a bunch of random stuff....

I decided it was time to look at all the fun things we're doing this summer. Because, I swear sometimes it feels like all I do is stop fits and break up fights and clean up messes. Especially this week. It's been a crazy one.
Everytime Avery goes to my moms, her and her cousin Kendi decide it's time for a sleep over. And if it's not a good day or time then it's a guaranteed fit from both of them. Some days I can ignore fits, other days it's harder. Liam isn't so much of a fit thrower, but he is darn moody. He can be sweet one minute and growling at you the next. He is also quite mischevious and messy. The other day I was getting ready for a dr's appointment (late as usual) when Avery came upstairs and told me that Liam had medicine spilled all over. I knew there wasn't any medicine out anywhere so I ran downstairs to see what she was talking about. He was sitting on my couch COVERED in creamy desitin (which was my sister in laws and I didn't even know it was here, or it wouldn't have been where he could reach it). He was completely white and greasy, so was the couch. The only thing I could get it off of him with was dish soap. So, I cleaned him up and put him in time out on the stairs. I was late, hormonal, tired and ended up bursting into tears when I saw him. I sort of got it cleaned up, but then had to go. I think the crying must have scared him because I have never seen that kid sit so still or quiet in time out. Most of it did eventually come out, it just wasn't my day.

So, here are some of the good days I had to remind myself about!

My friend Kierra does catering at local waterparks. She can bring guests with her and her kids, so we packed the kids up the other day and went for a few hours. It was lots of fun. My kids (avery especially) are usually big fat chickens when it comes to water stuff. But, they were awesome that day. They both went down slides by themselves and were swimming all over. It was a great way to kill a hot summer day. Thanks Kierra!

Liam started off on the little blue slides, but one time I sent him up and he didn't come down. He got in the line for these bigger ones. I was quite surprised! He did it quite a few times, he came out once upside down on his head. He didn't like that much, but I thought it was pretty funny!

All greased up and ready to go play in the blazing sun!!

Avery had her summer dance recital at the beginning of June. She was cute and did a fabulous job as usual...the girl loves to be on stage!! She certainly didn't get that from me.

Here is sweet Avery and her scruffy daddy after they finished their "Daddy Daughter Dance". She was so excited and proud that Cody was able to come dance with her. She probably made him practice everyday for a month. But it was worth it, they did a great job!

Cody's brother Cy and his wife Janelle had their first little baby about 5 weeks ago. They brought him to us the other night so they could get out of the house for some adult time. We had a great time with cute baby Wyatt. It's good practice for my kids. They aren't used to having a newborn around anymore, (neither am I for that matter) Everytime he would make a noise or even start to cry, they would want me to pick him up and fix it. Most of the time he was still sleeping, and justmaking noises. I was trying to tell them that babies cry and it's ok. You can't always fix it right away. It's going to be a shock for all of us when this baby girl arrives.

I'm afraid little Liam is going to be one jealous boy. When he thinks he needs my attention instead of the baby he will tell me "he wants his mom" (meaning, the baby wants his mom so put him down now and pay attention to me!) So, I don't know what he'll think when there is no other mom to give the baby to. Avery loves babies and was practicing being a big sister. I can tell she's going to be able to help me lots with our new little one.

This is our cute nephew Wyatt Cy Carmichael. I swear his little cheeks get chubbier every time I see him... I love it!

Lake Powell

A few weeks ago, our family had the opportunity to go to Lake Powell for the week. My cousins have a time share, and they were so nice to invite us to tag along. It is apparantly a huge honor to get the invite. Our cousin jokes that he accepts audition tapes for the trip, and if you aren't cool enough... you don't make the cut! I'm sure we barely scraped by. It was a blast. There were alot of people, but also alot of boats and toys so we had plenty to do!

This is how much fun the kids were having! They were completely wore out. Liam fell asleep practically every time we went out on the boat. They did get sick of sunscreen and hats, but other than that they were great!

There was a semi beach that got some shade in the afternoon. Avery would play out there for hours! Swimming and making sand castles, it was pretty cute.

Here are my brave fisherman.. Liam walked around all week telling me about the striper he caught. They actually caught enought fish to feed all of us one night. Pretty impressive!

I'm not sure he was much help, but he sure likes to hold the pole and think he is!

Here is our family at Rainbow Bridge. It is beautiful, but it was crazy hot out there that day! The kids did great, they walked the entire way by themselves. They thought they were so big! We had a great time, and can't wait til next year!! I'm starting work on that audition tape now!

New Pictures

I have a friend who is a great photographer. She was nice enough to take some pictures of Avery and Liam for me. I was really excited because I haven't had professional pictures of them since Liam was about six months old! Slacker mom! They turned out great! Which was a little surprising because it was like two in the afternoon and Liam fell asleep on the way there. So, I had to wake him up and try to get him dressed and make him look happy. I didn't think it was working...he was pretty grumpy. But, when I got them back he actually looked cute! Here are a few of my favorites...

Liam thought this old tire was soooo cool!!

Avery was too funny. She was so excited and had brainstorming all of these "poses"she could do. She had lots of advice for the photographer.

They both look so grown up to me!

I love the vintage look of this one, I think the textures and color are cool.

This was Avery's favorite pose, can you tell?

Hopefully it won't be two more years before we do this again...