Come on Summer

It is beginning to look a bit like summer.  

The boys had a friend over, and we cooked out before jumping in the pool.  We are really looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the backyard.

Pool

The pool remodel is getting so close to being complete.  I love how it looks so far, and I can't wait to enjoy it!

Admiring

I caught this adorable view this evening of the littles and John Chris checking on the pool.  The filling started today, and it was as if they were watching paint dry.  They can't wait to swim, and John Chris could only admire the beautiful new pool.  It is going to be a great summer of swimming fun!

Pool Remodel Continues

As the rain keeps coming, the pool project keeps going.  We had a good amount of rain overnight, so the once empty pool is filling up.  The boys had a blast playing in the few inches of water, and Cooper even wanted in on the action!

Pool Remodel

This is the amazing demolition that took place in only 4 short hours.  I was amazed to return home to removed tile and coping, but even more excited that there was no mess to clean.

Drain the Pool

It is time to get started on the pool remodel.  It was a pleasant surprise to see the crew show up a week earlier than expected.  Happy Day!

Pool Selections

After the first visit to the tile vendor in Dallas with the entire family, I was having major doubts about remodeling the pool.  I was frustrated and not impressed with the selections that were available.  I knew that I had to make some decisions soon, so we could get on the schedule.  

I stopped by Claffey's design center and within 10 minutes I had picked out coping, edge finish, tile, and plaster.  I was on a mission and saw exactly what I had envisioned.  Bam!  Amazing what can get done when I am alone.  Of course, it was all upgrade level, so I can hardly wait to hear the quote.  

Guess who fell in the pool, AGAIN!

This boy keeps me on my toes.  He was racing around the pool on his trike when he cut a turn a little too sharp.  Splash!  Before I could run to him, he was swimming to the side.  

I was relieved to see him start swimming, but I could feel his heart pounding when I helped him out of the water.  He was screaming, but after a warm towel and lots of hugs, he calmed down.

Outside Fun

It was a beautiful afternoon, and we had to get outside to enjoy.  We played in the yard and acted silly.  The boys were pretty dirty, so they thought a splash in the pool was in order.  The heater wasn't on, so the swim was very quick.  Pool season is over.

Happy 4th of July!

We celebrated 4th of July with a day of hanging out in the pool, playing with fireworks, and visiting with friends.  Ridley was decked out in her red, white, and blue with a big smile.

The boys played with their Airsoft guns since they had plenty of new beer can targets. 

The sparklers were a little frightening at first, but the little guys warmed up to them pretty fast.  We only had smaller fireworks, but some of them packed a punch. 

Safety Squad

We were all enjoying the pool when the kids disappeared inside for a little while.  When they returned, they were all decked out in safety officer gear.  I guess they will keep the adults in line, since we have SWAT and a firefighter on site.

5 months

Ridley is 5 months old, and she continues to be a joy.  She is almost sitting up on her own, and does well for a few minutes before she falls to one side.  She loves to be in the middle of the action and prefers for the house to be a little noisy for her to enjoy a nice nap.  One of her favorite things to do is float in the pool.  She loves the water enjoys kicking and splashing.

Pool time

We are all really enjoying the pool this summer.  Both of the boys are swimming independently, and Ridley is a water baby.  We splashed and played all day.

Poor shark

Ryland and Reed were thrilled to open the inflatable shark.  They couldn't quite figure out how to ride it in the pool, so they made it a yard toy.  One of the boys would drag the shark while the other one would attempt to jump on or grab the shark.  We couldn't help but feel sorry for the shark, but it was hilarious and entertaining.

 

Swim Lessons

After Ryland took an unexpected swim, we knew he needed to freshen up his swimming skills.  We were lucky enough to get into Mrs. Sue's swim lessons after a close friend called in a favor.  The first day was a little nuts but something clicked for Ryland.  He is in love with Mrs. Sue, and he can't wait to go back again.

 

 

After swimming like fishes, the boys were rewarded with a treat of their choice.  Today their selection was a Tootsie Pop.  Yummy!

 

 

We came home and had a light lunch, and we went right outside to practice. I followed Mrs. Sue's example, and I was shocked when the boys did exactly what I told them to do. Within minutes, I had convinced Ryland to jump in and swim with his face in the water all the way to the steps.  I even got him coming up for a breath.  I was amazed! 

We were having so much fun playing in the pool, we didn't even hear Daddy pull up in the driveway.  He walked out the backdoor to surprise us, and we surprised him.  The look of shock on his face was priceless.  He wanted to know what happened at swim.  He was so proud of Ryland's progress! 

By the pool

We all enjoyed a refreshing swim this evening.  We swam and played until it was time for bed.  We all were getting out of the pool and drying off when Ryland spread out his towel and laid down.  Reed saw this and had to join in the relaxing. Silly boys!

All this junk in here

I caught Ryland in the pool/ toy box on the back patio taking everything out.  I asked him what he was doing, and he replied "all this junk in here".  Not really an answer to my question, but it definately was a comment that I would agree with.  I asked if he was looking for something, and he said yes.  He never told me what he was looking for, but he completely emptied the box.  Maybe he just wanted to take inventory.

Fun with friends

A great time with friends and family.  We had a huge spread of tasty food and lots of cool drinks.  Reed found a comfy beer box to sit in and quickly realized that it was stuck to his rear, which he thought was very funny.

Darrin pushed 4 kiddos with the support of Carl.  Great multi-tasking!

 

As always, Gracie was awesome with the little ones.  Benton was immediately smitten.

 

Ryland and Charlie wanted to play a little pong like the big boys, so John Chris set up a table just for the kids.  Juice pong!

 

Gracie took on the boys and held her own.

 

Chanda and Benton chilled by the snacks and enjoyed the craziness.

 

After a very competitive evening of juice pong, the kids devoured some delicious cupcakes. 

 

We made a huge pallet in the family room for all the kids, so they could watch a movie.  What a fun night!

 

Brad got a little silly in the later hours.  He transformed into Spiderman with the help of Ryland's swim fins. Ha ha ha ha!

Pool fun

We had planned on hanging out by the pool with family and friends after a fun filled morning.  Baby Benton got a cool new police car float to relax in.  It was barely blown up before Ryland jumped in to take it for a spin, with his Blastball trophy.

After swimming I got a lot of love from my favorite little guys.  We can't wait to see them grown and laugh together.  Ryland, Reed, and Benton - the three amigos.

We thought the water fun was finished for the day, but the boys had other plans.  Slip'n slide time in their pajamas.

Benton enjoyed the pool time and watching the bigger boys act like nuts.  I just love this picture of him.  He is so sweet!

It was time to call it a night for the boys.  I just had to ask Reed one time to come inside for bed, and he headed inside out of the playhouse.  He was soaked!

Trying to stall before bed, Ryland was quick to start snapping party pics.  He is such a procrastinator! He does get some funny shots.

Hot tub fun

Lizzie and Pops came to visit for the long holiday weekend.  We relaxed and played in the pool for hours.  Ryland and Reed both love the hot tub.  Even though the heat isn't on and the water is the same temperature at the pool, the bubbles make it so much fun!