Potty Training

We had a big break in the middle, but he finally decided he wanted to do it and he earned them all. I guess I didn't take a picture the day he earned 6. I sure wish we knew where #1 was.




Bonus incentive, for once he'd earned them all.

Solar Eclipse

Hot Cup left work early August 21st so we could enjoy the solar eclipse as a family.  (Toddler was napping.  Sort of, well, he was in his crib, mostly screaming.  Refer to August post, this was one of the 3 days of no nap.) 

We had a 79% eclipse in our area.  (It was cloudy at the peak, but mostly sunny otherwise. Last pic in this post was taken about 5 minutes before peak.) We watched some NASA coverage, did a pinhole box, checked out shadows, used the glasses, and talked with neighbors.  It was fun!

August

Whole family trip to the temple!  I love when we're all together!



Playing in the basement


Hugs!


Watchin' somethin'.


3rd day in a row with no nap!! He'd cry in his crib forever rather than sleep. This was Sunday though, and as soon as we walked in the door after church he fell asleep. We were all still taking our shoes off. He was sooo tired! The next day I implemented something that we still do to this day. Quiet time (for the big boys) begins when his nap does, and we go see them in bed and say "night night."


We'd been to the pick-your-own farm a few times but they only dig potatoes on Saturday so this time we were able to bring dad :)


We got peaches too. Toddler was very cuddly.


Ward party. Sack race and ice cream.  I'd been getting that raised eyebrow from preschooler a lot.


1st grader had been asking for an indoor picnic since I'd let them have lunch in front of the TV earlier in the summer. I decided I'd better get it in before school started!


You can't tell from the pic, ha, but 1st grader was excited to use the stickers and stamps that I'd used with preschooler & his journal. Baby brother was excited too.


Brookside Gardens train ride & mound.



Outside the elementary school, after visiting 1st grader's teacher & classroom! Summer is almost over :(


Our toddler is talking more, giving kisses, and plays with my hair with the hand that goes behind me while I hold him. My husband says our preschooler played Nephi & the boat in the bath and it sounded adorable. Our oldest gave a talk in primary while we sat in the back and watched! He's getting so big!

Beach Trip!

We spent a week at the beach with my family and had a wonderful time! The boys didn't want to leave and did their best to convince us to move there permanently.

Toddler
- watching us as we finish loading
- on the road with 2 pacifiers
- seeing the beach!


Sunday we went to church and relaxed in our beach house.

Monday morning our 3rd got to discover the sand, and he loved it!


Aunties playing with their nephews.


Our 2nd was not a fan of the wind and I finally agreed to go back to the house with him. Pretty soon his dad came with a distraction to cheer him up ...


... and even convinced him to take the water guns out to the beach to play them with everyone.


Meanwhile, 3rd walked around like he owned the place, and 2nd forgot about the wind.


- 1st loves games and wanted to do all the more grown-up games.
- A little kite flying before dinner.


When I was handed this adorable nephew of mine, he was perfectly content to be with me. After a little while I turned him around on my lap and we sat on the deck enjoying the view. I guess he forgot who had him because when I took out my phone for a selfie, and he saw me on the screen with him, he turned to me with a worried look and then started bawling.


But have no fear, because his older cousin was nearby and ready to provide comfort.

First he tried a hug.


Then looked into his eyes and tried a "shhhhh."


And last but not least, a big kiss on the lips.


Poor little cousin still wanted his parents, but I was so proud of my own little guy and his gentle efforts to comfort him. It was super cute.

Once all was well and we were back inside, toddler still wanted to take care of the little baby, and decided that sharing his socks was the way to do it. My brother indulged my little guy by putting them on his baby. Toddler was pleased.


Game time!


A little yoga, Tuesday morning.


We took a little walk along the beach to look for shells. Our 1st would stop occasionally and carefully select a few shells. When he stopped, our 2nd would randomly gather whatever shells he could see. And our 3rd would fill his bucket with handfuls of sand. It was funny to me to see their different levels of collecting.  I'm not certain why he's upset in this picture (I think he couldn't keep up with his brothers), but it's my only reminder of our stroll for shells.
Matching swimsuits from Grandma & Grandpa!


Our 1st digging a hole while his dad flies a kite.


Having fun with his hole ... baby brother too.



2nd playing in the sand.


He didn't last super long, but he actually found a few matches!


Flying a kite Wednesday evening.



Thursday

Pretend Primary


3rd with Grandma


My brother & sister indulged 2nd for quite a while. He had so much fun with them and it was super cute ♥


1st enjoying the beach! And daddy & baby too!



He is sooo good with little ones ♥


Mini Golf & Stories


All the cousins hanging out in the living room :)


Friday walk.


I love being with my family at the beach!