Family Fun at the Apple Orchard!

On Saturday, we drove to an apple orchard and the kids had a great time picking apples off the trees.  They were so excited about it.  At first they tried picking the ones off the ground, then they tried throwing them at each other, which you can imagine how long that lasted without crying, but finally they got the hang of it and started looking in the trees for the big ones with some red on them.  Colson was so cute when he would ask me if a certain one was a good one.  "This good one, Mom?" he would say.  Dan and I lifted Caden and Collin up high and helped them find some good ones to pick, so they loved it.  We ended up getting a few different kinds and came home with alot of fresh, crisp, juicy apples!!! Yum! You know what we'll be eating alot of in the next while!  On the way home the boys each ate an apple and enjoyed the fruits of their labor!

Caden loves riding the bus!

Caden is officially a "bus rider" now and absolutely loves it!  It is working out great for me too, so I am relieved that he likes it so well.  He loves to have me walk him to the bus stop and to be there when he gets off, which of course I am going to enjoy while it lasts!!  

Caden's First Day in the Second Grade

Caden is really enjoying Wright Elementary and his second grade teacher, Mrs. Dunn.  He has already made some new friends and comes home in a great mood every day.  He is doing awesome and I am so proud of the great student and friend that he is, and for the adjustment he has made to this new school.

Caden and Collin are in their second session of swimming lessons right now and they both love it!  It has been great for them, and it's been good for me too.  I have really enjoyed watching them progress and have fun.  I love seeing the smiles on their faces!  They are like fish out there!  Below are some of my favorite video clips and pictures of them swimming, jumping, and diving!!! Enjoy!

Caden Diving!!!

Collin jumping off diving board!!

Caden swimming across pool

Swimming Lessons!

4th of July Fun!

We had such a great day celebrating our nation's birth!! We went to a parade in Monmouth, and the kids had a great time watching and, of course, eating candy.  Caden saved alot, but Collin ate most of his by the time it was over.  Colson just had one at a time and was very content with that!  Then we had a BBQ with our friends the Arnolds, I painted flags and stars on the kids' faces, and then we went to the Salem Riverfront Park and watched the fireworks, which is always my favorite part of the day!  I love this holiday more and more every year.  Collin said he wants to be in a parade when he grows up.  Keep dreamin' big honey!!!  Dan asked Caden where he would choose to serve a mission someday if he could choose, and he said "Florida!  Then I could teach all the people at the Kennedy Space Center!"  I'm not sure where that came from, but I love to hear the funny things that are going through their bright little minds!!  Oh, today in church there was a guy doing sign language for another man, and I looked over and saw Collin trying to do it with him.  He didn't know I was watching him and he was very serious, so it was so hard not to laugh! He is such a goof ball!  I love these moments.  They make it all worth it!!!

Happy 28th Daniel

 Happy 28th Birthday Dan! He wanted to try Key Lime Pie, so I made one, and it was alright, but a little on the tart side!  The Arnolds came over and shared this little birthday celebration time with us! It was fun.  We love you Dan/Dad!!!