A bonus

Having a house full of boys is wonderful for so many reasons. Father/Son campouts are just a bonus.

We have a sitter

Well almost. He can still be a little tipsy. I can't decide if I'm happy about this. I love that Rex is growing and developing. I'm a little excited to have no more cribs, diapers, carseats, diaper bags, etc. I can't lie though, it's a little sad to think that these are milestones we won't see again. But Rex seems happy, and that makes me happy too.



I like this baby. He makes me smile.

The joy of a pool

It brought out the smiles in everyone.

Grandpa and Great Grandparents

My grandparents invited us over for lunch during our trip. They had a yummy spread of soups, sandwiches, salads and cheesecakes. It was fun to eat and chat and eat some more. Before we left, we managed to find all our kids and gather them into one room for a quick picture with their great grandparents. We actually took two pictures, but Nina wasn't sitting so lady-like in the other one. She was thrilled to take another one.



Rex and my grandma spent some time together after a BBQ at my aunt Julie's house.



And he and my dad shared many a quiet moment together. Rex loved bonding with his grandpa.

The Truckee River

While we were in Reno, we took a trip to the river walk near downtown. There is a cool kayak course and some huge, climbing-friendly rocks along that part of the river. We watched a few kayakers having some fun, then wandered up and down the path. The river was running pretty high and fast, so we didn't let the kids get too close. Just close enough for them to throw some rocks into the river.



And to get a group picture.



It was a little windy that day.



But everyone had a fun time.

I Love Matt

I love that he's a teacher. I love that because he's a teacher, he has a long and lovely summer break. I also love that he takes the kids to the pool and plays with them in the water so that they have more fun and I don't have to get into a bathing suit yet. I'm putting that off as long as I can. And I love that he took the 4 oldest kids fishing today and helped them to have a fabulous time. They each caught a fish and he got a picture of all of them.






Thanks for giving everyone a fun day today Matt.

Sweet Dreams

These were the sleeping arrangements during our stay in Reno. We comfortably fit 4 kids in one bedroom and let one crash in our room. I have to admit I was doubtful that anyone would get any sleeping done with this setup, but happy that I was wrong. The three older boys shared a bed with ease. Nina loved her little closet bed and the privacy it afforded her. And Rex was a respectful roommate who let us sleep without interruption for a good 9+ hours a night.
I'm pretty sure I should thank my brothers for graciously giving up their rooms.