The Ranch

Grand Pop was in town visiting, so we took him out to the ranch to do a little hunting.   I really should say a little shooting, because there was absolutely no danger to the wildlife.  We put out lots of stinky pig treats and rode around the property on the mule.  Ryland loves it out here, and I could see him living out in the country when he gets older.  This is definitely his element.

While we were riding around on the mule, we came across several wild hogs.  John Chris and Grand Pop jumped off the mule and took aim.  A few shots later it was clear that the hogs were lucky and escaped without harm.  I am not sure about these shooters or their guns.  A little more target practice may be needed.  

I sat on the porch with my boy, Ryland, and we talked about life, hunting, and sports.  I am reminded how fast he is growing up.  

Party Time

Reed, Ridley, and I celebrated our sweet neighbor's third birthday today.  It was a pretty day outside that was a little warmer than normal.  Ridley enjoyed the industrial bubble blower, which I immediately ordered. 

Reed was the oldest boy at the party, so the little guys thought he was so cool.  He threw the ball too hard and ran too fast.  It wasn't long before he had to sit out.  

My littles enjoying some birthday cake and ice cream.  These two love each other so much and play so well together.  I love to see their relationship grow, and they play so good together.  

LA Fishing

We spent the afternoon fishing at a family friends' pond.  The children loved it, because the fish were biting like crazy.  It seemed like every time they casted, a fish was on the line immediately.  This wasn't fishing.  It was catching.  All three kids loved it!

Camp Thurman

The boys had a new experience this week, and they loved every single minute of it.  They had a fantastic time at Camp Thurman.  They made new friends, worshiped the Lord, and played outside all week.  It was a hike to get them down and back each day, but it was worth it.  They have so many great stories, and they are already begging to go back next year. 

Mud

Guess who can find even the smallest areas of mud and somehow get covered in less than 10 seconds?  Reed.  I love how Ridley is watching from the side. She wasn't fooling me.  I ran to catch her before I had two muddy piggies.  

Afternoon

It was a beautiful afternoon, so we had to get out and enjoy some sunshine!  We headed down to the neighborhood park to play.  I love these precious smiles!

Playing

In my longing for less stress and a slower pace, I took the kids on a walk/bike ride this afternoon after school.  We headed down to the greenbelt to enjoy the trails.  Before I knew it, we were playing in the creek and under the bridge. 

This is the last photo of the day, and I love it.  I love their sweet expressions of joy!

Afternoon at the Park

It was a beautiful afternoon, so we just had to get out to enjoy the gorgeous weather. Reed and Ridley loved running and sliding at the neighborhood park.  My little ones are getting so big!

         

Cooling Off

Doing yard work in this heat calls for a break to cool off!

Fossil Rim

Nana and Papaw were in town visiting, and we didn't have anything to do.  We decided to make a visit to Fossil Rim in Glen Rose.  It was a great day to see lots and lots of deer. 

The giraffe were resting today and not interested in eating, but they were still beautiful.

This deer was coming on in the truck for a snack.  The kiddos thought this was hilarious, but the adults felt a little uneasy.  OK, time to roll up those windows.

Dragon Baseball Camp

Ryland was very excited to participate in baseball camp again this summer.  He has so much fun playing with the big boys.  He learned lots of fundamentals and sweated in the heat.  The highlight of the first day was baseball cards.  He loves baseball cards!

Sand

Dreaming of Anguilla sand, but this will do for today.  They had so much fun, and now we know that Ridley will be right in the middle of the sandcastle fun when we are on vacation.  

Mud

Who doesn't love a little mud?  We are finishing up the backyard, since the pool is almost complete.  New St. Augustine sod is going down in a few days, and a stone walkway to the gate is in progress. The boys thought it would be a great opportunity to make a big mud pit and roll around in it.  It started out as a monster truck track, but we knew they couldn't help themselves.  The temptation was too great!

Miss Ridley wasn't interested in rolling in the mud, but she definitely wanted to have some fun with the monster trucks and tractors.  

Blastball!

With all the rain we have been getting, the Spring baseball season has seemed to drag on forever.  Reed's coach gave out trophies and congratulated the team on a great season of fun.  Reed was really excited and proud!

What happens when you are really excited?  You roll around in the grass with your brother.  Then you roll in dog poop.  

Come on!  We are out of here!

Kinder Field Trip

Ryland went on his first school field trip to the Arboretum in Dallas.  It was overcast and drizzling at times, but the weather held off so we could enjoy the beautiful park.  I haven't been to the Arboretum since we took family photos there almost 4.5 years ago.  I was shocked at the all new children's park.  It was amazing!  So many things to look at and do!  We had a great day! 

Outside

We wanted to enjoy the gorgeous weather, so we headed to the park.  We did a little fishing, but we didn't have much luck.  It could have been the loud birthday party that was on the pond deck.  We think the fish were hiding.  We also played on the playground and soaked up a little sun.

The boys wanted to ride their 4-wheeler around the yard, and they talked us into taking Ridley on a ride.  Ryland did a great job of driving, and Reed held on to her for dear life.