Happy Birthday Kathleen!

"Seven years ago today..."
"Wait mom! I already know the story. But you can tell me it again if you want, I guess."
"Well, you were so cute..."
"I know, I know. You tried to get me out on the 15th, but I waited to come on the 16th. I think I just liked it in there. And I was probably a little afraid of accidentally getting cut with a knife."

The boys, helping me make Kathleen's breakfast in bed. If you know Kathleen, you know that she knows exactly what she wants.

Opening a gift from Grammy and Pompa:

It was a Webkinz. She was so excited. She loved her horse. She carried it around with her all day.

So, naturally, Brandon did too. They loved playing with them together.

Kathleen's cake, and yes, she decided this too.

I thought I would be the best mom ever and dress like a princess for her party. The kids loved it and called me their queen. But they liked Ryan better, even though he didn't dress up. When he walked in they would all chant, "My man, my man, my man..." as opposed to, "My lady," for me. They were so cute.

Taking the girl's orders for dinner.

Brandon decided to dress like Barney. But after an hour in that (before the party even started) he decided to be Batman instead. Either to protect or hunt the princesses, depending on his mood.

"My man, my man, my man..."

Princess Bingo:

Coloring the castle: Kathleen got a new bike:

4th of July (1 of 5)

We picked up my brother Tanner and sister Kaylee while we were on our lake trip last week and brought them home with us. We had a fun 4th of July with them. Here we are in the daytime playing with smoke bombs and pop-its.

Fireworks:

Cody was nervous at first (as always) then got really into it at the end.

We talked our neighbors Spring, Max and Jack into coming over.

Ryan traditionally grows some facial hair on our vacations, but then quickly shaves it off when we get home. Boo. I love a little scruff.

Kathleen dressed herself all cute. I had to take a picture. But she had to pose even more.

Water Park (2 of 5)

We spent a day at the water park last week. Kathleen and Kaylee took off and had a blast. Tanner and Brandon had a ton of fun together as well. Cody was mostly a chicken until the end.

Kathleen was really excited that she could make a bubble in her bum.

Cody finally gets wet.

If Tanner thinks I can't take his picture, he has another thing coming.

Brandon and Kathleen:

Cody and Kathleen:

Tanner and Kaylee:

Mini Golf (3 of 5)

Mini golfing:

Cody would hit the ball, then go and get it, take it to the hole, put it down and hit it in.

The Tiki man at the end would shoot flaming hot fire out of his head. It terrified the little ones and they would hit their ball, then run as fast as they could. But if you missed, he shot out water, so they would run back and play in the water.