How to enjoy a hot summer day

Here is a step by step guide to beating the heat while still enjoying the great outdoors.

Step 1: Go to SAM's CLUB to look at Charcoal grills. Leave with inflatable pool and diapers.
Step 2: Use nap time to inflate pool and fill with water.
Step 3: Be patient while 5 kids change and lather up with sunscreen. Oh! and don't forget the baby.
Step 4: Let the baby scream for 2 minutes then give up. He was content to chill in the lawn chair and watch the action

Step 5: Get bored with splashing. Hook water house to rope in tree. Twist through leaves. Position just above slide and turn on shower.

Step 6: Small inflatable pool becomes slip and slide with waterfall included!

Step 7: 2 hours of blissful fun and the grass got watered too!!! :)

Cake and Climbing

Though its not his official birthday, my dad through him a mini-party complete with sugary cupcakes. Of course he loved his new bouncy balls and bath toys, but I think the cupcake was the topper! :)

He is also climbing....oh dear

and proud of it!

Summer fun

I love summers. They spell freedom from schedules, cool dips in the pool, muddy slip-n-slides, homemade ice cream and mosquitoes. OK, so I live in Alabama where the heat index is always higher, due to humidity. Humidity has a best friend we call mosquito. If we want to play outside in the heat, we must wait till it cools off in the evening.... If we want to enjoy lazy evenings on the porch we must first coat ourselves with bug spray. We also have a fun wagon Samuel received at Christmas that he is now big enough to enjoy. We pull it out in the evenings and swat mosquitos and bump up and down the gravel driveway. Good times!!

Samuel and Owen

Story time curiosity

As picture recognition begins to play a larger role in Samuel's life, he is FINALLY interested in books. I was getting ready this morning and found Samuel enjoying a book in his "reading chair." It was to precious not to snap a few shots!

Frustrations

So I totally understand how baby sign language is an outlet for communication with your little one, but I also wonder whats the point! We have begun teaching Samuel basic signs for eating, playing, ect. I had heard this fabulous rumor that it cuts back on "whinny" communication. I have yet to see any difference. I just needed to vent!! Thanks! :) Guess we will keep trying and see what happens.

11 months and counting

If at first you don't succeed, try try again! Mr. Man here is walking and growing teeth. Though he still prefers to crawl, it is his faster mode of transportation, walking is definitely on the horizon!