A Few Candids

In an effort to try to keep my boys busy with fun things this summer, we had a picnic lunch one day last week when it was super hot outside.  Our picnic took place in our living room on our sleeping bags while they watched a movie we checked out from the library.  Happy Meals made it extra fun.  They had a blast!

 We did some painting last week with the new paints that Brady got from Aunt Lisa, Uncle Patrick, and Uncle Matt for his birthday.  The boys had so much fun.

Brady began his painting with a rainbow.

 Yep, they are a bunch of dudes.  Daddy wore a bandana yesterday, so the boys each had to have one too.  I drew the line with Anna.  :)

A Date with Grandma

Today was another great day at Fairfax.  Grandma Johnson came with us for some fun in the sun and a picnic lunch.  We ate, jumped, swam, floated, and slid at the pool.  The boys were so excited that Grandma was coming.  After being with her every day during the school year, they have really missed her.  Both boys jabbered non-stop on the walk over, they both insisted on sitting by grandma for lunch, and didn't leave her side in the water.  A great time was had by all!  Thanks for the pool date, grandma!

My Girlie Girl

Anna is such a girlie girl.  She loves shoes and purses.  She also loves her animal print sunglasses!  I think that she would wear them around the house all the time if we let her.

 Those feet are hard to capture because they never stop moving!  Yes, that's right, Anna has pink toes for the first time!

Muppet Domination

I remember when the new Muppet Movie came out, they were calling it Muppet Domination.  It has hit our house and still lives on!  Thank you to my Aunt Kris and Dave for the adorable Muppet blanket for Alex's birthday.  As you can see, it's a big hit!

Irvine Park

This past week, we were fortunate enough to have daddy off of work for several days.  After hitting up the pool on Thursday, Friday we decided to head to Irvine Park.  It was a ridiculously hot day, but we still had plenty of fun.  The kids loved seeing all the animals and the barn was a favorite stop.  The bunnies were out in pens due to the heat.  The boys really enjoyed petting them.

 Hot and happy.

 Trying to peak in at the sheep.

 After seeing the animals, we found some swings that were mostly shaded.  Creating their own breeze, helped the kids cool down a little and have some fun before heading back to the car.  Unfortunately, all the equipment was too hot to play on.

Family Day at Fairfax

The heat just keeps on coming.  97 degrees again today, so we decided to hit the pool!  It was a treat to have Andy home so that we could actually go.  I just can't do all three in the water on my own yet.  Loaded up and ready to head out!  Don't you love the goggle look?

 Snack time during the pool break.

 My messy boys from their melted, but tasty chocolate chip granola bars.  We had a great family day together at the pool!

Happy 5th Birthday, Brady!

July 4th was Brady's 5th birthday.  We celebrated with friends and family in the afternoon with a Brewer baseball party!  Brady wanted Miller Park for his cake (not a tall order at all!).  Here was my version.  It was complete with the Miller Park score board, ball players, and of course, Bernie's Dugout.  I was excited to find Brewer baseball helmet candles too!

 Grandma and Grandpa Schwartzhoff came early for the party so Brady could open his present before everyone else came.  He got his very own Brewer jersey and he LOVES it!

 There was also a special delivery from Great Gram - a new baseball tshirt.

 Our concessions.  Though to see it all, but the blue pennant banner says concessions.  The zig zag is a baseball timeline of baseball pictures of Brady from the 5 years of his life.

 Our concessions featured each of the Brewer Racing Sausages.  We served hot dogs, brats, polishes, italians, and chorizos!  What else do you serve at a Brewer party!?!?  We also had nachos, soft pretzels, pasta salads, beans, veggies, and watermelon.  Let's not forget, peanuts in the shells on all the tables too.

 Oh!  And baseball strawberries.  Yum!

 Some of the kiddos at the party.

 The hot, sweatly and happy birthday boy.  It was 98 degrees out!

 Sparklers on the cake, as always.

 Brady really enjoyed having so many of his friends come to celebrate with him.  I got pictures of most of them, but not everyone.  Things were a little crazy.

Brady and Brayden

 Brady and Mya

 Brady with his gift from Josh

 Brady and Miriam

 Brady and Elijah

 Brady with Madi and Kaylie

 Brady and Kietra

 He was pretty pumped that he got a fishing pole and tackle box from Grandma and Grandpa Johnson.  It's been a day and he is already asking to go fishing.

 Brady has been waiting since May 28th (Alex's birthday) for these...Star Wars and Brewers PJ's!  Alex got them for his birthday and it's been SO hard to wait Grandma and Grandpa Johnson!

 It wouldn't be a Brewer party without a sausage race!  Thanks to my wonderful sister's help, we made vests for all sausages and found hats for each of them.  From left to right they are: Brat, Chorizo, Italian, Polish, and Hot Dog.  Let the race begin!

 Brady thought the races were awesome.  We had to run a few rounds in order to let everyone race.

 Given the heat, it was decided by all the parents that water was needed.  Clothes, swimsuits, or for the little ones just a diaper.  Who cares, it was HOT!  We started with the sprinkler.

 Then came the 5 gallon pails for water and water guns.

 Brady was pretty excited to get to try out his new water gun from Josh!

 Then we got out the slip'n'slide too.  The kids were soaked and oh so happy!

 I popped inside to get some towels and this little cutie was playing in the shoes in the pantry closet.  Imagine that!

 Eventually, we all had our fill of the heat.  We headed in, showered the kids and put them in bed for naps.  When Brady got up he had a few more things to open.  My Aunt Kris and her husband Dave sent Brady a box filled with baseball books for his birthday.  He was so excited.  We read of couple of them just tonight before bed.

 Cooling off with a little watermelon treat.

 Alex played sausage toss with Grandpa Johnson.  When they were done, he didn't want to give them up!

 We saved our present for Brady for last as we knew it would occupy his for much of the rest of the night.

 I think a leaping hug on the box means he likes it.  :)

 Friend's of ours from church introduced Brady to the greatness of slot car racetracks.  They have one at their house and got it out for him to play with months ago on one afternoon.  He has talked about it non-stop and Andy found a great deal on one.  Brady was thrilled!

 Lovin' playing with his new track.

 Both boys were completely engrossed.  Alex laughed uncontrollably any time the cars crashed.  It was pretty entertaining just to watch their reactions.

 My little firecracker with his sparkler.

 Pangman's, our parents, and my sister and her family joined us for fireworks in our cul-de-sac that night.  The kids had a great time!

 Mya and Brady waiting for the show to begin in their front row seats.

 Ian was a bit more concerned about how loud some of them were.

 Here we go!

 I love this one!

 A huge thank you to my sister for all her help with getting ready for the party.  I couldn't do these without you, Jen!  You're the best!

 Our 11 o'clock snack.  Kids up this late, they get hungry again!  They polished off the watermelon and two big bowls of raspberries!

 11:02pm my Brady Bug was born.  Happy Birthday to my baby!

 The following morning, this sleepy little boy hopped out of bed, ran right over and put on his jersey.  I would say he had one amazing birthday!  Thank you to everyone who came and helped us celebrate!