Play

Me with my camera...

and the kids on the playground. We like to play :)

It's all about the hair :)

At least in the nursery this morning. For those of you who don't know my Dad (this is him), he has very little hair on top. As my now-almost 15 year old son said when he was around 4 yrs old ~ "Papa has SIDE hair" :)
Well, he stopped by to show off his new hair this morning. He recently went on a weekend retreat with our single's ministry, and they gifted him with this cool hair-hat. I think it makes him look a little like a mad scientist. Playing golf. :)

Then later on, I was attempting to pin little O's hair back because it was getting in her eyes. The boys decided they needed one too. :) Of course, theirs are a manly blue color instead of pink like O's :)

"I feel pretty! Oh so Pretty!"

"It's alarming, how charming I feel!"

Hehe, Scott and Rory are going to kill me. Just be glad I wasn't painting her nails! ;oP

Play date

We met some of our favorite friends at our favorite park today. First stop ~ butterfly garden! We got some nice shots. Of course, we couldn't spend too much time there with a playground nearby...



After we played for awhile, we went to the river. Lots of room to run around, and also nice places to sit and rest.
Three little monkeys in a cage...
We were very excited to hear an Eagle screaming, and then he flew right over us! We wished we could have gotten better pics, but he was flying VERY high. It's amazing how high they go, and knowing how well they can see from that distance.

All that playing and running made us hungry so we had to go grab some BBQ. One little guy REALLY enjoyed his chocolate chip cookie! :)

RJ was tuckered out by the time we headed home. With his eyes closed, he was mumbling "I don't NEED a nap"... ;o)

Fire!!

No, not really :) We dropped by one of our local fire stations last Sunday afternoon so RJ could see the fire trucks. We were pleasantly surprised to get an official tour and explanation of a lot of the equipment they use.

RJ got to "Drive" the fire engine, which thrilled him to no end. :)
He also got a Jr Firefighter helmet.
Here he is posing with the "Jaws of Life". Pretty impressive.
Fireman Josh was so nice to show us around and explain everything. He even showed us an oxygen mask...for a puppy dog! How cool. RJ was SO relieved to know Zeke would be cared for too if we ever have a fire.

And another Birthday...this time, there's PIRATES involved...

RJ was invited to his buddy Tate's "Pirate Party". We picked up his other buddy, Braxton on the way. (Braxton's Mom was in the middle of a girly party for Brax's sister. It's birthday madness this month!)

The boys were tickled to get to ride in the same car together :)
We arrived at the party, and it was Pirate's and Piratey things Galore! There was even a pirate ship...
Here's the birthday boy blowing out his candles...
There were a lot of pirate-themed games, but the highlight of the whole day was searching for the "real" buried treasure!! They had to follow clues and find maps hidden in various places, which eventually led them onto the beach where "X" marked the spot. They began to dig with GREAT enthusiasm!
The finally unearthed the treasure chest (it was buried good!) and then it was every pirate for himself!! There was more than enough treasure to go around though, so everyone was happy.
Here's Pirate McKenzie showing off her haul...
Then they had some fun playing chase and running from the waves.
And the end of a long, productive day for our little Pirates...

Then it was back into the car, and Brax was excited to take this monstrous diamond ring home to his Mommy, who was VERY grateful. :)
Much thanks to Jason and Laurie, they always throw the BEST birthday parties! :)

Happy Birthday Grannie :)

The whole family gathered at Outback to celebrate Mom/Grannie/MIL's birthday. It's always good to be with my family, and there's usually food involved :)







Of course RJ (and yes, me too, I confess) helped her eat her birthday ice cream :)
Happy Birthday!!

Fall is here :)

Beautiful blue skies, nice refreshing breeze, a little chill in the air at night...



We spent the afternoon at our favorite place today, it was so nice to spend some time outside without sweating. :)





RJ electrified...(like he's not already, right??) Crazy static hair from going down the slide.
Flowers for you, Mommy :)

I found another reason to love blogging - it helps me remember things I never want to forget. Like our day today, and the little things kids say that just crack you up. For instance, last night Rory and RJ took a shower, and when they were out, RJ saw Daddy putting on his deodorant. Of course, he had to have some. So I was dressing him, and he said "NO!! You'll wipe off my de-yogurt!!!" :o)

In other family news, I now have TWO children who are gainfully employed! Yes, Melinda got a job today :) She is so excited. Time surely does fly, doesn't it?