Oh summer, can you stay awhile?!

Usually by the end of the summer, I am ready for fall.  For toasty warm fires and sweatshirts and hot chocolate and all fall/winter has to offer.  Of course, that only lasts a couple weeks and then I'm ready for spring and summer to come again. ;)  I can tell you with absolute certainty, I am not at that point yet!  I just want it to be warm and sun shiny forever! I am loving not having any sort of schedule or routine, being able to color on the side walk, playing in the sprinklers, running in the yard, eating ice cream, sun kissed cheeks and bleached hair and just all that summer has to offer! I never want it to end!

Eating dirt and just not sure of the taste :)

Tomorrow, we are headed for a week of fun at Grandpa and Grandma's house in West Virginia.  Swimming pool, trampoline, boating, fishing, bike riding, and who knows what else is in store, I just know its going to be fun and is going to go way too fast.  So, summer, can you just stay awhile?!

Fishing Adventures

For Christmas, Grandpa and Grandma Carr got Tyler and Megan fishing poles in anticipation of their new boat this summer.  Tim has never really done much fishing but used his birthday money to get himself a pole and other necessary equipment.  Up until this month, he hasn't had a chance to use it yet.  I got him a fishing license for Father's Day (gave it to him early) and so now he has enjoyed taking both Tyler and Megan (separately) on little fishing excursions. I LOVE seeing the pictures and videos he comes home with.  He definitely enjoyed taking Tyler and Tyler enjoyed it as well.  Megan however, was a little different story.  She managed to hook her dress, get the line tangled and was just not ready for the whole thing yet, and that's okay.  She still enjoyed being with just her Daddy and I think in a year or so, she will better be able to grasp it. Anyway, I obviously wasn't there, but Tim sent me the pictures and videos and I just have to share!

Tyler's first ever fish and most precious video ever!

How many fish Tyler caught and how many Tim caught. :)

The second fish he caught, his big, compassionate and sympathetic heart showed through and he just wanted it to get back in the water because he knew it needed to be in there to live.

Megan's fishing experience was definitely a different story.  They did catch a little fish, but it was Tim who caught it, not Megan.  I think she will enjoy just watching Tyler fish next time and maybe just helping real it in when someone else catches one. They also got rained out so they weren't able to be there as long.

Regardless, I am still really excited for the kids and for Tim as they get to enjoy this together.  Its less than a 5 minute drive to get to this particular spot and so an easy afternoon activity.

California Trip, Take 2

Day 3 started out with a little music from Grandpa. :)

It was neat to see the kids so interested in the music. Tyler and Megan both, but especially Tyler, was really in to playing the little guitar.  

 There were at least 3 owls that we saw periodically throughout the week. Can you see it?

 More fun playing with the cousins!

 Cute little Alice reminded me so much of Morgan!

 Definitely a family with lots of blue eyed blonds :)

 Megan and Selah really hit it off.  So wish they were closer to eachother. :(

 

 

 So pretty...even when she is not smiling.  Just like her beautiful Momma. :)

 Crazy girls :)

 

 Day 3 (Friday the 13th) was also the day that Tim's parents had organized a special get together with the other family that is in the area.  It was neat to be able to see so many of them!  Tim's parents did a lot of work to put it all together and I am so thankful!  I am disappointed though that I didn't get hardly any pictures. :(  Something about having 4 kids near a pool and visiting family you haven't seen in years... ;)

After the party though, it was sad to have to say goodbye to Selah and her Mommy as they were headed on vacation themselves the following morning. I was so encouraged by Sharissa and so wish we could hang out more.  She is such a good Mommy and it was just so nice to be around her again. Already can't wait to "see" them on skype soon!

Not staged...just pure sweetness

Sad goodbyes

This poor guy isn't showing up in many pictures...he had a rough week and was just not himself while we were there.  The time change really did him in. :(

Though, he still was his ticklish self when it was just him, Mommy, and Daddy. :)

On Saturday, we left shortly after breakfast to go to the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark.  We got there a little before 10, I believe, and realized that they didn't open until 11 so it was only natural that we waste time at a park. :)  

The kids loved it

Then, right when the sun was extra hot, we headed over to the airpark. ;)  The girls saw the big planes and were basically like, "cool! Look at the big planes!" and then promptly started playing in the dirt.  Tyler and Grandpa and Daddy enjoyed them a little more though.

