No training wheels and scooters!

On our way home from the pool this afternoon Caleb said "I think I want to try to ride a bike without training wheels. I should try Jackson's bike because it is smaller." How could I say no to a request like that? Erik took off the training wheels and I held the back of the bike for him to get his feet on the pedals and...he did it! I was shocked and so proud of my baby. He reluctantly came inside to eat dinner and cannot wait to get back out and ride.

Jackson has now mastered the scooter. For a while he wouldn't even try because he thought he would fall down, but now he is cruisin' around the cul-de-sac! I am so glad he didn't just give up.

I seem to have hurt my back somehow...maybe 5 years of picking up and carrying small children finally caught up with me. I spent most of the weekend on the couch and many people were very generous with help around the house. This afternoon Brooke and Adeline came over and then all the Rills came over for some tie-dying! Caleb and Jackson made pillow cases and Mei made a onesie for Emmett. Later Emmett helped Skylar play the guitar. Thanks for bringing the F-U-N to me!

we love the zoo!

This baby gorilla was the same size as Emmett! We actually met Kyle, Jenny and Charlotte at the zoo but I don't have any pictures with them in it...sad!

Celebrating summer birthdays.

Emmett opening his first gift, ever.

Jackson and Caleb got some really fun toys...thanks everyone!

Keeping ourselves busy...

This morning we went to "Make a Messter-piece." Fun, but expensive and I even had a coupon!

We stopped by the water park on the way out and I got a shot of Emmett's new tooth!

Then, tonight, Dancing Sprouts with Nadia and Aidan.

Rainy morning.

It rained this morning so the little ones played in the tent. This is Emmett's friend Makeda.

The bigger kids went and played in the rain. They also jumped in the water with all their clothes on!

Jackson is showing me that he is three. This picture is totally my little man, he is in love with those boots!

Emmett's Baptism

We chose to baptize Emmett at our church family camp at Covenant Point. It was a very memorable day and we feel so blessed to have so many people to love and teach our little boy about God.

First boat ride to the island.

Love it! Please notice that Jackson is wearing his underwear. He decided they were perfect for swimming and it wasn't worth the fight! The boat ride back to camp was a little wet and he turned to me and said "good thing I have my bathing suit on."

Stud!

Here we are doing an egg launch. Emmett and I were on the same team with these awesome girls and surprisingly every invention worked...no broken eggs.

Winnetka Family Camp

Thank you Nana and Papa for a wonderful week!

Not every picture is a good one...but I liked this one of Nana and Caleb...so cute!

This is on the highway near camp and everyday Jackson asked if we could go see it. I decided to take a picture so he can remember.

Tonight started the week of Winnetka Family Camp. We had so much fun with everyone from church and can't wait to do it again next year.

Caleb and Jackson painted this house for Papa's birthday. Caleb set up these rocks to make a little path to the front door.

Reading with Uncle Dave.

Crazy hair

Jon and Amanda's Wedding

Dave, Erik and I drove down this morning for our friends Jon and Amanda's wedding. Thanks to Nana and Papa for watching the boys at the cabin so we could get away! We drove back up north at 6 am on Sunday.