Ryan's Busy Day

Yesterday, Ryan spent the afternoon and evening with my parents. The rest of us spent our time running all of BG without a little one to worry about. I didn't even bring a camera! We met another family there and the kids had fun riding rides with their friends. It was a perfect day probably our last trip of the summer. The rain in the forecast didn't show up until our drive home! 

My mom took pictures of Ryan throughout the day. It was sweet for me to see that he didn't miss us one bit! He got the royal treatment for sure. We didn't pick him up until 10 p.m. last night. Thankfully he transferred without a fuss. Thanks mom and dad!

He was into everything, I am sure! 

 

My mom's arm is out of her sling (at least while she is at home)!!! She has a lot of recovery time left including Physical Theray. Good thing she is an Occupational Therapist. Now she gets to put herself to work ;) Hopefully Ryan wasn't too much therapy too soon.

Super Wet

We picked the wrong window of time to go to the pool today. 

 

We tried to make the most of it. 

It was cool seeing the rain hit the pool. 

It only rained really hard for a few minutes.

I have been wanting to take pictures at the pool, but it isn't really possible when I am there on my own.

Mason just started swimming under the water this week. A BIG deal.

 

It's difficult to capture on camera, but Owen has recently learned how to do front and back somersaults in the water.

Speedway

some of this...

 a little of this...

 This is a pretty cool toy. The track winds up inside the truck. 

It even holds 2 race cars. I think matchbox makes it

 love the squat and the guitar pjs

Bringing Up Boys

 This is what I am dealing with, people! 

What is inside them (or not inside them) that would cause them to do such crazy stunts? 

 laughter

more laughter

Not sure who is dumber. 

Me, for running to get the camera and ignoring capturing the insanity or
Owen, for piling up the pillows and asking Mason to jump on him. 

Mason definitely made out best in this scenario.

Tonight the conversation at dinner was about baseball. Big surprise! EJ did not get home in time for dinner. The conversation went something like this.

O: Mason do you want to play baseball

M: Yes

O: Which team do you want to play for?

M: Hmm... the Phillies 

O: Are you going to get me, mommy, daddy and PopPop tickets to watch you?

M: Yes

M: I really want to play so I can wear a helmet and be in the dugout

I am SO sure. 

Any girl talk around your table tonight?

The List

Listening

Obedience

Contentment

Orderliness

Mercy

Respect

Trust

Truthfulness

Patience

Our summer word studies to date. We do each word at least 2 days.

The time has been awesome. They are so eager (sarcastic) they call it their "boring lesson." As soon as we begin, they forget it's boring. Why do we so often approach our time in God's word with such a poor attitude, only to be so pleasantly surprised?

The lessons are simple. Yet, I have walked away from each with a great truth to mull over in my brain. Each night at dinner we tell Daddy about the word and the lesson. He can learn too and we get his input on the discussion!

My favorite memory is from the lesson in trust. The boys took turns being guided around the room blindfolded. They had to "trust" their guide.

⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart
   and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
   and he will make your paths straight.^[a]

The irony was Owen decided he didn't need a guide. He walked off on his own. Straight into the wall.

Isn't God so generous? Immediately a picture of how quickly we want to trust ourselves more than God.

Yesterday, we made a paper chain counting down the days for our next beach trip. It's hard having "patience" when something so fun is in view. Today, I made them wait patiently as I divided up (very slowly) the last of the chocolate chips for a treat. It's the little things. They love seeing the word used and laugh if I use it at other times during the day.

The word studies have come to mind so often in my summer study as well.

My friend, Kim often uses the word generous when she has seen God's goodness in her life. That is the word that comes to mind this summer. God has been so generous to me!