A little bit of BIG

Ian has officially decided that he's one of the big kids. He trucks around like he's king of the world and keeps us all laughing a good portion of the day. His most important duty, that he takes very seriously, is watering the garden every morning. He wakes up way too early these days, but if I try to ignore him and sleep on the couch, the morning goes south really fast. I learned that if we head out to the yard first thing we have a much better day.

Ian is not a fan of big swimming pools, but big puddles he loves! I'm slowly working him into bigger waters, but until then - thank goodness for monsoons!

These last few days we've been running him ragged. He's been missing his morning nap completely, and we really haven't even given him the opportunity for catnaps in the car. He just couldn't keep his eyes open for lunch. I think this might be the first time he's fallen asleep in his highchair. Poor tired baby! Of course we got a few laughs out of all his head bobs and "nobody's home" smiles.

He sure is a fun kid!

Happy Fourth!

Happy Fourth of July! We decided we should start the day's celebrations with a family bike ride. HOT - but worth it!

Eric had found some jumps in the desert out by our house that he wanted to take the boys to. After riding a few miles, taking a few breaks, and chugging lots of water, we found some jumps. Not the ones we were looking for, but fun all the same.

Eric showing the boys how it's done.

They were pretty excited to get some air with their front tires.

I was pretty excited to not fall off my bike! I don't have the bravest of hearts when it comes to these things.

Ian was loaded in the trailer most of the time, but managed to "smile and point" a ride out of his dad.

Ashlyn started out on her bike, but after only half a block, we decided to park it and throw her in the trailer, too. She didn't mind so long as she got out every now and again to play.

It was pretty exhausting! And did I mention HOT? Luckily we had popsicles waiting at home for us!

That evening we invited a few families over for hamburgers and fireworks. There were ten adults and twenty kids. A little chaotic, but a lot of fun!

Ashlyn was terrified of the fireworks last year, so it was a big deal for her to light one this year. She agreed only if Eric would swoop her away as soon as it was lit.

I was too busy enjoying the party to take very many pictures.

Here are all the kids, minus two.

We are so thankful for the country that we live in, for the freedoms we enjoy, and especially for the men and women who sacrifice their lives to secure these things for us. Happy Independence Day!