A Little Too Much Fun!

This is what happens when you have kids in your twenties...they watch you play instead!

Robby needed a little cool down after all of the excitement on the playground!

My Two Mr. Potato Heads!

Here's just some silly pictures of Paden and Evan playing together yesterday. They took pieces from their Mr. Potato Head and stuck them on themselves. They really thought it was funny when I started doing it too, Evan was a little concerned though he stared at me for a while wondering who I was and where his Mommy went!







































The hats, shoes, nose, ears, and eyes didn't fit that well on them but it was fun seeing them try and then thinking that I could be able to make it work!

Boys and their Forts!

This is what my boys came up with when they got bored yesterday...
















Robby had the amazing idea to build forts and have a war between him vs. Paden and Evan. The weapon they created were balled up pieces of paper that they threw at each other!
It's amazing how long this lasted!!



























Paden trying to run from Daddy!

Even Evan gets a shot in!











































And then all three of them attack the woman with the camera.
So, of course I had to put the camera down and show them who was boss!

Best Buds!

I get asked a lot if my boys play well together, and if it's a good age difference between them.

Here's the answer. Yes, they do play really well together but it took them until Evan was a year old for that to happen. They are 20 months apart and the the age difference between the baby that I'm carrying and Evan will also be 20 months. I kind of wish that my kids were even closer but I do love the age difference that I've got going on!

Evan's Favorite Things...

Evan loves to go through my wallet and take all of the cards out.






























Pointing at Mommy's driver's license.

Baby Soft Skin!

After I give the boys a bath I usually put lotion all over them before putting their clothes on and they almost always scream through the entire process!

As you can see they are much happier doing it themselves! What do you think should I just let them do it from now on?!








































Paden is a little more careful about putting the lotion on himself then Evan is.

Busy Monday...

Yesterday was a pretty busy Monday for us. We finally decided to build a railing around our deck after living here for almost four years.
This deck is very scary, we are on the top floor and any unsupervised children could easily fall off. Because of this we haven't really been able to use it and enjoy the amazing view of the lake that we have.








I was pretty impressed with Robby since he has never built a railing before, and it actually ended up looking pretty good!













Construction workers are so cute!!
















I was trying to get Paden to give me a thumbs up and then learned that he had never been taught to do "thumbs up" before! It was pretty funny molding his fingers down and thumb up, he still seemed a little confused.








We took a little lunch break to go eat "Pho" with our good friends the Saunders!






Back to work.










All done!
Evan has already been enjoying the deck. His favorite thing is peeking his little face through to watch all the trucks working on the road!
And best of all he's safe and sound!










At night we met up with the Saunder's again to see the new Batman movie, "The Dark Knight." It was a really good movie but not one that I would want to see again too scary and dark for me, and LONG!
So there you go, that was our Monday!

Artist's Point!

After we got home from Church today we packed a picnic and headed up to Mt. Baker with my parents to a place called Artist's Point.
Artist's Point is located at the very top of the mountain past the ski area as far up as you can go and is the most beautiful place in the Pacific Northwest.
Don't let another summer pass you by without visiting this amazing place.






















Last year we came up in September at the very end of summer when all of the snow was melted and it was beautiful and green! As you can see...that wasn't the case this time! Our visit was still wonderful but because this was the first weekend it was open there was a lot of snow and the trail was covered so we weren't able to go far.









We found a place to rest and eat our lunch.
What a view!
The air felt so clean and fresh and the sun was so bright that it was almost blinding. It took our eyes awhile to adjust!










Evan showing me his messy raspberry fingers.








With all of the snow everywhere this is how we got around!
As you can see I am not posting any pictures of me looking like this!! Hahaha!












Evan sneaking up behind an unsuspecting Robby with a snow ball!













Both of them in on the fun!















An all out snow ball fight!












This really isn't how our trip ended!


It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and we will be making another stop at the end of summer...hopefully the snow will all have melted by that time!

Fun at the Farm!

Today we headed off to "Raspberry Day" at Boxx Berry Farms!

As soon as we pulled up Evan remembered the train ride from the last time we were there and he headed straight for it, pointing and yelling!










Evan was the smallest little person riding the train and I think the one who loved it the most! The driver kept commenting on what a good driver he was.












There they go!












My little sweetie Paden!










Yuck...but I love those sweet chubby finger!











