Crazy Bands!

I had to run to the store the other night for a few items. I normally don't take the kids with me anymore because it's more than a handful. Ben was in bed so I had no other choice then to drag them with me. Luckily, our Giant Eagle brought the car carts back and that makes it so much easier when I have to take them. When we were checking out, Lukas spotted the big point of purchase display of CRAZY BANDS. He absolutely loves these things. I know, I know what you're thinking...BOYS and BRACELETS? Well, they actually make these for both girls and boys and all the young kids are into them. Crazy...I know! He already went through a couple packages and I told them that they could get one bag each. Lukas picked the "vehicles" and Landon picked "cars and trucks". Landon likes to wear his super high on his biceps and they get so tight that it looks like he's going to cut off his circulation, so I make him take them off. Lukas will wear his till they end up breaking. This new trend reminds me of my childhood when I used to love "slap bracelets". I know it's a phase that will pass so I just wanted to mark this phase of their life. One day, they'll look back on this and won't believe it!

Uncle Clint & Aunt Sandy's

Last Saturday, we visited with Clint, Sandy and Nathan. The boys had so much fun. Lukas got to drive Clint's tractor, ride around on his quad and help start a huge fire. Both of them were helping Uncle Clint throw tree limbs on the pile. Clint said that they are going to be hard workers. They are both BIG fire bugs. Hmm...wonder where they get it from. LOL!

Our nephew, Nathan, is getting so big. He's 10 months and is almost walking. He'll definitely be walking on his 1st birthday. He's just so darn stinking cute. He's got the brightest blue eyes and is always so happy. I've posted a recent pic of him. We love him so much. It was so great to spend a couple hours with them.

Funny Face!

The boys were watching Yo Gaba Gaba tonight and it was the "Funny Face" episode. The boys love this show. We think the show is a little strange, but the boys love to dance and do the silly things they do. Lukas got a hold of the remote and replayed it about 20 times. He always does this when he thinks something is hilarious. Landon doesn't help the situation. After it was over, he'd say "AGAIN!" It was hysterical watching them do their funny faces.

Backyard Camp Site

The other night, Ben surprised the boys and put up Lukas' tent. They were so excited. He even blew up the air mattress and dug out all of his old camping gear. We built a fire in the fire pit and set up the chairs around it and Ben even hung his big lantern on the tree. It was an awesome little camp site in our backyard. Ben and Lukas slept in the tent, but Landon and I ended up sleeping in the house. Landon wasn't into the tent as much as Lukas. Maybe next time we'll all sleep in the tent.

Lukas' 6 year portraits

A little late, but here they are. Can you believe he's six already?!?!

Member's Night @ the Zoo

After we had dinner, we headed to the Pittsburgh Zoo for Member's Night. Since it has been so hot this week, it made more sense to go in the evening. A lot of the animals were very hot and lying around. Though, the African painted Wild Dogs were very active. It was so much fun to watch them chase each other around. Another perk about member's night was that there weren't all lot of people! It was fabulous and we didn't have to wait for anybody. The boys also got to enjoy free rides on the Safari cars and log ride. Landon chickened out at the last minute on the log ride. They also had some animals throughout the park that you could visit up close. We even had enough time for them to play in the playground. We had a long, fun filled day and were all extremely tired when you got home.

Toy Story 3

This afternoon, we took the boys to see TOY STORY 3. Lukas has been nagging us since it came to theaters. Landon loves "Buz" and Lukas was so happy that the "Army men" were in this one. We decided not to see this one in 3D and it seemed to help with Landon. As soon as the movie started both of them were glued to the screen. This was a much better experience from our last visit when we took them to see Shrek The Final Chapter. Landon sat through almost the entire movie. I had to take him to the restroom once, but when we got back to our seats he plopped in his seat and watched the movie till the very end. We were extremely happy. Of course, Lukas sat and contently watched the entire film. We love to take Lukas ANYWHERE. He actually listens to us 90% of the time:-) He's a really great kid and we're so blessed!

Hot Summer Day=SPRINKLER

These photos were from Tuesday evening. The weather this week has been extremely hot. Lukas wanted us to hook up the sprinkler. We told him OK and he rushed in the house and put his trunks on. Landon didn't want his trunks on, so we didn't think he wanted any part of this. As you can see, he LOVED the sprinkler too. It was a great way for them to cool off on this 98 degree Summer day.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Today we took the boys to the Carnegie Museum of  Natural History. They really enjoyed the "Minerals and Gems" Hall and of course the "Dinosaurs in Their Time and Paleolab". Lukas was so excited and this is the whole reason we went. They had a hands-on exploration "Bonehunters Quarry" where the kids wear goggles and get a tool and brush to dig for bones. Lukas loved this. Landon wouldn't put on the goggles so he couldn't participate. We all really enjoyed the Bird Hall and Hall of African Wildlife and North American Wildlife. Landon got tired half way through and fell asleep for some of the exhibits. He may have been a little young to take, but we didn't want to exclude him. He showed a lot of interest in the beginning and seemed to have a great time. We plan on going back when he gets a little older. On our way home, we stopped in Harmarville at Primanti Bros. for dinner. It was a another great family day! :-)

On the 4th of July

On the 4th of July, we went to the Twin Lakes Festival and when we got home from that, we went to a picnic for the rest of the evening. We got to go swimming, hang out with great friends and family, and watch fireworks. The kids even got to do snap pops and sparklers. They had so much fun. 

This was the first year for Landon to hold a sparkler. He only almost burnt Aunt Lee Ann once. After he did one, he wanted "MORE". It is so fun to watch all the kids at this time of year with the excitement of sparkler and snap pops. It brings back the joy of our childhood. 

Landon also got to meet a toad for the first time. There was a big old toad sitting in their driveway. We showed it to Landon and he didn't know what it was. Immediately, he touches it and it hops a couple times. Well, Landon just thought this was hysterical and squealed with excitement and would follow the toad, touch it and squeal. This went on for a good 15-20 minutes. He had everyone howling. We wish we would have got this on video...it was absolutely priceless.