Our Festive 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!  What a busy, busy weekend. On top of all that busyness was a ton of fun. I hope you all had a wonderful & safe holiday weekend.

On Thursday morning I headed to my sister's to start the festivities.  The little cowboys were already in Texas (they went down on Monday morning for a short vacay).  Unfortunately, Tyler stayed home because it's his busy season.  It was so great to see everyone.  I couldn't get enough hugs from these two - mommy was missing them!

After lunch we ventured out to the pool to do a little 4th of July crafting. 

Give this boy a paintbrush and he is happy for hours!

Our little canvas' turned out adorable.  We ended up hanging them on the pool house for the upcoming party.  Thanks for the craft idea Andrea!

 After crafts we went inside for a festive mani/pani session.  I love this chick!

Then we started working on some of our sweet treats for the 4th party.

On Friday, my sister and her hubby threw a fab party!  They had some of their family there plus our parents and my in-laws.  I love all the families being together and thanks again Samantha and Jarret for being such gracious hosts! 

After swimming and a delicious dinner the kids started fireworks.  Between poppers and the big stuff I made sure we got some group pictures.  I just love our festive clan! 

The little cowboys

Cousins

Bryon and Brody

Now onto the firecrackers...

 

To say they enjoyed it would be an understatement.  Keeler hung with the big kids and wanted to try everything.  Kal still didn't know exactly what to think beyond the poppers and wanted to be held and then decided he'd rather go inside and color, ha!  I enjoyed holding "my baby" because more than likely he'll be a little pyro like all the others by next year.

On Saturday morning we all got up and headed to my oldest nephew, Jakob's all-star baseball tournament.  It was so much fun to watch him!   

Doesn't my sis make the cutest baseball mom?! :)

Kal was beat and it was hot so between games we snuck in a nice long nap and another swim.

Jakob's last game didn't start until after 9pm.  It was nice and cool after a hot day.  The little kids ran and played and I had a blast watching Jakob pitch two innings.  It was so exhilarating to watch him.  He is a great athlete and I couldn't be more proud.

After the game, the little cowboys and I drove on back to Kansas. It was late but they slept and I enjoyed being back home and took full advantage of a relaxing Sunday at home with all my cowboys.
I hope your July fourth holiday was memorable as well.

Happy Birthday America!

Weekend Whoas & Favorite Things...

I can't believe it's the last day of June.  The summer is going by so quickly....

We had a great weekend at home.  It was full of fun and cousin time.  My sister decided on Saturday morning to spontaneously head up our way with her two youngest and their little friend.  I don't know if it was the lack of planning but it ended up being such a great weekend.  

We managed to squeeze in a lot of activities...

a trip to the local pool, a pizza picnic, made homemade Oreo blizzards (a first for my kids), a trip to the zoo, a family bike ride, playing at the park, a tasty foyo treat, introduced everyone to the BEST Thai food EVER, hit up the Dollar Spot at Target, painted bird houses, played on the Slip & Slide, played tennis... just to name a few. 

Needless to say, we made so many great memories and this mommy is TIRED but most importantly abundantly blessed.  We loved every minute of it - I have the best sister and my kids have the best aunt.  I can't wait to spend the 4th of July celebrating with them in just a few short days.  
If you missed my fun 4th of July decorating post - check it out here.

The end of the month also means it's time for a really fun link up:  

FAVORITE THINGS PARTY!

 

I'm linking up with Andrea and Erika to share a few favorite things under $10.

First up are these yummy little biscuits.

My hubby actually first picked these up for me because he said, "it just seems like something you would like." ha!  I had them in my cabinet for a couple of weeks before I even tried them because the calorie count for a serving (230) was a little high for a snack in my world.  However, I've started eating just half a serving and they're perfect.  They are delicious, not dry and easy to eat.  I love the subtle blueberry flavor and they work great as a little something sweet in the evenings or mid-day for a pick-me-up.  I'm also impressed with the fiber content and they're 100% whole grain.

My other favorite is Chi 44 Iron Guard

The full size bottle is a little over $10 but you can try a travel size for right under $6

 Before I found this product my hair would NOT hold a curl.  I always thought it was the curling wand - but after a sweet friend offered to fix my hair and promised that the curl would hold, and it did, I was hooked!  I just spray one squirt on each section right before I curl and it's like magic. The awesome thing is, in addition to helping hold the curl, it acts as a heat guard (hence the name) and smells amazing.

Weekend Whoas!

Just a quick weekend recap...

On Saturday, I took the little cowboys to the local water park with friends and their little ones.  First we met at McDonald's for lunch and let the kids run off some energy.  We all learned the lesson the hard way about telling the kids about our fun plans beforehand because they all got up super early and were bouncing off the walls until it was time to go.  Next time, we're just loading them up and might tell them on the way, ha!  

When we first arrived we all applied sunscreen and this mommy had a major fail by getting it in Kallahan's eyes.  I know it had to hurt terribly bad.  It was windy and the water was cold so he wanted to be held most the time.  The big kids were fine because they were running around - which warmed them right up.

About two hours in, Kal couldn't take it anymore.  He fell asleep while I held him in his beach towel.  I secretly enjoyed it because I can't recall the last time he fell asleep in my arms.  

He even managed to stay asleep while we all got back dressed.  I laid him on this bench and he never moved a muscle.  Poor little guy was beat!

After the water park we all stopped at Peach Wave for a little foyo treat.  It was the best!!

The boys slept all the way home.  Tyler was out golfing in a tournament and he got home shortly after we arrived.  He had a great time.  His team placed 4th overall - I'm very proud of my golfing cowboy!

As soon as he sat down he got a text that a sprinkler had stopped so we all ventured out to the farm as a family.

