Where is the Summer going?!?!? Since Anabelle finished school, it seems as though the last month has flown by!! So many things have happened; including many "first's" for Brandon! He's a little man on the move and he crawls, scoots, cruises and pulls up on everything in sight! He babbles "Dada" and has a whole repertoire of noises and vocalizations that surely mean something (even if we don't always "get" what he's trying to say). He cackles and squeals at his big sisters and has his own silly sense of humor. He's a champion "Oh" (Cheerio) eater and seems to also be a fan of pulled pork, BBQ chicken, sweet potato fries and all small, non-edible objects. Ironically, despite his desire to ingest inedible items ... he is not a fan of juicy watermelon, sweet peas or anything remotely "mooshy". (Apparently, wood chips, leaves and paper are much more palatable to this little man!) He's a complete "momma's boy" and still isn't even close to sleeping soundly all night. Oh well, we're outnumbered ... so we pick and choose our battles. :)

Back in June, the Summer started out with one heck of a piggy themed birthday party for Miss Emily! She is a serious piggy fanatic and she chose the theme many months in advance! There were pigs everywhere! And of course, a pink piggy cake made by the talented Grandma Mac. Emily was even working us for months as she really wanted a real, pet pig!! She almost had us convinced ... but then she settled, at the last minute, on a much smaller, furrier pet ... a guinea pig!! (Actually, four guinea pigs ... but that's another story for another time.) And don't tell Daddy, but I wouldn't be surprised if a "real" pet pig is still in her future at some point :) Emily had such a special celebration with lots of friends and family ... her favorite teacher, Mrs. Sara even joined us in the festivities!

Shortly after Emily's 4th birthday celebration, Daddy had a celebration of his own as he officially "traveled over the hill"! And as one of his best friends remarked, "Mark is now half way to 100!"  When you are half way to 100 ... I think that calls for something a little special! And so, Daddy came home to find a little surprise in the driveway after work :) Yep, what other kind of boat could possibly fit in at the farm?!?! We've enjoyed it almost every weekend ... and we anticipate making lots of fun, family memories on the boat over the years!! The kids LOVE it ... even if it can be a bit exhausting at times! (And I have to admit that this song occasionally plays in my head as "we're on the pontoon." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0O0nzkESTI&list=RDV0O0nzkESTI#t=9).

In fitting with our new boating lifestyle ... the girls also resumed swimming lessons at the beginning of the Summer! They have made such progress; especially little Emily who took almost a year before she would even put her eyes in the water! The swim instructors have been wonderful and with their constant encouragement and patience ... both girls are quickly turning into really good swimmers! And they both love swimming - we literally can't keep them out of the water ... which is why we set up our annual "stock tank watering hole" for all to enjoy! There's no better way to do it down on the farm :) (Well, perhaps a legit, in-ground pool would top our stock tank ... but one things at a time, I suppose!).

July 4th was super exciting for the girls; as they got to see fireworks for the 1st time! Anabelle, in particular, couldn't contain her excitement (despite having a fever and conjunctivitis!) and we enjoyed a cookout with good friends, some fire crackers to "warm up" before the big show ... and then a big display! Despite the late night out and loud noises, Brandon was a really good sport. He was so tired (and it was HOT!!!) but he did his best to watch the show and then promptly fell fast asleep while walking back to the car.

In between all of the above, we occupy or "free" time with giant inflatable water slides, face painting and sleepovers with orphaned ducklings! Not too bad!

No doubt, the rest of the Summer is going to fly by! We have a short beach trip coming up in a few weeks, Anabelle birthday in August and then school starts back already!!!! Boo :(