Beatin' the Heat

At the end of June, summer finally hit.  We had a major heat wave.  One Saturday we decided to join the Marlatt's up at the Norpoint sprayground.  We made a trip up there last summer and both boys really enjoyed themselves so I figured it would be the perfect way to get out of the HOT house.  Carter didn't love getting sprayed, so he kind of stayed out of the water.  But fortunately, Norpoint also has a couple of great play areas.

Carter playing at the toddler play area

 He even ventured over to the big-kid playground to play for a bit.

 This spinning toy was a big hit with all the kiddos this year.

 Eventually they all figured out that they could lay down and hold on for a fun ride, too!

 Ethan, of course, really enjoyed the water.  He has always been a water baby.  I didn't get to get in much because I was keeping an eye on Carter, but he enjoyed running around on his own and playing with the Marlatts.

 At one point, Carter refused to even hang out over on the play areas and wanted to explore over by the bathrooms.  I'm pretty sure he found a bug that he was checking out here.

 More silliness in the water

 Dylan and Ethan

We actually ended up going back up a few days later with Kelly and Anderson because it was another crazy-hot day.  But I didn't get any pictures because Carter literally threw a tantrum for the first 30 minutes we were there.  I think he remembered that this was the place he got sprayed!  Eventually he calmed down and was at least willing to play in the play areas for a bit.  Ethan was even brave and went on the big-kid zipline.  We had a great time and this is definitely a warm-weather favorite for our family.

June Tidbits

In June we went back to having some rainy days, so there were times that I was struggling to keep the boys busy--especially when Tristan was working.  Well both boys are really into bugs and we did some buggy arts and crafts and activities throughout the month.  

 Then I found these plastic bugs at Target and decided they might be a fun rainy day toy...I know, call me crazy.  I have to admit, there are a few of them that made me do a double-take when they were left out on the floor, but now they are like part of the family!  ;)  They love them still and are constantly carrying them around the house, in the car, to church...wherever we go.  Gotta' love a life of boys!

 When the sun did make an appearance, the boys took advantage and got out to do some yard work.  They love to "help" Tristan mow the lawn, and since we only have one lawnmower Carter made due with the golf caddy.  It's fun to watch them follow Tristan's every footstep.  I figure it's great practice for down the road.  Little do they know that in a few years they will probably want nothing to do with mowing the lawn!

 With summer comes the annual "try to keep fish alive in Papa's fountain" event.  Every summer my dad tries and every summer the fish just don't make it.  But for the few days that they are around, the boys love climbing up and observing them.  Carter was especially fascinated this year.  Ethan just ratted Papa out by telling me he, "killed the fish".

 We decided to plant a few things in our backyard this season.  We chose cilantro, parsley, lettuce, and snap peas because they are things we use regularly.  They have done pretty well!  Ethan likes to help water them and also enjoys harvesting the snap peas--one of his favorite garden goodies!  Gotta' love the hose positioning...  ;)

 We didn't get to participate in the Run for Rhett event this year because we had other obligations and plans, but we did make it down for the end of the event to say hi and offer our support.  They boys even scored and got to play with some buddies and play on the playground for a while.  Skyler and Dylan's Aunt, A.J., even snagged them an ice pop.  Lucky kids!

 When the weather gets hot, all it takes is water to make these boys happy.  We filled some tupperware bins with water and the boys played and played in them.  Ethan decided that his dump truck needed to be washed one day.

 And when in doubt, there is always the pouring water game.  It never gets old.  Never.  :)

We love summers in Washington.  The weather is usually so nice that it's actually enjoyable to be outside and the area provides so many fun events to go to and places to enjoy the beauty of this part of the country.  I know that the boys especially love all of the outside time they get and they sleep so much better (and later) because of it.  I'm so glad they enjoy being out in the sun and playing together!