Malone Marie: Month 22

Well, Maloney B, Mommy is six days late on your update this month -- hey, beats two weeks, right?? I can't believe we're less than two months away from your second birthday. {Someone hold me, please.} Last Thursday, you turned 22 months old!

You've been a busy bee during your first month of life in Oklahoma. Here's the scoop:

• You are a Chatty Cathy; much of your language is still unintelligible, but you are adding to your arsenal of words every day. Among those heard lately are: bird ("booht"), bracelet ("base-it"), bug ("but"), dry ("doo-why"), jammies ("dah-mees"), keys ("tees"), kiss ("tiss"), mouth ("mouf"), muffin ("mah-feen"), pretzel ("peh-zul"), sit, soap, toothbrush ("too-busch"), toothpaste ("too-paysh"), towel ("tow-uh"). You've also started making simple word combinations here and there; for instance, when dressing/undressing you sometimes say "shuht on" ("shirt on") or "dah-mees off" ("jammies off"), and you will touch my nose and say "Mommy nose" or point to my soda and say "Mommy dah-weet" ("Mommy's drink"). Your most-used phrases are still "He doe!" ("Here you go!") and "Weady, set, doe!" ("Ready, set, go!") I think my favorite phrase, though, is "Bess you, Popsth!" ("Bless you, Pops!"), which you heard me say when he sneezed a few weeks ago, and will randomly spout off, both when he's with us and when he's not.

• Speaking of names, you are finally calling your brothers by theirs. Porter's ("Poh-tuh") is much more clear, while Kaiser's ("Yie-yer") is a little bit tougher to distinguish. Nevertheless, you know exactly whom you are addressing when you use them. Most often their names are heard when we're driving; your car seat is rear-facing, so you look back at Kaiser in the third seat and will yell at the top of your lungs, "YIE-YER! YIE-YER!" to get his attention, until he acknowledges you and responds. All of the time we've been spending with family lately has led to you mastering many of their names -- of course, "Popsth", as well as "Emahsen" (Emerson), "Esses" (Ellis), "See-nee" (Sydney), "Tamee" (Aunt Cami), "Teah-Teah" (Aunt Kir Kir), "Juh-sen" (Uncle Justin). You are often shy about saying them in front of the person, but I'm sure it won't be long before you get over that.

• You finally got your final canine tooth (your upper left cuspid, to be exact), on 6/20. Those last four took their sweet time, but now all of your gaps are filled in; I guess we're just waiting on your second molars, which I expect you'll cut sometime in the next year. You're not a huge fan of me poking around in your mouth, though, so I'm not entirely sure I'll be aware when those bad boys decide to make their appearance.

• Since we've moved to our new house, which has bathrooms with very spacious vanities, you've developed a new fondness for sitting on the counter with your feet in the sink. You like to turn on the water so you can "wosh veets" (wash your feet). You have become obsessed with gazing at yourself in the mirror and studying your reflection as you make different faces. Lately you've asked me to set you up next to me when I am putting my makeup on, so you can watch and "help". The thing I'm most excited about now is that sitting there with the mirror distracts you enough that you will tolerate me putting your hair in sweet pigtails. Every once in a while you still squawk if a few strands of hair get tugged too tight, but it is infinitely better than the war we used to wage with one another (and that, ultimately, you would always win).

Getting your tootsies clean before heading to the pool.

Tooth-brushing time is more fun when you get to check yourself out.

Look how long those piggies are getting!

• You are a near-constant source of entertainment in our family. Truly, I don't know what your brothers and I would do without your comic relief these past few weeks. You always keep us laughing. One evening recently, I had pulled you out of the tub, and apparently took too long getting you diapered; when I looked out the door of the bathroom, I saw you trotting around the corner wearing Kaiser's {dirty} boxer briefs, which you'd found on the hallway floor. We spent the next several minutes in stitches as we watched you doing your little "underpants dance", all the while gripping the waistband to keep your drawers from falling down around your ankles. You obviously knew that we found your performance hilarious, which only egged you on more.

"What do you mean, 'It's time to put on my diaper?'"

