Ahh, Summer

The temperature is climbing. Time for the "kiddie pool" to make it's grand appearance. This is pure glee...

"Mom are you coming in the pool?"

"Mom, catch me!"

Wahoooooooooooo!

Adventures

I had just unloaded the dishwasher, turned around...and what did I see...

Seriously, we are in TROUBLE!

She's a climber.

Happiness is...

...riding on Daddy's shoulders at the zoo...

...teasing Mommy by CONSTANTLY taking off my hat. More sunscreen, please!...

...seeing the giraffes...

...riding the train with Daddy...

...and Grandma...

...exploring the fun spots at the zoo...

...riding the zebra on the carousel...

...sleepovers with cousins (and don't forget the cool sleeping bags!)...

...playing with cousins (and their COOL toys)...

...swinging...for hours...

...watching movies, playing video games, pillow fights and COUSINS!...

...LOTS of cousins...

...yummy pancakes for breakfast (thanks Aunt Kim and Uncle Alan)
We love being able to visit cousins. What a fun weekend. We went to the zoo, SWAM a lot (oops-no pics of those fun adventures), stayed at a fun hotel, and played with the cousins. Thanks to everyone for hanging out with us, and a big thanks to Alan and Kim for letting us crash at their house. We'll see you next time!

First Birthday

Yesterday was Ashton's first birthday. We deferred the celebration because Brent and Jackson went on the Father and Son Campout. We are seeing family over Memorial Day, so we'll celebrate then! We did have a little family barbeque and birthday party for Ashton. I can't believe she's ONE!

My sweet girl.

Singing "Happy Birthday".

MMMM! Cupcakes!

She liked the frosting better than the cake.

The aftermath.

Jackson got a cupcake, too. YUM!

Father and Son Campout

Today was the Father and Son Campout. Brent was VERY brave and took Jackson. They actually had a great time. While they were in the tent, Jackson said to Brent, "Dad, this is a perfect place to sleep in the tent". The photo may be a bit blurry because it was taken with Brent's phone. Look at Jackson's face...if that isn't pure joy, I'm not sure what is!

Pictures-Finally

My friend Andrea is a SUPER talented photographer. I have been waiting for months for timing, weather, and kids to all be aligned for pictures. We were able to take them yesterday, just in time for Ashton's first birthday. Here is a preview.
Thank you, Andrea!

Gorgeous.

Handsome.

Whole Foods

We had the best playgroup a few weeks ago. Of course, I'd forgotten my camera (so thanks for the pictures, Andrea!). All the kids got to make a loaf of bread. While the bread was baking, we went on a tour of the new Whole Foods store. What a fun time! We visited the flower department (and received a flower), the produce department (fun samples of strawberries, oranges and watermelon), the cheese department (over 300 kinds of cheese-seriously!), the bakery (YUM) and the deli (MMM). Then, we headed back to see the finished loaves of bread. We even got to have yummy pizza afterward. We had a GREAT time!

Jackson making his bread.

This is serious business!

Reno Aces

Our first Reno Aces game (the local AAA baseball team)! What a great time. We had tickets to a box suite with amazing views, but with restless kiddos, the best spot is really the grassy area with the playground and bouncy house. Brent and I will have to go back sans children and really enjoy a game.

Ashton's ready to catch a fly ball!

Our sweet Jackson.

The box...

The views...

The amazing views...

...and all our child cared about was the bouncy house and playground. Life with children...you gotta love it!

All Boy

Brent and Jackson were chatting tonight on the couch. Brent asked Jackson what makes Mommy happy. Jackson's response,(it helps if you think of this in toddler speak) "Mommy is happy when I have good manners, I'm gentle, I don't pick my nose, I don't hit and push, I say 'please' and 'thank you'". Um...yeah. Perhaps he IS listening??

Happy Mother's Day

I have to admit...I'm just not that into "Mother's Day". Perhaps it stems from my mother's own distaste for the day. She used to say to us "There should not be just one day to honor your mother..you should honor her every day of the year". Because of this, Mother's Day is pretty low key at our house. However, Brent and Jackson surprised me this year with some beautiful flowers. Brent took Jackson to Home Depot and Jackson picked out the flowers all by himself. Then, he helped Brent plant them and hang them on the fence. Jackson was adorable! Brent said he helped EVERY step, from picking out the flowers, to planting them and securing them on the fence. I have to admit, it was a wonderful Mother's Day present.

Helping Dad secure the planters.

Make sure they're on tight!

Almost done, Mom! Happy Mother's Day.

New Toys

Brent got this tent, tunnel and bag of balls awhile ago, and we've been waiting for some sunshine. Saturday was absolutely gorgeous! We had a BBQ with friends, and had so much fun. Jackson had a great time with his new toy.

Peek-a-Boo!

The tent and tunnel.

Riverfest

I love the summer activities in Reno! This weekend was the Reno Riverfest. There were booths, great food, amazing kayakers, and best of all...SUNSHINE! I took Jackson and Ashton to the festivities on Friday morning. We had a great time. Jackson got to throw rocks. Here are the kids on rocks by the river. There was only one major catastrophe...Jackson received a yellow balloon from one of the vendors. We tied it around his wrist, and walked all the way back to the car without complication. Then, just as I was getting Jackson into the car, the balloon came off his wrist. It was like slow motion...watching...reaching...reaching...praying...and seeing the balloon floating higher and higher. Then came the sobs. Luckily I had a spare balloon at home from one of Jackson's previous haircuts, so we avoided complete disaster. I told him the balloon went to Nebraska. So, if any of our Nebraska friends spot a yellow balloon, send it back our way!

Ashton sitting on the rocks watching Jackson. She wasn't very excited about sitting on the rocks by herself.

The kayakers. I am sooo not that brave!

Jackson in HEAVEN and throwing his fill of rocks.