Our New Favorite Park

We found a hidden park just down the road from Brady's house the other day.  It's across from a school and just looks like a small grassy area with a picnic table.  We stopped and got out one day and found a little path through the trees that opened up to a big grassy area. 

 The sun was shining through the trees and we found a stump for snack time.

 There were even trees to climb in.

 And another stump to sit on!

 And LOTS of grass to run and wrestle in!

 And I didn't get a picture of Brady sitting on Caleb's head.  They both thought it was pretty funny.

 Next, we found another opening through the trees that lead to our new favorite place!!! A perfect creek to throw rocks in and shallow enough that the boys could walk across without me fearing them falling in! SO MUCH FUN!! Plus, it feel like being far away from civilization!

And if we don't want to cross the creek, we found a bridge that lead us back to the car!  We'll be back again soon, I'm sure.

More Fun With the Boys

We do a lot of exploring to find new and fun places and things to see.  One morning Caleb wanted to go see Daddy at work, which is the opposite direction than we normally go.  Sounded good to me.  We stopped to say hi and then went to check out a small lake that I saw on the map.  Sadly, the lake was surrounded by houses, so we couldn't get to it.  

 We stopped at a small park for a while, and as we started to drive away saw THIS on the other side of the road.  Of course we had to check it out so stopped and took some pictures.

 There were a few older gentlemen working on this brand new caboose, building it from the tracks up.

 Down the tracks a bit was an old blue engine as well a a little yellow car.  We found out that on Sundays they give half hour rides on the yellow car, so someday we might have to try it out.

 One morning we went to our place to make a surprise mothers day gift for Brady's mamma.  The boys thought it was great fun bouncing up and down with Matt.

 Yet another day we made pretzels.  I think Caleb is trying the flour.  Hmm.  Not so good.

 The recipe wasn't the best for little guys to help with so I ended up doing more than I'd planned.  WOW, they were winners!!! SUPER GOOD!

 This is the new favorite now that it's hotter out.  We make different smoothie blends and pour the into ice cube trays for yummy popsicle treats.  It's also helpful for keeping Caleb quiet and occupied while waiting for Brady to wake up from nap time.  He often holds the monitor and watches to see when he'll wake up.  And Quinton waits in the background hoping for a bite.

 A highlight of everyday is when the mailman comes, and on Tuesdays when the garbage truck comes.  I thought this day was so funny when Quinton ran over and joined the boys at the window!

 And pure silliness lately!  LOTS OF IT!!! When we first arrive in the mornings the boys basically chase each other around doing and saying all kinds of silly things.

 Running and crashing on the floor brings lots of laughs.

Here's a common scene after nap times lately.  They sit as close as possible to each other and share their popsicles.  I LOVE these moments!  Sometimes I'll just sit back and listen as they have little conversations with each other with the few words Brady now has.

 And at the end of the day when it's time to leave....it's hard to leave.  Playing in the car is so much fun!

Not the best picture but had to capture a memory.  One of Brady's favorite things is buckling whatever he can find to buckle.  I think he's gotten Caleb started on it now too.  And then we head home. 

At the Lake

It's not summer yet but we've already had some days in the 90s.  Even the 80s is a good reason to head to the water!  

 Both boys love throwing rocks, especially Brady! He's throw rocks all day if he could.

 He often goes for the biggest he can pick up.

 Lake Natoma is the same place where Alison went rowing when she was here.  It actually seems more like a river since it is long and narrow, but it's considered a lake since it's not moving water.

 This is another day we enjoyed playing in the water, watching the baby geese, and more throwing rocks.

Lots of boats and people to watch while we took a break fro lunch.  I'm sure we'll be back soon to swim.  Now to get some life jackets so I can relax a little more.

Our Favorite Park

We found this parka while back and it's one of our favorites.  It's up on a hill away from traffic and lots of people.  The sun shines in through the huge, beautiful tree, and for the boys, the playground is made age specific.  This means they can run and play and I can relax a little bit more than normal.

 Alison and Abby joined us on this particular day. 

 Brady easily jumped off this wall without falling.  He's truly going to be an athlete when he grows up.

 Alison took a couple pictures for us, and I love them.  It captures for me what I do and enjoy for my work days. :)  Again, how can I complain?!

Family Times

Part of the fun of having Al and Al and Abby here were all the fun family times together!

 One weekend all the brothers and sisters and families went to the caves nearby.  I decided to just enjoy being together so didn't take many pictures.

 Definitely another memory we won't forget. 

 Even having a picnic dinner in the freezing cold was worth it just to get some more time together.

 The other great thing was that Matt's mom lives here now too, so we even had times with lots of family around.  AND MY mom came for a weekend at the same time!  This is one of our favorite memories, among many.  Matt made us an amazing brunch!

 Then we headed to the park for a while.  

 Caleb getting some love from his Oma and Grandma!

 ...AND from Uncle Al again! 

 COME BACK AL and AL and ABBY!  We miss you! 

 You are so special to us!

 On the last day of their time here we spend time together at a friends house.

 After watching Abby and Joshua get their faces painted by Uncle Al, he shocked me by sitting for far longer than I imagined he could and let Matt paint his face as well.

 It's the Spinder Crew

More good memories.  Afterwards we went over to Beth and Bob's for a final dance party and dessert.  I knew it wouldn't be fun saying goodbye, but it surprised me that I couldn't hold back the tears.  It's sure hard living away from family.  I'm so thankful for the times we get together though.  And pictures to capture them!