Memphis Cousins

This post is late, but I guess late is better than never!!  A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure to visit with family again in Memphis.  It is such a nice get-a-away to visit with family.  Sam loves playing with his cousin Amelia and this trip he was blessed to play with his cousin Ella and we all had the opportunity to meet Jack. 

Ben and Jack are only two months apart, so it was fun watching them look and smile at each other.  They didn't play a lot this trip, but we all need to look out for them next time!!  I am sure by their sweet smiles and mischievous looks they are already planning their next visit together! 

You can't find me!

For those of you who don't know...Hide and Go Seek is Sam's favorite game!  We play it daily and he likes to hide in the same place everytime!  If you ever can't find him...look under the sheets!!

Just Swinging

We have been working with Sam the past few weeks to help him learn how to swing on a regular swing instead of a baby swing.  He is doing pretty good, so his Granddaddy decided to build him one at his house.  Sam loved swinging on it, but Granddaddy wouldn't push him as high as Sam wanted to go!!  I think he would like flying with the birds if he could!! 

Brotherly Love

Reading to Gran Gran

Drive-In Movie

We had the opportunity this summer to take Sam to his first drive-in movies.  We went with the Merricks and the kids had a blast!  Ben didn't like the hot temperatures, so he spent most of the time in daddy's truck with the air on, but Sam soaked it all in!  Actually he didn't soak everything in....he stayed dry in the rain!!  He couldn't believe he was able to watch a movie outside in the rain!  For supper, he ate pizza from Gatti's, but he also ate a huge container of popcorn (his new favorite food thanks to his Aunt Ann!!)

I don't really think any of the kdis were able to hear the movie, but they stayed glued to it the entire time!! 

July 4th, 2011

Fourth of July to our family means grilling out and watching fireworks!  This year was no different other than being excited to watch the boys enjoy the fireworks more than I did! 

I guess fireworks is a boy thing!  I always like watching fireworks, but I can do with them or without them!!  This year, Sam enjoyed picking out fireworks and it was fun watching both boys and their excitement as they lit up the sky! 

Another Reader

Matt reads when he wakes up, reads when we eat, takes a book with us when we get in the car, and reads when he goes to bed.  Reading has to be his favorite past time!  During the first year of our marriage, I thought it of books as a bad habbit.  Now, I see that it is an avenue to knowledge that helps your grow.  Books have also become a daily routine for Sam as well.  Sam reads all day long and even likes to take his new books to bed and place them under his pillow while he sleeps.  We have found that instead of buying Sam knew toys, a new book makes him the happiest! 

Afternoon of Fun at the Dobson House!

We love going places and exploring places around us, but staying at home can be fun also!!  Today we stayed at home to clean and catch up on housework.  After we finished, and the boys were asleep, we set up their water slide.  When Sam woke up, he was VERY excited!  Ben didn't really know what was going on, but liked his elephant kiddy pool.  This is the second year we have had this water slide, but the first year Sam has truly enjoyed it.  His climbing skills at the park helped him climb up the slide, but he still wasn't for certain about sliding into freezing cold water!  His favorite thing to do was sit on the top and let the cold water spray him!  On the other hand, Ben watched closely and I think if I would let him, he would go down it in a heartbeat!! 

Pool Time!

Summer time means....fun in the pool and swimming!  We haven't been able to swim as much as I would like to, but Sam and Ben have gone a few times.  They are lucky to have a pool at Gram's house and it helps that we have several friends who have invited us over to join their swimming fun!  Sam's favorite thing to do is sit on the steps and kick his legs in the water.  He does like to get in and kick his legs, but he spends more time on the steps!  Ben on the other hand loves to float and splash! 

Friends

My mother always told me good friends are hard to find, but Matt and I are blessed to have great friends.  This past week, we gathered with some of them for the kids to play.  It was hot outside, but it seemed to bother the adults more than the kids running around!

I guess he is practicing for his senior pictures!

Sam and Claire on the bouncy

Sam is hiding...I guess I found him!

Claire is having a great time!

Two groups of friends...one old, one young!

"Daddy, just one more handful for the fish!"

Sam loves water....and loves fish!

Two of my favorite boys...the other one is on my hip!

Say cheese Parker!

Bounce, Bounce

Ben would likes the indoors!

Smiley!

Boys will be boys!

Claire is trying to talk her daddy into jumping!

Sam and Gretchen

This is 50th time on the slide!

Ben likes to jump like his brother!

You can't catch me Parker!