Our Annual Summer Visitors

As I'm writing this I simply cannot believe that 1) the summer is over and 2) Corinne was here for 5 weeks, has now been gone for 1 and I am just now finding time to post about her visit.

I can say that time does fly when you are having fun. It was a fun filled, busy time with Grandma-C. This was the 4th year in a a row she has come for the summer. The boys got some great one-on-one time and lots of activities were had by all. 

Grandma-C's visit is always a special time of the year for us. It is a blessing to have another set of hands around the house for a few weeks; allowing J and I to get some date nights. And more importantly, it is always amazing to watch how the boys' relationships just blossom with so much exposure and quality time. As always, Pop-Pop Joe joined us for the last week; Ayden just soaks this time up!!

Just a few of the pictures from the trip =)

Life is good.

A Little Sunday Hike and Picnic

A month or so ago we took the boys and went to Mt. Lemmon with Candice and Taylor. The weather was perfect, the kids were adorable, and we made it out without an injury or a tantrum......HUGE SUCCESS!!

Mt. Lemmon is this little gem that we don't utilize enough. It takes just more than an hour to drive up and then you are in 60-70 degree weather in the peak of our tucson summers. Just another reason I love Tucson.

Early Morning Drive-in Movie

This morning Ayden and Gavin wanted to drive to the movies. So, ayden gathered up some fake movie tickets, grabbed Gavin, and drove his jeep around the front yard until it was time for the movies.

Today's feature show is "Rio".

Ahhhh, a relaxing Saturday morning in the shade. Mommy and daddy are reading hunger games and the boys are at a drive in (that requires a lot of up and down from the chair and a periodic drive around the block and back to the theater :))

A picture to describe this week...

What a week. I'm not sure why but personally I was simply discombobulated.

This picture was taken yesterday after 1/3 of the mess was already picked up. I've never seen anything like it. Took hours to clean. And for that, a huge thank you to my in-laws and husband who did it while I worked.

Gotta love it!!

Gymnastics Time!

Saturday we went to a bday party at Gymnastics World for Camden Soloway. The boys had never been exposed to gymnastics before and they had a blast. Here are some videos and pictures from the afternoon.

As is becoming a theme in our house, the boys had no fear in trying everything and wanting to go "higher" and "faster". Thank goodness everything is PADDED!!

The whole place was watching Gavin. It was hilarious when he prematurely face-planted...but in true Gavin style with his million dollar smile, he brushes himself off and finished the run.




Gavin also went on the tramp, but I was too busy bouncing with him to grab a video :)

Sleep Over

Almost for mere record keeping sake I need to make this post before I forget.

Three weeks ago Saturday, Ayden had his first sleep over. It was ad hoc at Tata's house where the Montijo kids were staying the night. He was having so much fun with with the cousins he didn't want to go home, and let me tell you there wasn't the slightest hesitation when I explained that we were going to go and he would be there all night without us.....nope, no hesitation, no second thought.....simply a 'yea, ok bye-bye!!'

Can I say that I'm surprised? No, not really. This kid is Mr. independent. Always has been.

The sleep over went great.....until mommy came and he had to go home.

Were Gavin able to communicate better I have no doubt he would have stayed too. He was all cozied in with the big kids and ready to call it a night. Oh these boys....maybe I do need a little girl who might  show the slightest attachment to their momma :)

My Takeaway:

Despite the mommy desire for my kids to 'need' me, I am amazed and proud that they are confident and social; skills many kids struggle to learn.

Ayden quotes...

"When you bring me presents then I will tell you something."

"Gabin and I are broders; sometimes we play nice together and sometimes we don't."

"You think about it for a while, and I'll sit here."

"I'll sit here and watch you clean up; I'm the boss"