convinced me that they needed a bit of park time first.

We love the beach area at the lake, but we really wish they would bring in more soft sand like they used to!

This girl is a goof sometimes!  Lifejacket diaper for the win :)

The kids loved their time with friends, but I came home super sunburned after nearly 6 hours there! I only intended to stay for 3-4 hours, but one family that we invite (the Nesbitts) always show up right as we're about to leave and then I feel obligated to stay longer.  Brooke and Colby love to play with the kids (and I enjoy their mom's company), but it just makes for a really long day in the sun!

We gave Papa his Father's Day gift after Brooke's birthday party since we were gonna be out of town on the actual holiday. 

Sunday with my littles and a tiny puppy, haha. 

We squeezed in one more tennis class before heading to California for a week...

It was a hot and muggy morning, so the kids had to definitely shower up before we left on our trip. 

And while we were away, Jerry washed an waxed my car.  (We asked them to drive us to the airport, but instead of having them drive down to get us and turning right around to go to the airport, we went to their house, they drove us to the airport, then kept out car at their house until it was time to pick us up again a week later.)

Kevin coordinated another fun night of street hockey over at Daulton, and he finally convinced Brooke to play.  

Despite her initial grumblings, she had a blast!  She was one of two girls in a huge pack of boys, but I'm glad she proved to herself that she can hold her own!

Ended the month with another night of hockey...

We couldn't convince Brooke to play again, which was pretty frustrating, but it turns out you can't force your kids to have fun :( I even got out there in my sandals to show her how much fun it was, but she still wasn't convinced. I'm sure she would be more willing to try if more girls played, so next time we will just have to bring some girls!!

aubrey's baptism

My sweet niece Aubrey was baptized on her birthday, June 25th, and it was such a special day for our family. Each time I see a child being baptized, I am reminded about their inherent goodness and about the love our Heavenly Father has for them. I know that he is so pleased when we take these steps along the covenant path back to him.

All the details were perfect...

We took a few family pictures before the program began.

Kinley gave a beautiful talk about baptism, followed by Kevin's talk about the Holy Ghost. 

Aubrey asked Brooke to be a witness at her baptism, and Brooke was so honored to fulfill that role. 

These kids have the sweetest relationships and I'm so thankful that they can grow up together.