Meeting Clifford!

I posted earlier this summer here about our summer reading program and story times at the Washington Library we have been participating in.  Several weeks ago Clifford the Big Red Dog came to visit.  Tyler was pretty excited!

 

I love how Nathan sits right next to Tyler during story time.  It is good to see the love even though they often fight like brothers at home.

Once Clifford entered the room, the kids were thrilled!

Tyler didn't let his excitement show when he actually got to meet and get his picture taken with Clifford.  Gotta play it cool, I suppose.

"Nice to meet you, Clifford."

We also got to make Clifford ears.  Can you tell it was past Nathan's nap time?

Tyler was thrilled about everything!

 

We couldn't leave the library without getting some new books.  Nathan loves to pick a book off the shelf and sit down to "read" it.  He is starting to follow in Tyler and Mommy's footsteps with his love of books!

 

Field Trip Friday (and Saturday): Otter Creek Farm

For those of you not familiar with "the farm," the official name is Otter Creek Farms.  (Yes, plural) 

 

We arrived Friday evening around 6pm and the kids must have had a good time because Tyler didn't go to bed until 11pm (his usual bedtime is 8-8:30). 

 

GG Zick read LOTS of books to Tyler. 

Nathan even wanted to sit down for a total of 2 pages. :)

The project of the weekend was the mantle.  This is the before shot. 

There was a lot of discussion before starting.  Kyle and my dad had done a TON of planning on this project.  We said that this may the be most expensive mantle ever with all the man hours put in it. 

While the "boring" mantle work was going on Tyler and Nathan found a fun way to play with their cars and trucks.  Grandma helped.   

They used some scrap wood pieces to build a track to drive their cars and trucks on. 

This may be one of my favorite mantle project photos.  Stu, Jeff, Grandpa Zick and my dad holding the mantle in place while Kyle (in yellow shirt) worked on something.

We went outside to play washers / sippy cup.  Nathan sat in the washer box and threw things in the middle for quite a while. 

Mantle centerpiece.

I am not sure who is more excited - Nathan or Popo.

Kyle, Dad and Stu on one side...Jeff on the other of the 400+ pound mantle. 

We took several rides on the Polaris.  Nathan and Tyler both really wanted to drive! 

 

Nathan got to have a turn (with Tyler slightly nudging him out of the way). 

Quick, Nathan is not looking...my turn!

 

When Nathan was not driving, he wanted to be up top with Ross and Julie who were enjoying a beer...probably before 11am.  Hey, it's the farm.  I was just jealous! ;)

 

I will end this post here...more pictures to come of a visit to one of the deer stands and tractor rides.  Stay tuned! 

BBQ at GG Zick's turned sprinkler fun

Uncle Stu and Aunt Barb were in town and we had a big, hot outdoor BBQ to get together to celebrate. 

 

 

A simple BBQ turned into this...

 

Running through the sprinker in your undies!  Fortunately, only the kiddos took part.  (I was really jealous...it was HOT!) 

Nathan was a bit more cautions with the water but loved running around with just a diaper (and Crocs). 

Hadley had to eat before playing in the water with dad.  She was also focused on destroying centerpieces.  I had put the camera away before we stripped her down and let her cool off. 

We love summer nights!



Happy 4th of July!

Yes, I realize it is July 26th.  At least we are in the same month...

 

We celebrated 4th of July with the traditional Main Street Parade hosted by Great Aunt Susan, Uncle Steve and Zach.   You can see previous year posts 2012 and 2011.  It is amazing to see how much the boys have grown!

 

 

This is scary! 

We have taught Tyler that motorcycle riders are crazy. 

But it still looks cool, mom!

Preparing for the start of the parade.

Tyler played his homemade drum (a dollar store bucket with a ribbon through it to keep it around his neck) with spoons in the first part of the parade.  He decided to run to keep up with his friend on her bike. 

 

Tyler switched instruments half way through the parade to the recorder.  And he got his picture in the NEWSPAPER!  Tyler was so excited!  Thanks, Aunt Jeanne! :)

Aunt Susan and GG.  Yep, this is my family.  :)

 

It is good to see that getting married doesn't impact you overall maturity too much.

Grandma was awesome to pick up Nathan so he wouldn't be left behind the rest of the parade.  Notice he only has part of a recorder in his hand.  I am not sure what happened to the bottom half of it.

Uncle Frank was sporting his...patriotic side?!? 

Yes, this is the principal of our school district's high school.  So proud!  ;)

Is this not adorable?  I don't know this little boy but he sure looked good in his convertible power wheel. 

Whew!  The 6 block parade meant it was time for a popcicle!

 

 

Uncle Sam/Nathan enjoyed a cookie after the parade. 

 

Nathan saw Zach juggling and gave it a shot.  Needless to say throwing two balls on the ground does not consitute juggling, but it was pretty cute. 

 

To top off the morning, the boys got to ride an antique fire truck around Downtown Washington with Susan and Zach.  Tyler rang the bell 8,264,789 times...or so. 

Excited for their ride!

 

More bell ringing...

 

After the parade and fire truck ride we enjoyed a great BBQ. 

 

Tyler helped me decorate the 4th of July cupcakes.  He was in charge of the star sprinkles and flags.  He took his job VERY seriously. 

 

We also made some patriotic strawberries.  #pinterest idea

My boys LOVE strawberries to begin with...add white chocloate or frosting and some colored sugar = SMILES!   

 

Later that night we headed to the park to watch the firewoorks.  Nathan was well excited to have a seat just his size. 

 

Tyler fell out of his chair.  Silly boy!

 

Tyler tangled in his chair.

 

It finally got dark and the fireworks started.  Tyler loved hanging with dad watching the different shapes and colors. 

Nathan had a perfect view on Popo's shoulders. 

Nathan only lasted about 10 minutes into the show and then fell asleep on Grandma's lap.  It was waaaaay past the boys normal bedtime. 

Happy (belated) Independence Day, America!