Just an excuse really...

Summer is coming to a close. And as excited as I am about that (I like new clothes) it is nice to get a couple summery things done before it gets chilly. My sister in law, Suzanna, invited us to her pool today and we had a blast! Here are some pictures of that plus a few random ones that I thought were cute. Oh, and I posted two other posts tonight so don't just stop at this one, keep reading!!

Always wakes up with a smile!

She sure pretends to sleep a lot for someone who has given up her naps...

Decided that feet are awesome.

Ah pool floaties, where would I be without you?

Just looking cute.

Just had to put this one in because of how uber masculine Will looks :-)

Thanks Anna for keeping my kids warm!

Where the Wild Things Are

I think we are trying to get all of our summer activities done before the weather turns cold. So, here we are at the Zoo. Claire loves the animals and Charlotte likes to nap, so the Zoo seemed like a good outing for the day. In fact it was such a success that as soon as we got home she talked to Grandpa for a solid 30 minutes about it. Very exciting, even the fictional parts that were really just something she remembered from a Caillou episode. Seriously, I wish that were a joke. I like looking at other peoples pictures, so here are some pictures. Really the best part of a post.

9 bucks to get into the Zoo and the kids would have spent all day on a bronze Rhino. Whatever.

Kind of like the blind leading the blind.

Obviously, Charlotte was having fun.

Making friends with Paige.

Thought since the post was about the Zoo, there should be an animal in here somewhere.

Thanks to Paige for being the only one who would look at the camera... Yeah Casey, I am talking to you too.

Merry-go-round.

It took all day but she finally made friends with Uncle Darren.

The Goon

That's what my nephew Trevor calls it anyway. Last Tuesday Mac's work did their summer party at Lagoon so we went any partied it up. Since my sister Emily and her family have season passes, they were able to join us. Even though it was free and lots of fun all around, I think Lagoon might be something we do more regularly when our kids are older. I didn't ride anything because I was holding Charlotte the whole time and we mostly just hung over by the kiddie rides so Mac didn't really get to ride anything either. Thank goodness for Rachel who was nice enough to ride with Claire on the rides that Mac was too big for. Here are some pictures.

We just got there so Rachel was still having fun :-)

Waiting in line.

Charlotte heard there would be ice cream later.

Apparently Rachel has done this one before.

And this one. And yes, that is my daughter with her mouth on the bar that thousands of people touch every day. Awesome.

Log Flume was a hit all around!

Looking a little sleepy, but look what Daddy won her!

More bars in more places?

See, there was ice cream.

Full week!

This last week has been pretty full for us! My sister Emily had a beautiful baby girl on Wednesday evening, my sisters all came over on Thursday, and Mac's Mom came into town for a day on Friday. So here is a pictoral run down on the week:

Aubrey Jane Hyte

7 lbs 21 inches

Claire getting her hair done by her cousins. She sits so still for them...

Charlotte just got told she has a new cousin but no, she couldn't eat her.

She seems to be over it now.

Such a contagious giggle!!

Claire ridding a ride at the Incredible Pizza Company

She really liked the cars.

Charlotte liked it too.

This one is my favorite! She was watching her reflection and smiling almost the whole ride!

Playing some games.

Mac is so proud.

Not quite getting the hang of skeeball.

"Playing" a dance game with cousin Luke.

Hmmm this could be the way of the future...

I can't believe what a difference 6 months makes!

Claire was just happy we didn't have to take Aubrey home with us :-)

3 months ago...

So Mac and I had our 5 year anniversary (hold your applause, I know) about 3 months ago. Apparently it is the "wood" anniversary. I guess I will have to hold out another 45 years to get some gold... So to give Mac full credit, he did an awesome job with the present this year! In comparison, I don't even remember what he has given me previous years. Anywho, to get on with it, he made me a wooden blanket chest with our names and wedding date on it! How cool is that?! I am hoping our kids fight over it when we die :-) Enjoy the pictures! The live version is better though!

Your name is "Mud"

I am not sure where that phrase came from, but I remember my Dad saying it to us when I was a kid. I am pretty sure we were in trouble when he said it. However, not really the point. So I will move on. As you can see, we have a big sand pit in our backyard. I am pretty sure there are some other things out there too but the kids really only focus on the sand. It is the messiest thing out there so of course they do. Plus it feels awesome on my tile floor which is where the majority of the sand has ended up. This week we found a way to make sand even more fun *drumroll please* add water to make mud!! If you need a way to occupy an afternoon, I recommend it. If you hate messes, I don't. The fun actually lasted a couple days and then caused a tantrum because I was sick of 3 outfits per day. But I am sure that memory will pass and we will try again soon. So if anyone is bored this week, come on over and make some mud pies. Seriously. Oh and one more thing, if anyone has a chance to listen in on a conversation between 2 two year olds, I recommend that as well. For those of you who have not had that lovely experience, let me play it out for you via slideshow:

"Watering the ball Will!"

This one was just general chattering about water/mud.

Will laughing "water splashed me!"

Notice her forehead after a mutual mud flinging incident.

"Making footprints Mommy!"

"Here Will, I got you some mud"

After caking him with mud: "Will, you have mud on your shoulder"

"You need more mud on you"

Not a lot of talking from Will, Claire kinda dominates conversation.