Stop! Summer is going too fast!

Well, as you know if you check my blog, I've been MIA (missing in action). This summer has been filled with all kinds of fun ... it's just flying by too fast!

June marked the last day of school for my boys and the end of a great baseball season for Jackson & Isaac. And, great news ... their "hot" coach that I mentioned in an earlier post ... well, we're on very "friendly" terms, if you know what I mean! (don't stress ... the hot coach happens to be my hubby!)

In mid June we welcomed some out of town/state family! We had a blast with the Kreider's from TN, the Hostetter's from AZ & Uncle Ed and Happy the dog from Pittsburgh! Our boys were so sad & weepy when their cousins left though, which was hard to see. They just LOVED having them close by and it was just so sweet to watch them play together and see the bonds and memories forming right before our eyes. We promised them that we'd try our very best to visit TN & AZ sometime in the near future. We just need to plant one of those money trees in the backyard and pray, pray, pray for a mighty ripe harvest!

the gang of cousins!

June 20th was Parker's 1st birthday! I'm still trying to figure out how my baby became 1 year old already??? He continues to be such a little love and a pure delight! He is now officially crawling, loves any attention his big brothers show him, loves to play with his toys, doesn't miss a meal (ooh ... he's got some mighty yummy meat on his bones!) and recently has been very amused by putting his finger up his nose -- yeah, he's all boy!

Special (allergy accommodating) cake made by Grandma B.! Thanks, Grandma! You are the BEST!

The birthday boy after indulging in some cake!

having fun on his new fire truck!

Right after Parker's birthday, we celebrated Father's Day. My boys have the most wonderful, loving, patient, fun, giving, selfless father. I am so incredibly blessed as I watch this amazing man "father/parent" our children. And, in addition to celebrating him we also celebrated both of our dads, who are also fabulous grandfathers to our children. What a blessing!

Then, last weekend my sister took me to Philadelphia to see Beyonce in concert. It was a wonderful treat, although I felt OLD! Our hubby's met up with us after the concert and then we spent a relaxing weekend in Philly just hanging out and exploring a bit. We had a fabulous time. Thanks, sissy!

In our spare time, we've been enjoying some time at the pool! Jackson and Isaac have become even more comfortable than they were last year with swimming. They both can manage quite well in the deep end and are becoming very good swimmers. Tyler has made amazing strides in his comfort level of the water. Last year one of his favorite phrases was "I'll get in the pool when I'm grown up!" Well, I suppose 4 is grown up to him because this year he seems to be quite the little water bug! I love to watch him splash around and "swim." And, Parker likes to get his feet wet, but is not yet fond of getting too wet ... there's still plenty of time left of summer though.

I guess since it is after midnight (well past!), it is officially July already. Hard to believe, but I'm hoping that July is as fun as June was! I hope you are enjoying summer and managing, amidst all of the busyness that life can hold, to take time to enjoy the simple pleasures and savor each day and each moment spent with loved ones! Here's to the rest of summer! Good night!