An Unexpected Water Day

Our day began with the boys going outside to "help" me to water the yard, which turned into a very enexpected water day -- in pajamas! And why not...that's the fun part about summer, right!

Jaden did everything he could to make sure the water from the sprinkler not only watered the yard, but that it also soaked every last square inch of his body, making sure not to leave a bit dry. He went back through several times, just to be sure that he wouldn't be dry any time soon. He had water sqishing out of the sides of his shoes, dripping off the ends of his eyelashes, and even coming out of his ears. I'm pretty sure we could have filled our swimming pool just by wringing out his clothes and dumping out his shoes. Elijah was content playing with the water in the water table, while watching his silly brother and contemplating whether that looked like more fun...

...and i guess it eventually did. Elijah decided to abandon the water table and got in on the sprinkler action. I think his main plan was getting to the watermelon, but he didn't mind getting soaked in the process. Much to his disappointment, the watermelon wouldn't come detached. And by wringing out the water from his soaked clothes, I'm pretty sure we would have been able to water the garden for a week.

Next was soaking wet car and bike riding, which would normally be a good way to dry off, but with the amount of water in these jammies, it didn't even turn them from soaked to damp.

And eventually, all of this water fun led to stripping down, leaving the wet clothes outside, and going inside for popsicles (because there's nothing a mother appreciates more than kids eating popsicles without their clothes on -- well, maybe a few things, but this is definitely up there on the list)!

One of the many joys of summer with two awesome little guys!

Where's Elijah??

Not really, Elijah's not in there, but if he could figure out a way to get in, I'm sure he would. And in case you're curious to know what's in our fridge, here it all is, like an open book - how embarassing! But I had to post it because this is one of Elijah's favorite places to play. As soon as the door opens, his refrigerator radar (I guess that could be called a "refrigeradar" - ha) goes off and no matter where he is in the house, he comes as quickly as his little hands and knees can take him, hoping to make it before the door shuts. And he loads up the shelves with whatever he can find. Did you spot a few things that don't belong? These were the treasures he left, and this time, he even had a little help from big brother, which is how the green ball got all the way on the top shelf!

And here he is, getting caught in the act.

Garden Update...

We have WATERMELONS (or some kind of melon)!!! I am so excited!! Aren't the flowers beautiful! I usually go out and water in the afternoon and was concerend because all of the flowers had been closing up. But one morning, I went out early in the morning to water and was so pleasantly surprised to see all of these beautiful flowers open and taking in the morning sun!

This was our first watermelon to start growing, so I am going to take pictures of it often, as it changes shape and size. Jaden is excitedly watching it grow and change, and can't wait to eat it! I thought it'd be fun to print all of the pictures for him to put in order and make a little memory book of his watermelon plant!

Here it is on June 19th:

And again on June 21st! It's growing so fast!

*UPDATE*

June 25:

What Is A Dad?

"A Dad is a person

Who is loving and kind,

And often he knows

What you have on your mind.

He's someone who listens,

Suggests, and defends.

A dad can be one

Of your very best friends!

He's proud of your triumphs,

But when things go wrong,

A dad can be patient

And helpful and strong.

In all that you do,

A dad's love plays a part.

There's always a place for him

Deep in your heart.

And each year that passes

You're even more glad,

More grateful and proud

Just to call him your dad!

Thank you, Dad...

For listening and caring,

For giving and sharing,

But, especially, for just being you!"

Happy Father's Day to our wonderful dads!

And I do mean WONDERFUL! We have some truly incredible Dad's and Grandpa's in our lives and are so blessed for the closeness that we all share. Both Sam and I have incredible Dads who have become even more incredible Grandpas to our boys. It's truly a precious thing to watch your own dad become completely wrapped around the fingers of someone so small. They would do anything for their grandchildren and Jaden and Elijah are so blessed to be so loved!

They were also blessed to have know their Great-Grandpa (my Grandpa); to experience his love, laughter, and silliness; and to have shared many wonderful memories with him before he passed away in March. In my eyes, he was a perfect picture of love, family, and values and I look forward to sharing all of those with my boys.

And Jaden and Elijah are truly blessed to be celebrating this Father's Day with a Dad who is truly one-of-a-kind! Sam loves and cherishes his role as "daddy" and he shows that each and ever day. He is so in love with these two little guys and would do anything to make them happy, hear them giggle, and see them smile. And they love him just as much! It brings me so much joy to see the relationship the boys' have with their daddy, because too often today it seems like the ever-important dads are absent in the lives of their children; and even if they are physically "there," their hearts are often missing from the job. And heart is a requirement! And so is tickling; playing every kind of ball that there is; being totally hands-on; watching Saturday morning cartoons; teaching how to use a hammer; letting the boys play with a baby doll if they want to; reading stories; riding in daddy's truck; hunting for bugs; not minding messes, but teaching how to clean them up; setting a shining example; teaching respect, patience, and love; loving no matter what; and being a superhero, to name a few! Jaden and Elijah are so lucky, their daddy has all of the qualifications, and many, many more! Happy Father's Day!

Here's some of my favorite father-son pictures from the past year...

Dear Daddy...

I made this perfect gift to share with you today,

It's one of a kind and very unique,

Yet it changes everyday.

It can hold on tight and wave goodbye,

It can even say hello.

It's a part of me that will grow to be

Like Daddy's when I'm old.

I give you my handprints that I painted just for you today.

It's my way of saying "I Love You,"

Each and every day.

Love,

Jaden and Elijah

First Dentist Appointment

Just after Elijah's first birthday, he had his first dentist appointment! Jaden is always the best client/patient, whether he's getting a haircut or at a doctor's appointment. And for Elijah's first dentist appointment, he definitely came in a close second! I wasn't sure what to expect from him, but he was so good! The dentist couldn't believe it, especially specializing in children's dental care, I think they automatically brace themselves for the top-of-the-lungs scream. You know, the type where you have to say "breathe, baby, breathe." But not Elijah! He was happy as could be, especially when he got to use the BIG toothbrush to brush the doggy's teeth! Jaden loved that part too, along with getting to sit in the big-kid exam chair!