Happy Birthday America

I hope that your 4th of July weekend was filled with happiness and you created some wonderful memories .  We sure did!  I love all holidays but the 4th is at the top of the list!

This past week we spent time getting everything prepared to have family in town and to have a party.  Kal was a pretty good supervisor ;)

Friday afternoon, Tiff and her family arrived.  These four boys had a blast playing in the yard.

I recruited Granny to help me in the kitchen with party prep.  I loved that we were "twinning!"  She's the best - I don't tell her enough but we are beyond blessed to have her around.  She helps in countless ways.

Saturday morning, Tiffany and I worked on getting most of the food prepared for the evening party while the kiddos played.  Who knew Tiff and I could make such a good baking/cooking duo?!  We did awesome together.  Thanks again for all the help.  

Then we all loaded up and headed to the farm to swim.  

I think us girls had the most fun... just floating and catching up.  Thanks again for having us out Troy and Ronda!

Then it was back to the house to get everything ready for our party.

PARTY Time!!

Granny with "her greats!"  I just LOVE everything about this photo.

 Tifffany, Russell, Bryon and Brody

 My 3 cowboys.  My world.

 These are the only few pictures I managed to get of the little cowboys.  

They were just too busy popping fireworks and having fun!

Erica and Tim

 Brandi and Ethan

 I hope that everyone had a great time.  

All the boys in the family and several of our friends seem to really get into the fireworks so our personal display was tremendous plus we have a great view of the city fireworks
 {sorry no pictures, I can't manage to take photos in the dark}.

 Cheers to the "best 4th of July!"

 

 Thank you sweet calendar for making the holiday on a Saturday this year instead of that awful mid-week stuff (yuck!).  Our Sunday was spent cleaning up a bit and then some glorious {much needed} napping took place.

"Happy Birthday America!"

Framily Staycation

fram·i·ly: when friends feel close like family

stay·ca·tion: a vacation spent in one's home and involving day trips to local attractions

We were so excited when the Van Bakel's let us know that they were coming to Kansas this summer to visit!  Andrew grew up coming here with Tyler but it was Kristin and Henry's first trip.  We have such a special bond with this little family.  Tyler and Andrew are best friends.  I just adore Kristin and now our little boys have a blast together.

Just being together is great but we tried our best to make the visit as much fun as possible {so they'll want to come back}.  Here's a few of our highlights... 

Introducing them to our little Spanish Ice Cream Shoppe 

A day trip to Boot Hill.  Enjoy ALL the pictures :)

Kallahan's face in this one cracks me up!

 ❤ these guys.

We finished up with shopping in the gift shop.  Of course Keeler picked a belt buckle.  Kal and Henry both settled on choo-choo trains.

Time to head on home...

We ate a lot of yummy food...

and did what boys love most...

 playing outside and gettin' dirty!

 Our neighbors took a quick liking to our visitors too.

 We can't wait to see the VB's again.  Next time we see them they'll have another precious boy.    Kristin, we're really getting outnumbered!!

 Happiness is: meeting an old friend after a long time and feeling that nothing has changed.

What's Up Wednesday

I've been slacking on the blogging front so I thought linking up for What's Up Wednesday would be a fun and easy way to do a quick post.  So here goes...

1// What we're eating this week...

As most everyone knows not much cooking is taking place in my kitchen.  One of the biggest joys of summer comes from Tyler's grilling and the availability of a variety of fresh delicious fruits.  The little cowboys love fruit as much as I do!
2// What I'm reminiscing about...

With Kallahan starting preschool this fall, I can't help but focus on the fact that he's not "a baby" anymore.  {He'll always be my baby} He's really excited to start school and points out "his school" every time we drive by the preschool and I'm sure he'll do great.  I just wish time didn't go by so quickly.   Can we go back to summer 2012?  
3// What I'm loving...

Oh my, there's just so much.  Most of all, I'm loving our summer schedule.  With longer days and Keeler being out of school I get to spend more time with the little cowboys.
4// What we've been up to... T-Ball

Keeler is having so much playing t-ball this year!  He's played almost all positions and he's decided that catcher his is favorite position.  Why?  "Because I get to tag people out!!"  Their little team is so good and I'm amazed at how much they've been able to improve this year.  "Go Purple Bats!"

He always has a large cheering section.  My mom got to come to one of his games, granny is always there, Shalie and Eric have made several games and Miranda even came out for one.  Keeler loves an audience.  His biggest, littlest fan...

is certainly Kallahan.  Shalie and I are collecting quite the collection of poses from this awkward little one.  I'm sure Kallahan will be proud of these someday ;)
5// What I'm dreading...
One word, newsletter.  I have a deadline at work fast approaching.  Just getting started is the hardest part.
6// What I'm working on...
I joined Marta on a fitness challenge to complete #53milesinJune.  I have a few more days to complete my last 8.5 miles.  In July {after the 4th}, I'm going to try a Sugar Detox with this group.  Wish me luck!
7// What I'm excited about...

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!!   Plans confirmed this week that this fall we're going on a cruise to Cozumel!  
8// What I'm watching/reading...

Big Brother 17 premieres TONIGHT!  It really feels like summer when BB starts.  My sister and I have been watching this show for ALL 17 years now!!  Hard to believe I watched the first season when I was 14 and now we make our husbands watch too.  
9// What I'm listening to...
The little cowboys are still LOVING their recent VBS songs.  Their CD is on constantly.  There's no better sound than hearing them shout, "My God is Powerful!!" 

10// What I'm wearing...
Rompers, Rompers and More Rompers!  

Floral-Embroidered               Heathered Drawstring                 Button-Front

I'm a little romper obsessed folks.  But who knew an adult onesie was so comfy?  I've picked up a few and discovered that Forever 21 has best selection and they're super cheap.  I know they're a fad so why spend much?

   

11// What we're doing this weekend...

The Van Bakel's are coming to Kansas!!  Our three little boys {soon to be four...eek!} are sure to have a blast and I know us parents are looking forward to the time together just as much. 
12// What we're doing next month...

My sister and I are throwing our parents a special 40th anniversary celebration trip with some of their closest friends and family!  It's going to be a great time.
13// What else is new... We're feeling abundantly blessed by Keeler's kindergarten teacher.  She is working with him this summer, Monday - Thursday for about an hour {out of the goodness of her heart} to keep him on track academically.  She was so sweet and just volunteered to help him while she works with her grandson in the mornings.  With their one-on-one work she picked up on that Keeler might be having some difficulties with his eyesight.  Of course I made an appointment the day she voiced her concerns and we were able to get him into a child eye specialist the next day due to a cancellation.  After a full adult-like exam it has been determined that he has a moderate focal issue and possibly a tracking issue.  We go back in mid-July for further testing (more pen and paper type) to determine his treatment plan.  I am so relieved that we're getting this figured out this summer.  With a little therapy and/or reading lenses he'll be sure to thrive in first grade.  I just can't thank his teacher enough for how much she's doing for our little cowboy.

{photo cred.: Auntie Erica.  She caught Keeler reading the High Plains Journal on Sunday morning.  Is he 6 or 66?!  I love it!}
Bonus// What are you doing for the 4th of July?

We're having the PARTY at our house this year!  Last year we went to Texas and due to a busy farming schedule, Tyler had to stay home.  We had a great time at my sister's house but I hated that Tyler was missing out on spending the holiday with his little cowboys.  The pictures above our from our last 4th of July party in 2013.  Our boys have grown so much!!  The little cowboys already have big plans for fire crackers with their cousins.  It's sure to be a fab 4th!!