Lost in all the excitement

We've had such a fast paced summer.  I feel like we've just been going from one big thing to the next and now all of a sudden its about to end.  Hard to believe school is about to start.  But with all the major events I didn't want to lose track of these smaller moments we've had this summer.

Like a family bowling outing where the older two decided it was about time they stopped using the ramp and learn to 'roll/throw' the ball themselves.  And where they all cheered each other on and were a huge help for Kate.

And all four of them had their 6 month dentist check up where Kate had a big girl exam (not lap) all by herself...

The kids have also been doing some work.  They are becoming quite good little dog sitters ;)

They have been saving up their money from working and from birthdays and had decided they wanted to work together to get themselves a tablet.  They'd actually had enough money for a little while but Preston and I were debating whether it was a good idea or not.  In the end we let them do it.  So they went together and bought themselves a Nook...

They were very proud and they love the thing.

We finally had a bonfire with some friends where it did NOT start to downpour on us :) And so PJ got to try out his new smores roaster we had gotten him for Fathers Day.

 Where we also discovered a talent of Kates (obviously the throwing, not the catching)...

 

Sadly, towards the end of July Grandma Eccles got a better job offer and moved away from us...

 ...we loved having her so close so we are very grateful for the 9 months we got!

Also toward the end of July our home got struck by lightening when we were gone at Church one Sunday.  We started to wonder when outlets weren't working, certain random lights wouldn't turn on, the cable wasn't working, and the hot water was gone.  It took me about 3 days off making calls and setting up appointments, and having repair men over to get everything back to normal working condition.  And all the fix it guys confirmed the suspicion that it was a lightening strike.  Tyler loved watching them all work.  But this one guy in particular was very nice to him and took the time to explain what he was doing and why and even put him to work!!  Tyler was in heaven and I was one thankful mama :)  Melt my heart.  I tried sneaking a few pictures and then just came out and asked him if he minded... he laughed at me but didn't mind.  After hours and hours of working on our house and being sweet to my boy we gave him cookies when he left.

The kids loved the goats so much the first time we went with the Morgans that we went back.  Oh here is Tyler with a goat standing on his head ;)

After PJ was done with his job of cutting up the watermelon one evening this is what I walked in to the kitchen to find...

...he said he didn't do that, that it must have just been how it end up when he was done cutting.  Whatever honey ;)  Its totally cute.

We went to a couple of friends fun birthday parties at the Youth Center on Base.  Dylan had just told us he wanted a basketball hoop for his birthday and he was so excited to try one out and practice - he spent a majority of his time shooting hoops.

We've had SO MUCH RAIN the last part of the summer.  I don't know what in the world is going on.  I really do like it, but sometimes I don't.  Either way we've still enjoyed the beautiful beach evenings...

Kate has learned the roles we each play in our family.  If she needs help or assistance or someone to care she goes to Brynn.  If she needs something fixed, taped, or batteries replaced she goes to Tyler.  If she needs a bug dealt with or critter removal she goes straight to Dylan. 

And there always seem to be bugs and critters to be dealt with here ;)

I LOVE these pictures of Tyler dancing with Kate that Kara took when she was here...

Another thing we love about our home are all the jets that fly.  And yes, here is a picture of my van crossing the bridge with jets flying right overhead - the picture doesn't do the awesomeness justice or make it clear how close they were - but I am thankful that Kara thinks like me and was able to capture this shot!!