Luckily the sprinkler had stopped due to a mobile command so it was a quick fix.  While we waited on daddy we took a few pics.

I love these boys!

Kal was so sad that we were going to turn around and go home after Tyler got the sprinkler running.  We decided to take the little cowboys on a Ranger ride to make the trip seem worthwhile.  Tyler let both of them take turns and sit on his lap to "drive."  Keeler is a MUCH better driver than little brother!

Keeler and I were scared!  Guess he thought ear protection might save us?!

On Sunday, while Tyler ran back to the farm for some chores the little cowboys and I took our time getting ready for church.  They asked for a BIG breakfast... what's this mommy to do?

We ran to McDonald's (two times in one weekend, I know *healthy habits) and they split a meal.  I ate my two eggs at the kiddie table with them.  

Why can't everyday be Sunday, seriously?  Kallahan is even picking up on the excitement of the weekends at our house.  I had told them last week that we'd go to the water park on Saturday... so then everyday he asked, "Saturday, mom?"  Then this morning I was telling them goodbye before work.  He said, "Why work, mom?" "Saturday?" - Oh I wish little buddy.

After church we kept it pretty low key.  After lunch, we all took a nice nap.  Kallahan slept from 1pm - 5:30pm.  That boy was worn out!  He must be growing.  

While Kal was napping we spent some one-on-one with Keeler.  

We had him practice some writing.  He wasn't big about writing his name but he loved practicing math.

Once Kal finally woke up, we ran up town to rent a movie, Turbo, and do a little shopping while daddy finished up dinner.  We had delicious fajitas and then had a movie night while it RAINED!

Praise the Lord!  It was the best kind of evening.  

I snapped this picture out our front door right before sunset.  

What'd you do this weekend?    

Five on Friday!

Friday, Friday, Friday - I'm so glad to see you roll around again!!  It's been a great week and simply flew by... I'll use this High Five on Friday as a recap of what we've been up to, including a great Father's Day weekend.

Linking up with Lauren Elizabeth

1// Happy Father's Day!  We celebrated at my parent's house with a nice brunch.  There's not much better than burritos with both my two favorite dads!

This goofy guy is the first man I ever loved.  He taught me how to drive, to trust God most, introduced me to Springsteen and taught us that in life "it doesn't matter how you look, it matters how you act." - that one is still up for debate, he'll even agree.  

He passed down to me several bad traits (a pug nose, terribly flat feet with pour circulation, bi-polar tendencies...just to name a few) but thankfully he mainly shares his love.  His love has been unwavering and set-forth the foundation on how we deserved to be love - unconditionally.

"The greatest thing a father can do for a daughter is to love her mother'" - Elaine S. Dalton

I came across this quote this past week and it honestly speaks volumes.

Thank you dad, you got the greatest thing right.  I love you.

And to man that I have had the privilege of being side-by-side while he became a father.  We're learning this whole parenting thing together.  No, it's not easy.  We're not perfect but together we make a great team - he pulls more than his fair share of the weight.  Our little cowboys are so lucky to call him "dad."  
Tyler wasn't like most fathers in regards to fatherhood.  See, he was honestly thrown into it.  When our oldest, Keeler, was born  I was very sick with pancreatitis.  Keeler was delivered early, his lungs weren't fully developed so he was airlifted to the nearest nicu - 200+ miles away.  Tyler really had no choice but he handled the situation wonderfully.  He went with Keeler.  He learned how to feed, change a diaper, burp, etc... all before me.  And this folks is the tough cowboy that would gag when he would smell a dirty diaper beforehand ;) 

It was such a hard time for all of us.  I wanted nothing more than to be with my brand new baby but never did I worry.  It made our reunion and bond that much more special.  He ended up teaching me all the things he learned in the hospital - he's still hands down the best swaddler.  We couldn't be more blessed to have him in our lives, he is the best dad & most amazing husband, we are so thankful for him.  We love you!

2// Celebrating Brody!!  Our youngest nephew turned one and we traveled to Texas to celebrate him.  His parents threw him the cutest airplane party.  The big boys had a blast playing ball in the backyard.  

And Brody sure had a great time eating cake!  He's the sweetest (pun intended) and happiest little big man.  Happy Birthday Brody!

3// Wonderland Trip!!  After Brody's house party, we all went to the local amusement park.  It was so much fun.  I grew up going to Wonderland as a kid and can't recall having a better time than I did on Saturday evening.  I LOVE watching my kids get so excited.

(Boat picture above: yep, that's Tyler's kid (not mine) with his hand in the yucky water.  He also climbed up to the front of the boat, while it was moving, to ring the bell.  He's a lost cause) 

I LOVED getting to spend time with my only favorite niece, Jacey.  She became my buddy and we went on several bigger rides together.  We also got see the Smith family, which is always a treat.   

4// T-ball Game Keeler had his fourth t-ball game his week.  It was hot and windy but he played hard.  Tyler got to coach again while Granny, Kal and I cheered from the stands.

Granny amazes me everyday.  She not only takes care of our boys while I'm working but has taken on a friend's baby.  She loves our little cowboys and wouldn't miss a game for the world.

5// A big woo-hoo, it's Friday!

I haven't blogged about it much but I have started back running.  I've found some great running buddies, Natalie and Whitney.  We're going on ten weeks straight and averaging about 20 miles per week.  

Look how much my training has improved!  It's so great to have other friends that are so motivated and dependable.  

This weekend all our hubbies are golfing in a tournament so we're planning on taking the kids to the water-park together.  We're all so excited and what better way to kick off the first official weekend of summer!?  So, do you have any fun plans?  Hope your weekend is great whatever your plans may be :)