We took a little break from riding the train to go on a wagon ride around the farm. The guide stopped and picked carrots for all of us.

They were so sweet and delicious. Paden and Evan ate 2 each!








While we were there we met up with some of our good friends the Gents, Gordons, and Neilsons.
Unfortunately we missed out on the big raspberry fight...maybe next time!

I am definitely a BIG fan of this farm and will be coming back as often as possible.

New Transportation

Yesterday we bought some new wheels for the little guys!!


Robby has been biking around everywhere getting ready for a triathlon he wants to compete in next summer so we decided to finally do it and buy a bike trailer!










So what do you think did they enjoy it?


































I think so!









Robby has been trying to get me to agree to buy a bike for myself but the thought of a big pregnant woman biking around town trying to keep up with her family didn't sound too appealing. I have to admit though I am beginning to come around to the idea after watching how much fun they were having together!
It would be a pretty funny sight to see!
What do you think... How does a preggers on a bike sound?

Cherry Picking!

Our delicious cherries have arrived!








We have two cherry trees in our yard and they are the type that only produce fruit every other year and this was their year!



Robby climbed up to the top of the tree for me and picked almost every single cherry!

Ahhhh....











Paden picking up the cherries that didn't quite make it into Robby's bowl.























Evan swiping all of Paden's hard work.



We've really enjoyed eating these cherries over the years and it's sad to think that this will probably be the last time since I am sure we will be moved out before they produce fruit again.

Tennis at Lake Padden

Future Tennis Pro...Paden Fox Loveland!!














Look at that SWING!















And another!!














Evan following right in his big brothers footsteps!













Wow! What a serve!












Okay, so a few days ago we hooked up with my brother Jonathon, his wife Shanna and baby nephew Jackson for a little Loveland vs. York tenis match!




So, who do you think won....Lovelands, that's right!!









The audience.

Loveland side vs. York side.








After the smack down on the tennis court we cooled off with a little walk around the lake to the playground!












Back to being friends!

Robby and Jonathon acting ridiculous!

I think the other adults at the park were pretty amused!






"Come on smile for Daddy!"

Camping

Robby setting up camp!

This was our 3rd annual camping trip at the Douglas Fir Campground along the Mt. Baker Highway.








This is a great campground, all of the tent sites are right on the Nooksack River.

We spent a lot of time down at the water throwing rocks!










Not acting like a responsible parent right here!!



























All of our marshmallows stuck together in the heat, so at night when we were finished making smores Robby decided to roast the rest of them all at once!!

Not acting like a responsible parent here either!!










I couldn't resist bringing their silly hats and boots!














Robby entertaining Evan and I!




























Robby giving Evan a little bath in the river after playing in the dirt!


This doesn't look too safe!


























Yeah, I LOVE it when I get a cute picture like this!













Wrestling in the tent before bed time!










Robby showed them how to light up their faces with their flashlights!









Arrrrrrr!










What I learned after this trip is that when it comes to camping neither of us ever really grew up!

I can't wait to do it again!

How a Caterpillar turns into a Butterfly...

Here he is Paden the Caterpillar!











Getting cozy in his cocoon.












Almost there...
The caterpillar is trying to get his entire body inside.













Peeking his head out of the cocoon!











Finally...he is safe and snug inside the cocoon!










The handsome little butterfly getting ready to break free.













He takes his first look at the outside world as a new creature!









Almost...










Paden (now the butterfly) is out!










And this is how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly!

At least at our house!

Construction on Northshore...

Most everyone living here in Bellingham are probably aware of all the construction that has been going on on Northshore Drive...this is my street!
Our front yard will ba a construction site for the next few months.








This is how we have spent most of our afternoons since it all began!

My boys have the coolest view of all the crazy tractors and trucks and have become the BEST audience the workers could ask for! One of the tractor drivers has become Evan's hero because he waves at him constantly and has done tons of tricks for him on his tractor including getting up on his back tires!





















"Wow!"












Evan wanted to show off his tractor too!!

Elizabeth Park

Today we visited yet another park!
Our friends the Meynders invited us to join them at Elizabeth Park, the oldest and one of the most beautiful unique parks here in Bellingham!











The park was surrounded by large overgrown trees and these beautiful old homes.
I can definitely see myself living here one day!