I was thrilled to be able to sit under one of the plane's wings in the shade with them. :)  Grandma Sherry was with us too, sharing our not as big of an interest in planes mentality. ;)

I just think he is such a good looking kid...

Anyway, before I get much further, I have to admit something.  It's no surprise that airplanes are not interesting to me. Hearing them discussed is like a foreign language that I simply tone out.  However, after going to this airpark, Tim and I had a discussion that was really challenging to me. The fact of the matter is, Tim loves planes.  I love photography.  Though Tim already had an existing love of photography before I married him, his interest has grown exponentially because of my love of it.  He takes the time to learn about it and to help me develop myself as a photographer and I should do the same for him. He loves planes, therefore, I should enjoy hearing him talk about them.  Let me tell you, its not an easy task...but, I do feel like its something I should do and pray that as my love for Tim grows, my love for what he loves grows as well. 

Anyway, off that little tidbit...could say more, but I will get back to the task at hand. ;)

After the airpark, we took a much anticipated trip to In-N-Out, one of Tim's favorite things that I HAVE grown to love. ;) Even Morgan was excited.

One of the many reasons why I love them...they have printed scripture references on the bottom of their cups and french fry trays. 

Seriously amazing burgers and freshly cut fries

SOOO good!  During nap time for Ryan and the girls, 

Tyler had a little game time with Grandma Sherry.  Not sure who won, but I know they had fun. :)

The next day was Father's Day.  After church, we went to a yummy barbecue place for lunch, Grandpa Jack's choice, and then just spent a fun day on the farm.

 Tim got these pictures of the owls

 Life in the desert is certainly different than life in Ohio, that is for sure!

 

We came back to super green grass and trees AND humidity...ugh. I'll take it though for the green.  Tim and Tyler also got to ride the four wheeler that afternoon. Tyler really enjoyed that. 

That evening, Tim's dad wanted to have a time of music with everyone.  So, they invited the neighbors and a little singing enjoyment was had by all. I couldn't help but be extra blessed to see Morgan crawl up and sit with Great Grandma Schramm to sing a few songs.  All I had with my at the time was my cell phone so excuse the horrible quality. :/

Ryan fell asleep in my arms <3 p="">

It was definitely an enjoyable day, just so wonderful spending it with family we hadn't seen for so long.

The following day, our last day, was spent enjoying some of that desert fun we just can't have in Ohio. :)

While Ryan napped that morning, I was busy packing up things and doing laundry and everyone else went to go see the new Dragon movie. Hindsight, it was probably not a good movie for the kids to see.  They absolutely love the first How to Train Your Dragon movie and watch the TV series often.  Turns out, this second movie was really dark and scary and both Tyler and Megan cried during the movie. Poor kids. :(  They survived though and actually came back to Ohio and told Jay and Nancy they liked it. :P  

That evening, we got to meet one of the other cousins, all the way from Colorado!  Beau is about the same age as Tyler.  Wish they could have played more together...I think they would have had a blast!

Since it was the last day, we finally let the kids brave the neighbors tree house...

Scary!!!  So high and with no rails! (Tim is 6'5" standing underneath it...) I was so thankful when their feet were safely back on the ground!

I preferred Morgan's version of a fort, much closer to the ground!

I don't remember when this particular video was taken, but I just have to show you this amazing swing! Also a scary experience for this Momma, but also so fun for Megan!

The next morning we drove down to LA (in rush hour...) and turned in our rental car before having to say goodbye to family and to a fun week of new experiences with Grandpa Jack and Grandma Sherry.  We certainly had a great week filled with so many fun memories and are already looking forward to the next time we decide to brave flying standby with our family. :)  Actually, we had a great trip home, comparatively with the trip out there, and made all our connections together as a family. 

Megan taking selfies with her phone (nonworking). lol

Morgan doing a little drawing with the leap pad

Ryan taking a great nap in my arms. <3 p="">

Since being home, the kids have slept in until almost 9 each morning, though they moved that up to 8:30 this morning...even still, not complaining! :) The time changed worked in our favor once we got home. We are just so thankful that we had the chance to be able to enjoy this trip out to California.  Hopefully the next time won't take so long to get here! :)