Playdate

 Anytime we have a playdate with someone, it seems as though their is rarely someone Joseph's age. He never complains (hehe) or even seems bored. He wanders. He wanders between kids and toys, and mom's. Mom's that have food or drink to share. This boy loves to eat, so if there is food, and someone willing to share, he doesn't mind that he spends his time playing solo, or with the moms. Not that the big kids don't play with him, they just move a lot faster, or rougher and he just doesn't care to keep up.

Well, I have been wanting to have Joseph's friend Jade over, and her mom, my friend Laci, over for awhile. Finally we made it happen, days before Jade was to get a new baby brother! They two of them had so much fun together. We started at the playground. The swings were the main attraction. You can't tell by the underwhelmed expression on his face, but Joseph was having a ton of fun. In fact, he said
weeee, weeeee, weeee" the ENTIRE time he was swinging, barely taking breaks to breath. It was quite humorous!

Next, the big toy. The two loved this, although we discovered yet another hornets nest under it, so we decided to move on.

 I don't have any pictures after this point... we must have been having way too much fun! We moved on to the pool, and another little friend joined us, baby Kate! My friend Kellye nannies for a family that has a one year old (she happens to be the same size as Jade & Joseph) and they played great together. It was nice to get together and let the babes play while the ladies chat.

And don't worry, we didn't forget about Ella! She was with us the whole time, except she was enjoying daddy time... she LOVED having dad all to herself. They had some great jumping contests into the pool!

And so it begins...

The last couple of weeks has been a whirlwind of non-stop busyness. Thus, another reason I have been so behind on blogging. But, such is life.

This particularly busy Saturday started with Tanner's first soccer practice. (not his normal practice day) I did take the camera (of course) to catch a few pics of Tanner & the kids... Joseph doesn't run away as fast, so he tends to be an easier target these days.

Ball is his favorite word these days. He almost always has one in his hands or at his feet. He loves to kick soccer balls around. He's pretty good at it too!

 Anson & Ella practicing together. How cute, right?!

 Time for a water break!

 He loved watching the big boys play practicing soccer

 And picking weeds/flowers

 Later, after a busy afternoon, we headed to the Stake Center for the Stake Country Fair. Each ward was assigned a booth in the cultural hall based on the theme of preparedness & self-reliance. Additionally each Primary was in charge of a carnival game.

When we showed up to set up the game for our primary, I was seriously surprised. The people that were organizing everything for this event really, really did a great job and everything was over the TOP! Outside were all the games, in addition to a petting zoo, fire truck, a tractor full of hay & candy (you searched for the candy)...etc, etc... it was amazing!

 Ella was in love

 Joseph was... uncertain

 Happy as a clam

  Happy, but cool as a cucumber

 Ella saw this clown from across the room. She was so excited she could hardly speak. We ran over to see her, just as she started heading for the door to take a break. Ella was devastated. So, being the cool mom that I am, we chased her down before she could get out the door. Ella was speechless! (and happy)

 This is the room inside. Really, my pictures can't do justice. It was bright and cheery. They had musician acts playing on the stage (some were REALLY great!) that changed about every 20 minutes.

You can't tell very well from the picture, but there are really amazing booths set up for all the food that they served. Cotton candy, popcorn, boiled peanuts, lemonade, hot dogs and tater tots. All a vintage country fair look. It was pretty amazing.

 This was the view right above our table

 After we ate and looked at the booths inside we headed back outside for more games. Joseph was content sitting in this tractor while his sister searched for candy in the hay in the back

 Here is the sweetest moment ever. She actually sat down next to him and gave him that lollipop! At that moment, they were best friends. Adorable.

 Joseph met the lady clown from earlier too. She gave him an otter pop. Love.

 This was a great event. I think it might be the best Stake Activity I've been to (sorry Dad!) I was blown away at the time, talent and detail that went into it! And best of all, the kids had a blast!

bitty ballerina... & tap.

Ella & I have been soooOOO excited for her ballet/tap class to start. We researched studios, visited several and finally decided on the perfect place for her. We pulled out her leotard and ballet skirts. We shopped for tap & ballet shoes (can I just say they are so cute when so small?!) We were all ready for the first day.

That morning we got the big boys off to school, ate breakfast and put on her ballet clothes. I put her hair up into a cute bun, (which she refers to as "ballet hair" like as in, "mom, can you put my hair in ballet hair, please?"--good thing that hair has grown back!) and off we went to her first dance class!

They start off with tap, so they parents can put their shoes on for them before class starts, then when they transition to ballet, the girls can just slip on their ballet shoes by themselves.

Ella was instantly in love. She listened to her teacher, like it was just the two of them in class. She was smiling almost the entire time and did such a great job. She's a natural!

Then they transitioned to ballet. I didn't know a girl could get even happier!

At the end before leaving class, they all learned to curtsy to their teacher. Adorable, isn't it?! It was just so cute to watch her class. They don't let the parents come in to class usually, so this was a special treat for the first day of class... I was elated. I am so happy we put her in the class. It's worth it!

She practices a lot too... especially the curtsy.

LOVE this girl of mine!

Hot day at the park

Since Devin works nights, I usually try to keep Ella & Joseph quiet or occupied in the mornings so we let him get sleep. We hadn't been playing at the playground too much over the summer because it was so hot, but recently I thought it was a nice day to go down there and make use of the nice playground.

Higher, higher! That's what she is constantly saying when I am pushing her on the swings.

One of her neighbor friends was walking over to the pool while we were at the playground. She saw us and ran over to play for a little bit, until she was too hot, then she ran back to the pool with her mom. She is barely younger than Ella (a few weeks, I think)

Silly girly

Of course Joseph has to do everything his sister does!

Inevitably, after playing at the playground for a little while we were hungry, hot & ready for some swimming. We ran home, changed, ate lunch, woke up dad and went off to swim at the pool. It's nice to have such sunny weather!

Earthling baby? Hmm...

What a funny baby. I walked into my bathroom to Joseph playing with the Q-tips. I swear this is how I found him... this wasn't me trying to get a funny picture.

 He looks like he's preparing for a low budget sci-fi, doesn't he?

Then, he's tired... probably tired of me taking pictures of him all the time.

Cutie

I think he's upset because I wouldn't let him have my camera

Luckily he recovers quickly and turns back into

This happy baby!

And YES, that is Joseph. HIS hair is long & curly. Isn't it cute?

And these EYES... they get me every time. Love Anson's eyes.

I know it's totally unrelated to the post, but he was sitting next to me when I was taking the pictures. Couldn't pass up taking a shot of him too.

In the Kitchen with Tan-man

One Sunday afternoon I wasn't feeling so well. I was coming down with something (later discovered Strep Throat - yuck!) I had just gotten back from a long Sunday full of church, Primary & meetings. Devin made me rest while he & Tanner made dinner. I sat at the counter & rested while I told them my pancake recipe. The results... hilarity & deliciousness!

It was fun to watch Devin & Tanner make dinner together, while talking, joking, and trying to entertain me. Great memories!