Summer Time

We made our own backyard water fun today with the hose and water toys. We were outside all day long and we had a blast! Ryan has a very pronounced tan after the weekend outside, even with sunscreen on. I love this warmer weather - it is about time we experience 'real' summer weather!!!

Gotcha, Carter!

Drink?

Think I'll try that myself!

He always squeezes into this little bucket!

My turn now!

Aaron building the boys a sandcastle:

Carter's immediate response:

Ryan and his buddy, Lukas in the 'fort':

Our backyard visitor today:

Overflow

Our pond is up a few inches in today's rain. In fact, when it was pouring this morning (some areas of the metro received 2-5"+ of rain), the pond was overflowing into the yard. The fish were 'swimming' in the mulch. I watched to make sure none ended up on the grass, but they stayed put. Tonight's storm added more rain, but thankfully didn't overflow it again. I do have a built-in overflow behind the pump, but when it is flooded so quickly, it just can't keep up with the rain and the water has no place to go but over!!!

Armed

This is how I found Carter asleep tonight....wouldn't you sleep better at night knowing your 2-year-old is armed? :)

Beach

Has it really been almost a week since my last blog entry? You can tell when life is crazy here, the camera doesn't come out as much! The boys and I took a break from the fast pace of life and headed to a new beach just 2 miles from our house. It is not completed yet, but even better for us - it was not crowded (we were the only ones there for most of the time) and huge sandpiles to play on. We were there 3 1/2 hours and I think the boys could have stayed all day long (which we would have, had it not been seriously past nap time). It was fun - when I buckled the boys into their car seats, Ryan asked when we can come back to the beach next. Very soon, buddy!!!

Running:

Swimming in the deeper water:

Climbing, climbing:

Eating pretzels on the beach:

Burying his legs:

The big hit - the sand piles:

Playing in the sand:

Airborn:

Look at that stinker jump!

King of the hill:

Giggling at Ryan:

Como Town

I took the boys to Como Town on Friday. What an awesome place for kids to play. We have a season pass there and we have put it to good use this year. To see their expressions on their favorite rides is priceless. They discovered a new favorite: frog hopper. I think they went on it at least 10 times!

Look at Carter's giggle:

Pure excitement:

Carter driving, Ryan putting out fires (they make a good team!):

Ryan pumped up on the swings:

Only downside to crocs - the pea gravel gets stuck in his toes:

Zipline Ryan:

Andrew's Park

We took the boys to Andrew's Park in Champlin on Thursday. It is an amazing park -I wish we lived closer. There is SO much to do at this park - the boys had a blast!

Kyle's All Star Series

We went to Kyle's All Star Series on Thursday night. My parents came down to cheer Kyle on. Despite a great effort, they ended up losing. Kyle is doing a great job pitching and his fielding is coming along as well. I look back at the video when he started playing baseball, and I can't believe how far his team has come!!

Playing second base:

Caught the ground ball, throwing to first:

Team Huddle:

Walked to first, stealing second:

He's safe!