• I think I've mentioned a time or two the fact that you can be Miss Independent. When you it get in your mind that you want to do something by yourself, good luck to anyone trying to convince you otherwise. A challenge you recently decided to take on solo was swinging like a big girl. When we were at the playground in Pops's neighborhood, you absolutely refused to sit in the baby swing when I suggested it, instead marching over to the big kid swing and reaching up so that we would lift you up onto it. Then you were bound and determined to master pumping on your own. Whenever Pops would attempt to help, you would get irritated and say, "No! No!" I have to admit, I was pretty impressed with your coordination, as neither of your brothers showed any signs of getting the pumping movement anywhere near your age. However, as you can see at the end of the video below, we're not going to be letting you swing without a spotter anytime soon. :)

Pops was a teensy bit nervous every time you leaned back.

Showing off your skills:

• For some reason, you have suddenly decided that you are not a huge fan of bathtime, nor of bedtime. You still love the water, but unless you and your brothers are taking a bath in our master jetted tub (which has only happened on a couple of occasions), you run from me when I say that it is time to bathe and are super uncooperative once I get you in the tub. You refuse to sit down or stand still while I rinse you, which means that water goes all over the bathroom floor. Often I have to be tough, force you to sit, and quickly dump several cupfuls of water over your head -- all while you scream at me, of course. I understand a little more your reluctance to throw in the towel at bedtime. Since I've been doing it on my own this past month, you are always the first to go to bed, while Kaiser + Porter are still playing for a few minutes. I think you feel like you're missing out on the party that they're having. Regardless, usually you only fight me when we first sit down to read together, and then again when I go to put you in your crib. When I ask for a kiss, you will always give me one, and when I say, "Do you love me?", you respond, "I do." I walk out the door to you fussing, but it turns to chatting before I get upstairs to the boys' room, and then to silence shortly after that. 

One of your rarer happy bathtime moments.

• I feel like I comment on this nearly every month, but the girl drama continues. I joke that you may have an anger problem, but I know that it is just this age and you trying to make your desires known. You have thankfully stopped pulling your hair when you are mad, and instead like to walk over to the nearest wall, cabinet, piece of furniture, or appliance, raise both arms high up in the air, and smack it hard -- while looking at Mommy to make sure she sees you, naturally. I tell you that you're not hurting my feelings, only your hands. During your "damsel in distress" moments, you like to {gently} throw yourself onto the floor and lay there with your head down, in the hopes of getting some sympathy (which usually never comes). What are the offenses that can lead to you unleashing your anger? Oh, you know -- when I have to take away a tube of toothpaste you're sucking on, when I tell you that you can't walk around the house with a cup of water you're spilling all over the place, when I say it's time to change your poopy diaper. I'm mean like that.

• That being said, as nasty as you can try to be, you are still the sweetest girl in the whole world. When you want to snuggle, boy do you know how to do it right. One of our favorite books is Can You Cuddle Like a Koala?, and when I pose that question to you, you immediately turn around, wrap your arm around my neck, and bury your head into my chest. You also never turn down a kiss, and will often get on a roll and want "tiss" after "tiss" after "tiss". It gets us giggling every time.

• If there is one good thing about Daddy being gone, it's that, by default, I become your favorite. I am soaking up the extra hugs + kisses + "Mommy Mommy Mommy!"s before you go back to being all about him next month. (Which, for record, I am more than totally okay with.) In fact, I can't wait to see your "daddy's girl"-ness back in full force!

• We have yet to move up to a size 5 diaper, and most of your clothes are still 18-24 months. However, I have put you in a couple of 2T things lately and been surprised that they actually fit. Also, your feet are definitely getting bigger. I'm crossing my fingers that the size 4 shoes (which run a bit big) that I purchased for the fall still fit when that time finally rolls around! Feel free to slow down in the growth department...

Tiny hands tying tiny laces of tiny moccasins on tiny feet?

I just can't handle it.

This months' bonus material:

Way more adventurous in the Chick-fil-a play place than your brothers.

All tuckered out (but still smiling!) after a trip to the pool.

Putting Daddy's unused guitar case to good use as a seat.

Patriotic pucker-upper.

