D Day

These HOT summer days are about to do me in.

The kids beg to play outside during Everlee's nap, but it's too hot, which forces them to play inside LOUDLY and they seem to fight constantly, which then leads them to watching too much tv. And why is it that I can't ever get the every day house work done?

The worst part, it all wears my patience thinner and thinner.

And then the day comes when I reach my breaking point. And when that happens, I know it's time for an intervention. And by intervention, I mean D Day!

As in ducks!

Spending an unexpected morning at the park is guaranteed to wipe the slate clean.

Our D Day a couple weeks ago did just that....


She insisted on bringing her camera just like her mama :)




Evee's new pregnant stance


I have to make sure my bread isn't too old since I have a little duckling of my own who likes to eat as much as possible.


She nearly chased them and herself right into the water!


We soon realized there was another friend eating our bread....Sandy.


Sandy made all the bad go away....we love Sandy!






After flying off the handle too many times last week, I declared another D Day only this time it included donuts and dirt!




Dirt drums!


Stuffing a dinosaur fossil and crystal jewel into her pockets....the girl's imagination is out of this world!


Don't let that cute, innocent grin fool you....


She's ornery!



That dirt is all worth it though! Patience restored to tackle whatever the rest of the day has in store, love you mommy said/felt again, and most of all, quality, happy time spent together!

The Littles

Cru and Everlee....I've started calling them the Littles.

A lot of people have said they look the most alike out of the three.



They are starting to act alike now too.

Case and point:

The Littles had well checks last week.....5 months late. Better late than never, right? They both were so well-behaved for having to wait 35 minutes before being called back to our room.

They both stood on the scale like perfect angels.....
Cru weighed in at 34 pounds and 38 inches tall.



Everlee weighed in at 23 pounds and 31 inches tall.



And then....

ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE!!!

The nurse needed to take their temps. Well, Cru did not want anything in his ears (he had been telling me this since we arrived). Boy, did he let the nurse know it....scream bloody murder! And we all know how loud Cru can scream. Yikes!

Well, there was no way Everlee was letting her touch her ears either....cue her screaming.

Poor nurse. She finally gave up. When she left the room, Cru reiterated several times that Dr. Thomas could check his tummy, but not his ears. What's up with the ears, dude?

Once Dr. Thomas was in our room, the scene was beyond embarrassing. I honestly can't even put into words how the Littles acted. They both screamed and cried whenever he came near them. Everlee was literally shaking with fear, which I kind of understand since she hasn't been there since she was six months old. Still, I was completely taken back by their behavior.

In the middle of Everlee's exam, he left the room for a bit so I could get her calmed down. Even after he came back and finished, she still cried.

When it was Cru's turn, I tried to put Everlee down so I could focus on Cru, but she continued to sob. And sob. And sob. I gave her toys, her paci, my phone! Nothing calmed her.

At this point, the doctor left the room again in hopes I could get my kids under control.

SH*T!!!!

I was at a loss. And I was desperate. I could care less what my don't-give-your-baby-rice-cereal-because-it's-just-empty-calories-health-conscious doctor thought of me as I pulled two suckers out of my purse. I've already made quite the impression. And lets be honest, I think he wanted us out of there just as much as I wanted us out of there.

Everlee was done with her exam, so she got a sucker. Still somewhat hyperventilating and still not letting me put her down, but at least the crying had stopped. Cru had to hold his sucker until he let the doctor look in his ears.

One ear down.

One more to go....lets do this!

Or not.

I really needed both hands to hold Cru down, so the doctor took Everlee to one of the nurses. The poor girl was screaming like she had been kidnapped. I felt awful.

And then I felt more awful for my doctor's ear drums when he looked in Cru's other ear and Cru let out one of his famous shrieks.

And then we were done. Cru got to open his sucker, and he was back to normal Cru.



The nurse gave me back Everlee, and she was back to normal Evee.



And both healthy.

Ahh, my Littles....

Birthday Celebrations

Chet turned 32 on June 18th. I had suggested since he shares his birthday with our friend, Tiff, and our friend, Chris, celebrates his birthday a couple days after them, all of us couples should go out for an evening and celebrate together!

SO MUCH FUN!!!

We went to Wichita and our night started at Sumos....




Chet giving everyone a chopstick lesson

The brave ones of the group ate sushi - eel and octopus....blahhhh!!!





The same brave ones, plus others threw back some saki!




I've never had saki....not bad!

After our delicious meal, we strolled next door to Jose Peppers. We enjoyed time on the patio and a few pitchers of margaritas!





After Jose's, we walked next door yet again because the men (yes, the men!) wanted ice cream!

Not only has God brought these wonderful people into our lives to laugh and throw back saki with, but we cry, pray, and suffer hard times with them.



I am so thankful for each one of them!

And so thankful to have celebrated another birthday with this wonderful man!

The one in which there are no swimming pics

It's obvious from all the swimming pictures that we've been spending a lot of time at grandma and grandpa's pool, which we are loving, but it's probably about time I share what else we've been up to!

Back in May, the kids and I took a road trip with my parents to Lawrence to watch our family friend's last baseball game as a Kansas Jayhawk. It was a pretty bittersweet day at the ballpark taking in all the amazing memories.....



minus Carol.

I still have yet to blog about her death....she was a true angel here in earth who left far too soon, and I fear my words will not do her justice.

It was very hot that day, but we were fortunate enough to be allowed in the VIP area where the kids got to eat and run and play all in the ac. Praise the Lord!

Once the Game was over, we went down on the field.



My kids were in heaven!




Adorable Titus


Ryder....such a natural




Ryder's daddy throwing grounders









So thankful for that day!

Speaking of baseball, don't be jealous of the stud catcher we have on our team....



What a character!

Moving on, Chet's taken the kids fishing at Uncle Jeff's pond a couple times this summer. It's been hot, but they have an absolute blast!



They literally catch hundreds of fish!

And Reese is known for catching the big ones!



Best part, poops them out!



Hahaha!!!

And speaking of the pond, we spent an evening there about a month ago celebrating my other uncle's 60th birthday. It's seriously one of my most favorite places to go, which is why I can't wait for the 4th of July!


Great entertainment!


Reese and Cru walked my cousin's dogs, Belle and Star, the entire time we were there! We love Corgies!


He has a tight grip!



Sweet Evee.....she's something else!



I call her and Charlee twins!



One day, they are going to enjoy only being 5 months apart and liking the same things!



We love spending time with Charlee Mae!





She's so funny! And my kids absolutely adore her!



They also adore popsicles with the neighbors!



See, our summer hasn't just been about swimming!