Our summer adventures

All aboard the crazy train.
Otherwise known as August.

 pure & utter crazy month has arrived.
In fact I just realized that we're almost half way through. But don't panic. 

I'm about half a step ahead of it, which is more than I've ever been.

So, I'm kind of impressed with myself right now. 

 Just hanging out with our animals.

 Going peepee on the potty.
Don't get too excited for me. 
I gave up after one day of cleaning up 5 messes. 
I forgot how tough this is. 

 Making playdough cupcakes.

Summer is cruising along at a lovely breakneck speed.

I had all these summer bucket list ideas to preserve my  sanity.

But really, I've found that these ages (2 and 5) are kinda magic.
So please enjoy a lovely photo dump of our summer.
And I don't only take pictures of Josh. Jack is professional picture dodger.
He will have none of it. All summer.

A couple of trips to the beach.

So we are soaking in staying at home.

I figure that I won't be able to get away with this much staying home as they get older. 

But right now they are content (most days) with toys and mom and pb&j and each other. 

Summer list done.

Dressing up. Again and again and again.

The boys are playing together. (whaaa?)

Everyone told me they would, but I didn't really believe them.

Of course they fight a lot more too, 

but they are making up their own games and entertaining each other (???)

Animals in line at the hospital. 
Everyone gets a popsicle.

The Target cart game:

Jack (5): Fifi? Are you there Fifi?

Josh (2): I'm heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere! 

Laugh for 5 minutes.

Repeat 75 more times.

Who needs Legoland when you've got a brother?

Lots of singing and concerts.

 Running around the yard with the neighbors.

 Going out to lunch. Wahoo!

 Lots and lots and lots of trains.

Joshy just turned 2 and he kills me.
At least 99 times a day he asks.
"Mama, would you play twains wit me?
Pweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze?"
Head tilt, batting the eyelashes.
shoot. seriously? There's no way I can say no.

Play time with daddy.

 Our anniversary.

It's been great to have a break but...

I am ready for it. For the craziness.

For the routine and schedule and predictability.

We all thrive on it and we are all ready for it.

 Lots of new doodles and scripture art.

My sous chefs

A week in the mountains.
Such a great break.

It's gonna be a tough transition though. Being away from them.
They are my apendages. I'm never without them.
 And I like these lazy days together. Yes, they drive me crazy,
but I know, even in my insanity, that these days are sweet and hard and precious.

These are the days I hoped and prayed for.
These are the days I know will be gone as soon as I blink.
These are the sweet days I thank God for.

I found this verse. It's what I want for them.
For their love for God to abound more and more.
Not just as a feeling, but in knowledge and wisdom.
How do I even begin?
That's a whole different blog post...

         And this is my prayer:
 that your love may abound more and more
in knowledge and depth of insight,            
so that you may be able to discern what is best
and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,         

   filled with the fruit of righteousness that 

comes through Jesus Christ--

to the glory and praise of God.   

Philippians 1 :9-11