Dig Dug

Dirt and boys just go together -- at least they do with these two!

We have a stretch of dirt in the backyard that is awaiting raised planter beds -- but in the meantime it is Sam and Zak's domain. They spent hours digging -- and would have kept digging if I hadn't made them stop for dinner. A dinner that was served outside because they were too filthy to eat at the table.

Busy boys!

What a face!

Thank goodness for bath night!

Music Machines

Sam received an MP3 player for his birthday -- he loves it! Zak believes that he is 5 years old too -- so he thinks he should also have an MP3 player. Lucky for him that his Dad lets him borrow his Shuffle sometimes.

This is a common sight in our house...

Hanging out, listening to tunes.

Sharing music.

If only we could capture the dancing!

Picnics & Pools

It was a normal Saturday morning -- running errands, getting things done around the house -- but then we were ready for some fun!

We had a picnic and playtime at our park with some kids from the neighborhood. There was lots of screaming and chasing -- the kids had a great time and it was fun to meet up with some of our neighbors.

Picnic at the park.

The whole gang.

After a little rest, we were off to our next destination -- pool party! Sam is our little fish and did a great job getting around in the water. He even went off the diving board several times -- he'd never been on one before. I wish we had pictures of that -- but someone had to hang on to Zak -- he wanted to go on the diving board too!

The boys love the water and
couldn't wait to get in the pool!


Zak didn't want to get out -- not even to eat!

Well, maybe for a Rice Krispy Treat!

A great way to spend a Saturday in the summer!

A Day At The Museum

If Sam could pick anywhere to go -- his first choice would be the Portland Children's Museum. He was very excited to receive an annual pass for his birthday -- now he can go whenever he wants! We headed out for the first of many visits.

First stop was the grocery store.
Self-check out was a big hit!

Zak liked to make the scanner beep.


Sam found a cute girl to check him out.

The boys love the "old-fashioned" phone.

Building walls and installing pipes.

Zak in the dig pit. Plastic "dirt" is the best!

Working together in water room.

Zak up to his elbows in water!

Dr. Sam was evaluating Zak's dog.

His heart sounded good!

Zak's bedside manner needed a little work.

We were close to Matthew's station, so we swung by for a quick visit. Within minutes of arriving, they got a call and had to leave.

Patiently waiting for Dad to get back.

The Brothers.

Ready to roll in the engine.

It was a long, fun day -- and Sam's already asking when we can go back to the Children's Museum!

Summertime Friends & Fun

We met up with Landon, one of Sam's friends from preschool, and his little sister, Abby. Landon will be attending the same elementary school as Sam for Kindergarten. The kids had lots of fun playing together at Cafe Sip-n-Play.

Taking a snack break -- they played hard!

More snacking for Zak and Sam -- this time
after running in the sprinklers!

And then Zak came back for seconds!

A fun summer day!

A Fabulous Fourth!

It was our annual Fourth of July party with our neighbors -- and it didn't disappoint!

We headed off to the early service at church so we would be home in time for the festivities to begin. The kids started getting excited when they could see the bounce house when we turned down our street. Clothes were changed in record time!

Sam has been anticipating the return of
the bounce house since last Fourth of July!

It was Zak's first time -- but he got
the hang of it pretty quickly!

Sam and Makenna on the slide.

Zak spent a lot of time playing with cars and trucks.

Pachinko was fun to play when
taking a break from bouncing!

Mom and Zak bouncing away!

Took a walk to another neighborhood
to visit another friends' party.

Sam discovered ping-pong.

Zak's favorite thing in the bounce
house was tackling the posts.

The kids enjoying their hot dogs!

The boys are playing together more and more.
It's great!

Fun with sparklers!

Zak's first time -- and he loved them!

Do Not Fear

Zak loves the linen closet. He likes to try and sit on the bottom shelf and close the door.

So, Matthew cleared off the bottom shelf so that Zak could go all the way inside and close the door. Zak has a new home!


Sam thought it would be fun to hold the door closed and not let Zak out. Zak was not amused!


Sam didn't feel like he was in the wrong. He explained, "God is always with you, so Zak shouldn't be afraid."

He's a little too smart for his own good!