Happy Independance Day!

We always enjoy the 4th of July and this year was no different. I feel like this year we had 4 straight days of the '4th of July', which I'll take. We did a ton of boating and 'beaching'.  All four days to be exact. By the end this mama was sick of packing up three kids and a hubby to go on a boat and to the beach but it was well worth it.

We started off the 'weekend' on Wednesday night by heading to the Potter's for some grilling out. They have an awesome blow up slid that P just loved and C & G learned to love after a little convincing.

Thursday was the traditional pancake breakfast and car show at Graafschap church. Once again, a huge hi with the kids. The Critter Barn was there this year with a ton of animals which is always great in our book.

Looking at the fire trucks with Papa.

"Hey, want to torment these baby ducks with me?" "Sure!"

"What? Most people don't sit down to pet baby goats? Say it's not so!"

 My in-laws so graciously let us use their boat for the day so we packed up the kids and all the gear and headed to the beach to meet up with friends. The kids ran around like crazy and we thought for sure they would all fall asleep on the ride in...but nope, the little one was not going to let that happen. :) So we did naptime at home. 

Headin' to the beach in Grandpa's boat cuddy.

Captian G!

Boys lovin' the beach. Good thing Leuw has his goggles on...hahah

Future Girl Next Door

 Then we headed to the Marina for our annual grill out and fireworks. At bedtime I drove G over to Amma & Papa's for bed (we picked him up later). Not sure who was happier, G to have Amma & Papa to himself or Amma & Papa to have only G.) C got to stay for the fireworks for the first time this year. He was a trooper even when the fireworks didn't start until 10:45! P was good but after a few of the fireworks she was ready to go home to bed. But we stayed for C. We didn't want to leave early on his first ones. Needless to say we had a LONG day and both P & C were tired when we got home.

Excited about the sparklers.

 Friday was kind of a down day. The kids went to Amma's to play for the morning while I ran some errands. But in the evening we still fit in a cook out at the Yacht Club and a swim.
Saturday and Sunday were both beach days on Grandpa's boat.
Thank you Grandpa & Mimi for letting us use the boat so much! We love it and it's WAY easier than taking the dingy out with all 5 of us.
What a bunch of beach bums!  ;-)

Brotherly love.

This is how we do boating after a long day on the beach.

Playing with Auntie J.

Best Smile EVER!

Me & My Girl

So Sweet.

The Little One - 18 Months

To say my baby is 18 months old is very strange. The last time I had an 18 month old I also had a 4 month old and the time before that I was approximately 10 weeks pregnant so having an 18 month old without having another 'baby' in sight is strange...and a little sad. :(
G - 

You are my spunky, silly and so lovable little guy. You bring us a lot of joy...and a lot of movement. :) You are, in one word, busy. Neither one of your siblings were ever this busy. You think you are a big kid and are determined to do whatever the big kids do. This makes for a very busy mama. It's a full time job just trying to keep you out of danger.
Your vocabulary is taking off like no bodies business. I love listening to you 'chat' with yourself and with everyone else is very entertaining because you act like everyone knows, or should know, exactly what you are saying at all times. Given, you do speak well, it's just fun to watch you.
I love watching people who meet you for the first time. You are very charming and love people in general no matter who they are or what they may look like or sound like. I pray this stays a part of your character as you grow. 

Sleep - You are still my awesome day sleeper. Two naps yet, one at 10 am and one at 2 pm. Morning one is about an hour and a half and the afternoon one is two and a half to three. AM you are in your crib and PM is still in the pack n' play in our bedroom because C naps in your room/his room.

 Eating -These days you have been on this fruit and veggie only kick. You will eat pancakes and breakfast foods but not a big fan of meat. We work with it and still offer it. Most meat you get is given to Chester (by you) but some does make it to your tummy on occasion.

Ok, don't judge me but you do still take a bottle. Yes, I know, you are too big and should not have one yet but you like it and you're my baby. That is my justification. :) This is also how you get your milk for the day. I am weening you off by giving you a sippy before nap and bed but you sleep better when you have the bottle as silly as that may sound.

Diaper Size -4's.

Clothes  -Mostly 18 months but a few 24 months. I have retired all the 12 months stuff but there may be a few lingering shorts but because of your 60/40 body (60% body, 40% legs), they still fit.

Activities - Talking, talking, talking! You have also been able to really 'swim' this year and you love it as well as being on the beach. Last summer you were just a wee one and sat under the umbrella and napped most of the time.

Stats -  Weight: 26 lb 10 oz (80th)

Height: 32.5 inches (55th)

You make my heart and face smile Little Buddy. I pray Jesus shines through you in all you do.

Love always, Mommy

Summer Night Boating

The other night we took out my in-law's boat for an evening cruse to the lighthouse for some swimming and Subway on the beach.

The kids loved it and it was a perfect night. Warm water, calm 'seas' and perfect temps.

Country Livin'

Evenings have been beautiful here and we are making the most of them. 

We love our yard and love spending time outside as a family. Daddy usually is mowing the lawn or doing some sort of yard work and the rest of us get to 'goof off' but chasing him in the Gator or 'swimming' in the kiddie pool. 

We're blessed to have these small 'luxuries' in life. Some might call it a little 'red necky', 'white trashy' even but my sister and I like to call it 'country' so I am sticking with that. :)