Fun In The Sun

We've been getting together with friends and family almost every day this summer. It has been so much fun! In fact, the first thing Rylan says every morning is, "Who is coming over today?" or "Where are we going today, Mom?" He automatically assumes we have something fun planned for every day.

Our friends, Nick and Stephanie, came to visit us over a weekend in June. We had a lot of fun just hanging out and watching the kids play. Rylan just loves Elyssa and Nathan. The three of them kept busy in the backyard while Bryon and Nick worked on Rylan's playset.

Bubble time!

Rylan has loved having picnic lunches in the yard this summer. He asked his friends to join in the fun.

The sandbox is always a hit!

A few weeks ago we met several of my mom friends and Rylan's little buddies at the nearby water park. Rylan had a blast and it was Ayla's first time swimming (more like wading).

The water fountain was his favorite. I lost track of how many times he ran through it.

Break time...somebody wasn't too happy about this.

I just love her ladybug swimsuit!

We met my sister and her kids at Manito Park for a picnic and play time at the park and splash pad. Rylan loves hanging out with his cousins and Auntie Jenna.

Rylan and his cousin, Ty, took turns squirting each other with this giant squirt gun.

Awwww...snuggles.

There is nothing better than icecream on a hot summer day, so after our fun at the park, we headed to The Scoop for a cool treat.

Rylan and Ava sure enjoyed their icecream.

Anneka, Ella, Kariya, Seyler, Rylan, Ayla
I was in a Bible study with a few of my friends this summer. When I arrived to our last session together, my friends had surprised me with matching outfits and hair bows for the girls. Rylan just happened to be wearing plaid, so he matched too. This is the best picture we could get of all six kids.

Ayla, Seyler, Ella
We thought we'd get a picture of just the babies too. They are all so beautiful!

Rylan and Ayla's counsin, Anderson, came to visit us along with his Aunt Robin and Uncle Brad. They were driving through Spokane from Denver where they have lived the past several years. We are so glad they are moving back to Washington! Anderson and Rylan have so much fun playing together.

We went to Riverfront Park with my friend, Brett, and her two boys, Kellan and Griffin. The boys loved this boat ride.

The bouncy castle was a hit too!

Rylan liked naming the letters in these giant alphabet blocks at the park.

Saying "hello" to the ducks.

Rylan went down the slide on the giant Red Wagon many times. Wheeee!

And, he enjoyed a ride on the carousel.

Our friends, Jaime and TJ, had a son six days after Ayla was born. We introduced Ayla and Tyler to each other recently and took them on a walk in the park. Aren't they cute hanging out in the double stroller together?

We met my sister, Breanne, her new baby Kiyana and my mom at the park recently for lunch and a walk. My mom got Ayla and Kiyana cute matching dresses which they both wore that day.

We've had such a fun, busy summer so far. Let the fun continue!

Welcome baby Kiyana!

My sister, Breanne, just had a beautiful baby girl! We were so excited to welcome her into the family!

Kiyana Summer
Born July 15
6 lbs. 12 oz.

It will be so fun for Rylan and Ayla to have so many cousins close in age. Ayla and Kiyana are just over two months apart. I think they will grow up being best friends!

Congratulations Bre and Rudy! We love you!

Skinny Dippin'

Rylan decided to take a dip in his pool on a recent hot summer day. He went in fully clothed. I ran in the house to grab something and when I came back out, this is what I saw. Gotta love that birthday suit!

4th of July/Fun at the Lake

We celebrated the 4th of July out at the lake cabin! Most of my family was there, making it extra fun! We have several traditions on the 4th:

1) Watch the annual boat parade-Rylan's favorite part is the fire boat that shoots a huge spray of water.
2)Make and eat homemade ice cream. Yummy!
3) Watch the fireworks show from across the lake. This year Rylan also had fun with pop-its and Sparklers.

4) And, most importantly, have fun!

This was Ayla's first trip to the lake cabin. I'm so excited she'll be able to join us in all the fun festivities every year!

We have spent several other weekends at the lake too! It is our favorite place to go in the summer. We've had all kinds of fun there including:

feeding the family of ducks that come visit us every summer,

fishing,

floating,

swimming,

sunbathing,

and roasting marshmallows on the campfire to make Reese's Peanut Butter Cup s'mores.

Dad Is For...

Happy Father's Day Dad! We love you!

Dad is for making me smile and laugh,
Dad is for buying candy bars and giving me half.
Dad is for hugs, kisses, and squeezes,
And saying "bless you" after my sneezes.

Dad is for saying "I love you" each day,
Dad is for baseball, soccer and other games we can play.
Dad is for wrestling and tickling all over,
And teaching me about forklifts, backhoes, and dozers.

Dad is for telling "Big Brown Bear" stories at night,
Dad is for piggy back rides while I hold on tight.
Dad is for going on errands, just us boys,
And buying me really cool, manly toys.

Dad is for building me a sandbox and playset,
Dad is for cheering me up when I fret.
Dad is for being my best buddy ever,
My Dad is the best, I will love him forever.

Love, Rylan

I have eyes for you, Daddy! I love you to the moon and back!
Love, Ayla

Backyard Addition-Part One

This past winter we purchased some land behind our house. Bryon was so excited for spring to come so he could begin working on adding this piece of property to our current backyard, making it bigger. It has been a fun project for him. The first step was fencing the new piece.

The poles are set.

The back is finished...now for the sides.

Time to tear down the old fence to connect our property.

The fence is complete.

View from back corner of new property.

Now that the fence is done, it is time to build a playset for Rylan. Nick, one of Bryon's good friends, was kind enough to spend a weekend helping put it together. Thanks Nick! We owe you!

Getting closer...

All done and already having fun!

View from the back.

Rylan's favorite part of the playset is the climbing wall.

Now it is time to add playground wood chips.

Rylan has been Daddy's big helper throughout this whole backyard makeover. He loved shoveling the dirt from Daddy's truck into the wheelbarrow. I have been so impressed with my boys...they are such hard workers. Bryon has done an amazing job with everything. He always impresses me with his skills. He can do anything he puts his mind to.

Check back for Part Two of Backyard Addition to see our progress. We have big plans for our new yard!