Getting a "dah-weet" of "wah-tuh".

Always a mess at mealtime.

My Baloney Babe,

 It's been such a fun month introducing/re-introducing you to friends and family in our new city. You charm just about everyone you meet. I am so, so proud and thankful to be your momma.

XOXO

Homeland Highlights: Week 3

Well, I'm not entirely sure how it's possible, but yesterday marked an entire month (!!!) since our return to Oklahoma. I guess I'd best pick up after the weekend of the 4th and continue catching up on our life here in these parts...

On Monday, July 7, the kids and I were excited to go visit Porter's new preschool for the very first time. His cousins Emerson and Ellis attended here when they were his age, which adds to the coolness factor for him. I set up our tour on a morning when the school wasn't holding its summer session, so Miss Hannah, one of the teachers who also works in the office, was able to visit with us for quite some time. She showed us what will be Porter's classroom this fall, and while the kids played, she told me a little bit more about the children's daily schedule and the curriculum they will be using. Based upon my sister's strong recommendation, I had expected to get a great vibe from the school, and I wasn't disappointed. I know the Lord has a great year planned for our Porter Boy, and I can't wait to watch him learn and grow!

Fish tank at the entrance was a big hit.

Malone was pretty impressed with the water fountain. ;)

Making himself right at home with the trains.

On, Tuesday, July 8, one of my favorite people on the planet, Cindy Beall, invited the munchkins + me over to her casa for a morning of swimming. Kaiser + Porter were super stoked to hang at a new-to-them pool; I was just excited to be in the presence of my friend. Though I'd seen Cindy on our move-in day and on our first Sunday at church, we had yet to spend any quality time together. So, while my boys bugged played with her 10-year-old son Seth, and Malone kind of bounced back and forth from the pool to the patio, the two of us did what we've longed to do for these past six years: just sit in each other's presence and talk. I tell you, being in this lady's -- and actually, in her whole family's -- presence is good for my soul. (And the fact that they have an awesome hot tub is an added bonus.)

Staying toasty in the tub.

This girl in green was kind of a mess.

Malone snapped this awesome pic of Cindy. She's a natural.

That Sether Joe is a sweet one.

Making friends with the Bealls' Yorkie, Bevo.

Launching himself off of the rock ledge.

The swimmer in action:

Swingin' sibs.

You know that your non-napping 5 1/2-year-old is pooped when he abandons his Lego building project and puts himself to bed on the couch.

That evening, I was pumped about a visit from my bestie from college, Emily, and her family. Her husband had a golf event for work to participate in on Wednesday, but they decided to drive in from Tulsa the night before and stay in a hotel. We had plans to hang out the next day, but she asked if they could stop by after going to dinner with her sister to say hi. Of course, I told her to c'mon over! The Braly babes were already playing the backyard, so Emily, Justin, and their children Olivia + Ethan joined us out there.

Last time I saw Em, this girl was in my belly!

Taking turns on the tractor.

Getting a push from her new buddy.

After a while, my trio was practically begging to head to bed, and our friends needed to get back to their hotel, too. At Kaiser's suggestion, we sent dinosaur-obsessed Olivia off with a brachiosaurus toy to keep her company for the night, which she promised to return when she came to our place the next afternoon.

On Wednesday, July 9, we spent the morning at the YMCA while our friends were in Kingfisher visiting grandparents. Due to some overtired kiddos, they had to adjust their plans and take naps at Emily's sister's house before coming over to see us a little after 2:00. The oldest three got busy straight away playing up in the boys' bedroom, while Emily + Ethan + I hung out downstairs chatting/playing. Honestly, it had been a pretty crazy morning -- car issues + pest issues requiring immediate attention had me stressing out bigtime -- and I wasn't the best, most attentive hostess. Then, Justin called to say that he'd finished much earlier than expected, so their time with us was cut short by a couple of hours. I wish I had some cute pics to share of the little people hanging together, but alas, I didn't snap a single one. My only consolation was that I knew I'd be making a trip to Tulsa to see my BFF the following week, and that the kids and I planned to make a separate trip in the near future to go to the zoo with the Forths.

