Well who knew that beer caps in the dirt would be so exciting?

Frontyard fun ...

This toy was actually given to us by a neighbor when Slater was about the same age as Jade is in this picture. She looks so serious here, I wish I knew what she was thinking.
That same sweet neighbor brought over some more toys that her daughters had out-grown. Included in the loot was a garbage bag full of bright plastic balls. Slater and Jade enjoyed playing in them and soon they were all over the living room. They now have a home in the swimming pool and everyone is happy.

He would smile and say "cheese", but he refused to actually look at the camera. Goofy kid!

Seriously Mom, is that thing on?

Just in case you were wondering, it was not turned on at the time of the photo. Just the way a big brother expresses his love for his little sister :)

In honor of "Shark Week"

For his birthday my brother got an amazing shark kite, which he never flies so we have hijacked it. Fortunately for us it is almost always windy in Cantwell and we have been able to fly it every trip this summer. While looking incredibly cool, it is difficult to fly and always takes some adjusting before it soars. Last week it was being especially frustrating and before it was adjusted correctly it sailed right into poor Slater and knocked him to the ground. When he got up he was holding his arm and upset, so he ran right to me for comfort. "It hurts! - A shark bite!" I made sure that I was holding him tight so he couldn't see me giggling over his shoulder - sweet boy.

Cantwell Fishing

Without a doubt, fishing is already one of Slater's favorite things to do.


On his way to the fishing hole! The boys made three short fishing expeditions while we were in Cantwell


This is Slater learning how to cast. He does everything with such enthusiasm, so much in fact that it is a tad dangerous to stand close to him :0)

Perfect Cross-hatch Grilling

Wade is normally the "griller" in our house and he loves this show called BBQ-U. The man is always talking about cross-hatch marks and how to get them perfect so that your grilling looks as good as it tastes. This was one of my attempts to make the cross-hatched grill marks, the burgers turned out quite delicious.

Open House at Fire Station downtown

Grinning from ear to ear! There was a bouncing house, a giant slide, a fire hose with a "flaming" house, hot dogs and balloons, but this was where Slater was the happiest.


Jade had her turn in the driver's seat as well.


This was Slater's favorite spot at the open house, if we had just been willing to leave him alone for 30 second he would have climbed to the top.



Family photo!! The babes weren't cooperating, so this is as good as it gets :)