Friday, July 16, 2010

THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

The Circus came to town in mid-July this year and Matt got us tickets to see the show. I prepped Tanner before--we read Clifford's "One Cent Circus", and watched Dora's "Leon the Circus Lion"--to get Tanner excited about going. And boy was he enthralled by the whole experience.



We invited some friends to join us



We got there late and missed the lions and tigers...but we saw tons of cool circus stuff...and lots of elephants



and these crazy motorcycle guys--there were 7 motorcyclists spinning around and around inside that little ball!



We had a great time.



And Tanner and Kaden loved having friends to share their first circus experience with


Sunday, July 11, 2010

4TH OF JULY FUN

I was really eager to get away for the 4th of July weekend because I'd been cooped up at home with the babies for just too long...so we made a grand plan to fly up to Santa Barbara to visit our friends, the Marquis. However, we ended up feeling a bit unsure about the flight on such a busy weekend, so, sadly, we were stuck without a place to go. Thankfully, last minute, our friends invited us to their river house in Blythe, CA. We happily accepted. Thanks Scott, Shellie, and Avery--and the Gardner family--for including us in your fun 4th of July Festivities.
Check out our sweet tie-dye--a highly recommended 4th of July activity...thanks Ray!


We've been to The River once before with the Gardner family and Matt had the time of his life, so he was super excited to have Tanner join in on the fun. And oh boy did Tanner have fun.


He tried out the Jet Ski
(don't even ask me what I'm doing with my dangling hand there...a bit odd looking, i know...)


He went wake-surfing with Dad


He cruised around in the boat and on the tube


And he picked up some mad four-wheelin' skills.


Matt had his share of fun. He baked himself in the sun...


took on the giant slip n' slide


And just wore himself out...
(The boys wanted Matt to come out and play and were tired of waiting for him to wake up...so they took matters into their own hands)


I'll tell you one thing, Blythe is the place to be on the 4th of July. They put on a fabulous firework show on the local high school football field, and even hand out free popsicles that are seriously the size of your arm.


It was a bit of a late night for Tanner, but as soon as the fireworks started, he calmed right down and enjoyed the show


Kaden had a great time over the weekend...and was on his best behavior so Mom could have a nice, relaxing weekend. Isn't he just such a little cutie!?


WE HOPE YOU ALL HAD A "SPARKLING" 4TH OF JULY!

Thanks For Taking Care of Us!

My wonderful Mom and Sister came to town to help out after Kaden was born. They were so great. Tanner had a blast hanging out with them and they made life so easy for the time they were here with us.

After they left, my beautiful cousin, Mary stepped in to help out. She did grocery runs for me, cooked for me, and put in some solid babysitting time. Thank you! Thank you!

Matt's parents also came into town and it was great having them here with us...alas, we didn't get any pictures with them! Next time for sure...they'll be here again at the end of July - with 9 more of the Vandermyde crew! It's always a party when the Vandermydes come to town.