Trying to Beat the Heat

With this sweltering heat that we have experienced this past week, we had to look for ways to stay cool and hydrated outside. My brother, Jason, asked if I would watch three of their four kids while he went to town to run an errand and while Sarah took Austin, their oldest child, to the eye doctor (Driver) in Opp.

While Sawyer was napping, John Parker, Savannah, Ashland, Hudson and I headed outside to the Hardy Oasis on our back deck. Of course, it isn't the picture perfect endless pool with a cascading waterfall like I'd had envisioned or really want, but this little pool will suffice. These little kiddos could care less what size pool they were swimming in because they had a ball. (It was such an impromptu swim that the girls just used their t-shirts). The conversation between these cousins/siblings kept me rolling with laughter the 45 minutes that we were out there. Here are some of the things they said:

Savannah: "Hey, Ju-Ju! I'm going to baptize myself in this water like Austin was baptized Sunday, okay?"
Ashland: "I'm going to babapatize myself, too!" --notice how I spelled baptized--that's how it was pronounced.
{Side note: Austin, my nephew, was baptized on Father's Day by my Daddy. We're so proud of you litte buddy!!}

Savannah: (exclaiming)"God ALWAYS does what he says he'll do!"
Ashland: (shouting)"FEAR NOT!"
Savannah: (gasp) "Ju-Ju, Ashland understands what that means. She was really listening during VBS."
{The girls took turns saying this and then John Parker chimed in too!}

John Parker: "Come on, Hudson. We've got to water Mommy's plants."
Hudson:(pete-and-repeat) "Water plants."
{That's why you'll see the boys with the cups in the pictures. I must say that my asparagus ferns look really good right now}.

Here are some of the pictures of our fun day at the Hardy Oasis. In the first couple of pics, this is a splash pad that I purchased from Wal-Mart for Sawyer to enjoy and you'll see who took a strong liking to it as well--JP(even though it wasn't for his age group). This is well worth the money for all of you with little ones.

Happy Father's Day!

We get to celebrate two events during the month of June--Jeremy's(aka-Daddy as JP would say and Da-Da as Sawyer pronounces) birthday(June 14th) and Father's Day. Jeremy turned 32 last Sunday and we celebrated with a trip to the Montgomery Zoo. Yes, that's right! Jeremy, being the unselfish person that he is, decided that he'd rather spend his day doing what he thought the boys would enjoy--the zoo and train ride. He said it best; the older you get, especially the day you become a parent, it isn't about 'you' anymore, but ABOUT the children.

Today, my sweet husband, we honor the father you became three years ago when our first-born, John Parker, arrived into this world. Now two boys later, it seems there are times our home never gets to sleep, with constant activity swirling around it and within it, but you and I wouldn't have it any other way. You work hard to provide for our family, but also make time to be with the boys, both together and one-on-one. We look forward to the years ahead where you'll teach the boys how to hit a curve ball out in the front yard, take them fishing, hunting, and golfing; or, letting John Parker and Sawyer hand you tools as you tinker with the vehicles or improve the house on a Saturday afternoon. Most importantly, being the role model for the father they will become one day. We love you sooooo much. Enjoy Father's Day today, tomorrow, and every day of the year!!!!!!

Here are some pictures of Jeremy's homemade birthday cake(that JP couldn't keep his hands off of) and Daddy's boys.

A Day in the Sun--What Some Fun!!!!

What a perfect way to begin my Summer Break!!!! We--being Shonna, Lori, and I--took a trip to Navarre on Tuesday for a day of fun in the sun with our little ones. Here are some photos from our trip:


Next Baywatch crew?!?!?!?!


Love at first sight!

All tuckered out from playing in the water.

Caroline was tasting the seashell. :)

JP with Caroline's pink float--which he loved.

Not sure if J is doing push-ups or in his yoga stance?? :)

What kind of face is this?

Hmmmm.......what next?