Paden and Evan had fun running after the fatest squirrels ever!

























One cool kid!!














Robby had the most fun playing on the playground!


























The Meynders family...Rachel, Chad, and baby Lily!

Fairhaven Park

Here we are at Fairhaven Park taking advantage of all this beautiful warm weather that we've been having!















Best water park that I've been to here in Bellingham. I love that it's so nice and clean and not too crowded!









































Paden warming his body up on the hot concrete after playing in the water! (by the way I did bring towels)









Evan totally cracks me up walking around in this hat!











He was strolling the park flirting with all of the moms and grandmas, it was pretty hilarous watching him!














Robby trying to take a little nap!


























Nothing better than cold watermelon while playing in the water on a hot day!





...Have I mentioned that I love summer?!!

Whatcom Falls Park

This morning Paden, Evan, and I took a little stroll through the Whatcom Falls trails to feed the ducks and watch the waterfall!









Feeding all the crazy ducks!






















































Looking at the beautiful waterfall!













Evan LOVED it!













My view!!!

Bloedel Donovan Park

After a walk through Whatcom Falls Park, we came over to Bloedel Donovan Park to play.

Paden helping Evan walk across the bridge.



























































Throwing rocks in the lake and watching all the dogs play!

Just some random pictures...

Last Sunday I tried to have Paden pose for the camera, and this is what I got!!

Hahaha Pretty cheesy, but still cute!






















These brothers are so affectionate with each other they are always hugging and kissing!

I can never get Evan to give me a kiss but he is always running up to Paden to give him one!

What is with that?!























Paden being a good big brother!
He is showing Evan how to put his foot on the gas to drive the truck!












The other day I was watching Evan play in the yard and this is what he came up with in his smart little mind!

He pushed this ball over to the fence and then sat on top and held on so he could bounce without falling down.

I was pretty impressed!








More kisses...

Loveland's Celebrate the 4th of July!

In the afternoon we had a little BBQ at our house with my family.

This is what happens when we get together...

































Hahaha!!
Most men would probably be embarrassed by this, but not these two!









Robby and my brother Jonathon lighting fireworks....scary!










Robby and I with sparklers!









The whole family!











Cute little boys!













Paden and Evan were very scared of the fireworks, especially the little snakes and sparklers. Instead of holding the sparklers we stuck them into the ground.

As you can see it was still frightening to them!!

























Paden worked his bravery up to hold it for just a minute!










Evan thinks he's being sneaky swiping the lighter. I have a feeling this one may cause a few problems when he gets older!


After our own BBQ and a stop at Cold Stone (ice cream store) the party progressed to our friends house!









At night we headed over to the Wilson's for their annual 4th of July BBQ and firework show!








I think with all the other kids running around holding sparklers it helped Paden get over his fears and join in the fun.















Watching fireworks!!












Paden had tons of fun running around with all the kids, jumping on the trampoline, playing with Grandpa and Grandma, watching fireworks, eating really good food and roasting marshmallows, but most of all.....








sneaking into Luther Wilson's huge garage and looking at all of the cool race cars with Grandpa!
What a great day!!
I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July too!

Remind you of someone???

Don't let this sweet face fool you, he is one tough little guy!!












Wham!











Bam!
















Looking for something to hit!













Hmm...who's next?













Bam!















Whack!













Peeping into Aunt Amber's windows!


Come out, come out wherever you are!!









That's right it's Bam Bam!!

Evan's favorite toy has become the bat! As soon as we go outside he heads straight for it and begins hitting everything in sight including each of us!

Fun at the Beach!

Here we are at the AM/PM beaches in Sudden Valley! We loaded up the van when Robby got home from work and headed out there. I wanted to take my boys to play in the sand and water before the weather started cooling off.











Evan playing in the sand....it's so hard getting this little guy to smile for the camera!






































While we were there we ran into my friend Mimi and her son Aidan and his buddy Jaden!
Here's a picture of the three boys playing together Jaden, Aidan, and Paden! Say that three times really fast!!
They were being good sports with Paden, even though he was messing up their sand castle city!










Afterwards we stopped by Lafeens for some ice cream! I love Evan's chubby little arm here. It's weird that Paden was that small not too long ago.













Paden of course chose chocolate, he's my little chocoholic just like his mommy!













Evan sharing his strawberry ice cream with Daddy!!