We had a super fun weekend hanging at the pool. Brooks swims like a fish and Chloe is starting to get pretty brave.

The kids are getting along today which makes everything better. As I sit here blogging I just overheard Brooks say to Chloe, "Bring it on dude!".

They play a mad game of basketball and Chloe does pretty well for rarely getting the ball. Some might call Brooks a ball hog.

I think his sister is just happy to be included.

I sometimes joke to Greg that we could fish in the puddle at the end of our driveway. 

Kids seem to hear everything and believe everything they hear.

Brooks was sure he was going to catch something.  The problem is that it was taking forever to get a bite.  So, being the problem solver that he is, he grabbed a chair and enjoyed casting in comfort. 

Oh, and you're wondering about the hockey helmet?  

That's on because Brooks is terrified of bugs and with his helmet on there is no way that the bugs will be able to bite him.

And Sister? 

She was most interested in picking up the worms and being extra cute.

They sure are going to be sad someday when we decide to fix our driveway.

Happy Father's Day to an amazing Dad.

A Dad who:

puts his family first

takes care of us

loves Jesus

loves us

and

holds our family together

We love you, Greg.  

More than we could possibly begin to express.  

Thank you for being you.

So far this summer we've celebrated our Auntie's birthday, had late night baths and TV with cousins, played some T-ball and enjoyed our newly installed zip-line.  

We're busy. 

 We need to be or the number of melt-downs significantly increases.  Yes, having two strong-willed, active children is a blessing.  A blessing that must be managed wisely for the sanity of all involved.

We officially have a kindergartner.  Brooks celebrated his last day of preschool a few weeks ago.  His end of the year program was just like the last two great and Brooks set the record for most family members in attendance. Ten to be exact.  It was kind of a big deal, ya know?

I'm loving that my "big" boy on his last day of pre-school is still holding onto his Ba-Ba.  It's a simple reminder of just how innocent and young (not little...young) he is.

So, our size 8,  5-year old is officially graduated from this third year of pre-school.  This time it's extra special as he anticipates full days of kindergarten, a new teacher, new friends and new adventures in September.

God bless you, Brooks.  

You are our gentle giant and we are so proud of who you are. 

It's been a hard week. Our family is helping some friends through a crisis and it's exhausting for everyone involved. But it's also necessary. It's what we are called to do. We want to be helpers, as we are so blessed in our own lives.

We've done lots of praying this week. More than usual, which may be an indication of an area that needs work in our own lives. We've talked each night (we don't talk when the kids are awake...remember?) about our many blessings and how wonderful our family is.

Even though many days lead to frustration, discipline and disappointment with our kids, we are boldly reminded this week just how blessed we are.