Would you believe that I only took one photo all day, and Kaiser requested that I do so when he completed this:

Told him I wasn't sure he could put this {legitimately difficult} puzzle together all on his own. He proceeded to make me eat my words.

On the morning of Thursday, July 10, my niece Emerson texted me while I was at the Y to tell me that she was available to help if I needed a hand with the kids. As a matter of fact, I did! The previous days' pest scare had resulted in an appointment with The Bug Guy for treatment that afternoon at 12:00, and we needed to be out of the house for at least 2 hours while it did its magic. I also had an appointment with my chiropractor that afternoon at 3:00, which happens to be right by the Rowes' house. I realized that the perfect situation would be for me to come over with the kids, hang out for a little while, put Malone down for a nap, then leave the boys to swim/play while I went to see the chiro. Emerson was all for it -- and the kids were thrilled with the prospect of seeing her -- so I took her up on her kind offer.

Tickled to be twinning with his cousin.

They love the tramp.

So much that I {almost} want to buy one of our own.

Teaching K + P how to play Jenga.

Serious concentration.

As if Emerson hadn't already come to our rescue enough, that night she really saved us. I learned that, after the pest treatment, I needed to come back and vacuum our entire house. That's great and all, but a little difficult with three kids running around. So, after feeding everyone dinner at the Rowes', I left them in my niece's care yet again while I drove home and vacuumed every square inch until I was sweating buckets (thankfully, Pops came over to help with the upstairs). Then it was back to pick up my babes, who were having the time of their life with now not only Emerson, but also Aunt Cami + Ellis (who had been gone all day at work + gymnastics). By the grace of God I was able to get them lured into the bathtub and finally loaded in the car and back home, where we all crashed way past our bedtimes.

At 9:00 on Friday, July 11, we met up with a couple of other new mommy friends + their broods for a special morning treat at The Donut Nest. While our kids stuffed their faces with sugary goodness, Sarah, Kara-Kae + I managed to get in a few minutes of conversation. Unfortunately, the workers at the Nest decided to hand out balloons on sticks when we purchased our donuts; great in theory, but not so great when you have 8 kids who finish their food and decide it would be fun to get up out of their seats and start playfully hitting each other with them! We weren't technically kicked out, but when one of the ladies asked that we keep our children out of the way of the door because it was not safe, we took the not-so-subtle hint and left promptly.

Only shot of my pajama-ed princess and her "boon".

After donuts, Sarah, Helen + Halle invited us over to their neighborhood pool to swim. We gladly took them up on their offer and spent the rest of the morning enjoying the company of these three sweet girls. No pictures to show for it (partially due to the fact that Maloney was throwing a minor fit every few minutes), but we had a nice time.

So, have I mentioned that we're missing Brett pretty desperately? If not, let me just be clear -- WE ARE. On Friday afternoon, Kaiser + Porter worked on some notes and pictures to send to Daddy, just to let him know we're thinking of him all. the. time. 

"Oklahomeu" isn't the same without him.

Later that night, we went to Pops's house for pizza. After eating dinner, we were able to Skype with our favorite doctor. I'm not sure Brett got a word in edgewise, what with all of the screeching that was going on. It was loud + hilarious + heartwarming + LOUD.

A relatively calm moment.

Most looked like this.

Our daughter wasn't the least bit excited to see her daddy. ;)

Eventually we said goodbye (and see you in 22 days!) to the love of our lives and headed out on a walk. I'd wanted to take the kids to the little playground in Pops's neighborhood, and it ended up being an absolutely perfect evening to do so. We couldn't ask for more pleasant weather, with mild temperatures and just a hint of a breeze. I could have easily stayed outdoors all night! The kids really had a blast and were bummed when we had to leave.

Had been a good while since they'd swung together.

She was all about the big girl swing.

"See, I can do it."

Love this girl's confidence.

"A little help here?"

Stopping to check out the creek on our walk back.

Face of a boy who's tired from racing Mommy from mailbox to mailbox.

Found the karaoke machine right as we were about to walk out the door!

