Beating the heat.....

We had a really hot week, and the two sweaty toddlers needed some relief..........

I had to post this picture of our senior citizen dog who gets more inappropriate with age... His new thing is to go to the bathroom right next to anyone who is near him. Our yard is big enough that he could find a better place, but with age he has decided to let everyone know about his bodily functions!
The kids dumped water all over Louie so he could enjoy some relief too.. We are loving summer and cant wait to visit Rachel and her family in California, and then it is off to Utah for the month of July!!! It is nice to do our own thing and not have to worry so much about school buses and appointments!

Two Special Men~

Just a little note about two men in our lives. First is our special dad and my wonderful husband. My kids absolutely adore him and want him around always. He is the most patient, caring person I know. I have hardly ever heard him raise his voice at his kids (or me for that matter)! Everyday when he walks through that door after work he is greeted by 4 kids who are so excited to see him! If I had to describe a perfect husband/father he would be it! My love for him just gets stronger as our family grows! Happy Fathers Day Matty! How could you think of Father's day and not think of a man who has somehow survived raising 8 kids.. My dad! Being a parent I have found it so easy to appreciate everything he has done for our family. Besides being one of the hardest workers I know, he too has been blessed with patience!!!! As I see how our lives have turned out and hardships our family has faced, I see how important it is to have a strong example to lead us~ There is no other man who could put up with 5 teenage girls and even worse 3 teenage boys!!!! I am soo blessed to have been raised by a great man and married a great man!!! We love them both!!

Addy's last day of preschool~

Addy had a great year at preschool this year! Not many people get to see the "real" Addy or Sybil as we sometimes like to call her! She is a girl with many different sides, along with many different outfits through out the day! I think she changes her clothes at least 3 times a day! She was very comfortable this year at school, which can sometimes be a challenge for her in new situations. We loved her teachers and the relaxed atmosphere of the class room~ Addy has such a strong personality and we love watching her grow! Her imagination is endless and we hope she keeps it forever!

These are some of her preschool friends~ left to right: Katrina, Rory and Addy

Living Things~

Lincoln's first grade class just did a unit on living things. They each grew a plant from home, Lincoln grew basil (which we can not wait to eat!). He also had to do a report in front of the class, he did a great job, we are so proud of him!! He is just getting so big!