Summer with friends

We have been playing with friends every week, whether it's friends who live close by or far away. Our Nebraska friends came to visit us, which was a great treat as we haven't seen them since their wedding 6 years ago. They brought along their 14 month old, Carter. We hung out at the zoo, a few restaurants and had a bbq for them at our house. Ashley and AJ were so fun and it had been like no time had passed. Here is a cute picture of the 3 boys at the zoo.

Sean also has a few friends now. He talks about the kids at his summer school and how they talk and play together. This is different from last year when he was still in "parallel play" mode. Having friends is a 4 year old milestone and I'm glad we are finally there! Here are a few pictures with my friend's daughter, Amelia. Sean and Amelia play very well together!

Working on an art project together

Holding Hands at the Park

My sister is coming into town tonight so we will have even more summer fun!

2 and 4 are the BEST age

I listen to Blaine and Allison on the radio sometimes while I drive the kids around. And they were talking about how kids say the darndest things, especially around ages 2 and 4. I am a little biased since my kids are 2 and 4, but I couldn't agree more. Sean and Bradley are both so cute, adorable and DO say the funniest things. Just the other day, I was telling Sean how the Starbucks near my parents' house was not there a few years ago. I said, "Aiji (my mom) and Grandpa moved in, and then they built a Starbucks later." And Sean said, "I didn't know Aiji and Grandpa built the Starbucks". He was totally serious. haha LOVE that. I was technically grammatically incorrect, but little kids take everything so literal! These conversations take place many, many times a day.
Bradley is starting to talk and he's in a phase called "word explosion". The crazy month where everything you've ever said to him in the last few years starts coming out of his mouth. He had been listening to me! He says everything and wants to know every word. Bradley points at anything and says "that" meaning what is that. He even says expressions like "oh gosh", which is totally MY thing. haha.
I am loving ages 2 and 4. They want to play and talk to me all the time, and I know this won't last forever.
Here is a cute video of Bradley happily sharing crackers with his friend, Charlie.

Birthdays

Today, July 5th, is Sean's birthday. Bradley had school and Matt did not have work so Sean got the entire day with Matt and I. We went bowling, went out to lunch and spent the rest of the day playing with his new presents, mostly his Star Wars guys and his new toy house. Sean also got a Star Wars bike (see a theme here?)

 Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Opening gifts

High 5 after a good bowl

A few weeks ago we had Sean's birthday party. We have to have it a little early because everyone is on vacation during Sean's real birthday. We had it at Troy Gymnastics. They did a great job setting up the gym so it was age appropriate for 3-4 year olds. After the gym part, we went into their upstairs room for food, cake and presents. We ordered the cake through a friend's recommendation and it came out amazing!

Between Sean's birthday party and his actual birthday, Bradley had his 2 year birthday. Since it was Saturday, we just relaxed in the morning and had our first bbq in the evening. My parents are out of town exploring the world (Russia and Eastern Europe this time) so when they come back we will celebrate the boys' birthdays AGAIN with them!

Summer and BBQs

We had a long, cold winter so when spring finally set in May and then summer came as scheduled in June, we were all in very happy spirits! Our neighbors invited us over for a bbq and since then we've been hanging out with them quite a bit. They have 2 kids who are also 2 and 4 so it's a pretty perfect set up. Sean now asks if he can play with Kaley a few times a week!
Having bbqs with the neighbors has convinced us to finally get a grill. I have been wanting to get one forever but our previous places have not been ideal. Therefore a few weeks ago, we went to Lowes and bought a grill, grill cover, grill utensils and propane. Our first attempt was on Bradley's birthday, June 29th.

It turned out well, but I think our second attempt on Independence Day was much more organized! Besides bbqing we have been soaking up the sun outside while playing, eating ice cream, and splashing in our new baby pool. I also signed Sean up for a few preschool camps at lifetime so he can play with other kids his age.

The Dairy Mat below (my first time, it was GOOD!).

With my favorite holiday (4th of July) and my kids having birthdays the same week, this time of year will be the best every year!!