Thanks to the holiday, our third week happened in a snap! And, since we had lots of fun things planned for the next few days, the week to come was sure to pass quickly, too...

El Cuatro de Julio

Our 4th of July weekend was chock full o' family fun, and we wouldn't have had it any other way. (The only thing that it lacked, of course, was Brett, who we desperately wished was here to share it with us.)

We got things started late on Friday morning with Pops, who accompanied us on a trip to go shopping at Tuesday Morning. (Because nothing says "Happy B-Day America!" like spending money, right?!?) But hey, I hadn't gotten my act together enough to drag the kids to a parade, and I needed a mattress pad for our guest bed, after all. Our time at Tuesday Morning was going well enough, until an offer from Pops to buy the kids each a toy went awry. Unfortunately, due to some out-of-control whininess +  ungrateful attitudes, I had to tell them the toys weren't happening that day. This, of course, resulted in fits being pitched, and ultimately to two little boys leaving the store in tears (and, quite frankly, a momma who was so frustrated, she was on the verge of them, too). :( From there, we stopped to grab some food for the adults, then drove to Hafer Park, in the hopes that lunch and some playtime would improve all of our spirits.

A few sips of a Chick-fil-a peach milkshake never hurts, either.

Patriotic pair.

Here comes the middle man.

Raise your hands if you love this country!

Once up on the equipment, Sis refused to come back down.

Chattin' + climbin', climbin' + chattin'.

Freaked out his first time up the curved ladder.

Once he saw Porter do it, he mustered up the courage.

Slide-by-slide.

Bestest buds.

After playing for a good while, the kiddos were pretty sweaty and in need of a cool place to rest. I insisted that all three of them lie down for naps that afternoon, before we headed over to the Rowes' that evening. Aunt Kirsten + her family and Uncle Justin + Aunt Amanda were at the lake for the weekend, so it was just Aunt Cami, Uncle Carl, Emerson, Ellis + Pops. We showed up right after 5:00 for swimming, jumping on the trampoline, and grilling out steaks for dinner.

Festive familia.

Taking a closer look at Ellis's necklace.

I wanted to get an official holiday pic of the trio while they were still dressed in their red + white + blue, before they slipped into their swimsuits and the opportunity was gone.

Porter thought that idea was laughable.

Sweet smiles from the youngest + oldest.

Pinwheel props did the trick (sort of).

After the mini photo session was out of the way, it was straight to the pool for these fools.

Clearly these kids aren't getting enough attention.

Proof that I was with all three of my babes on the 4th.

I wanted a mother/daughter pic; this is the best we could muster.

Kaiser went and learned a new trick while we were there:

Oh, the thrill of being tossed up in the air!

This girl has become quite smitten with her "Popsth".

Max is such a trooper with our rowdy crew around. 

Taking a break from the water on the tramp.

At long last, it was time to enjoy the desserts Emerson had prepared!

My brownie-eating babe.

More swimmin' as the sun goes down.

"Don't even think about telling me it's time to get out and take a bath!"

After a bit of deliberation about what the rest of our night would hold, we decided to all go back to the Bralys' house to watch fireworks. (The Rowes live within OKC city limits, where it is illegal to shoot them off.) I managed to wrangle all the kids in the tub, get them cleaned off, and dress them in their pjs. Cami said that she thought the shows officially started at 10:00, but as we were driving north around 9:30 we saw bursts of light shooting up all over the place. When we got home, we went out in the backyard to enjoy our own little "show". Though there was an official one at a golf course nearby, our view of that was somewhat blocked, and I was pretty impressed with the size (and volume) of the fireworks set off by just the people in our neighborhood and the ones surrounding us. 

Porter wasn't a huge fan of the noise.

All about getting a better view from the top of the storm shelter.

There's a good-sized one!

Kaiser + Emerson + Aunt Cami + I stayed out when everyone else went in.

Uncle Carl (a.k.a. The Baby Whisperer) + Ellis had the younger ones entertained inside.

I knew that we'd inevitably have a late night, but even I was surprised that it was nearly 10:30 before Maloney was getting down to bed -- and just after that for her brothers. Two-thirds of my kids fell fast asleep almost instantly; however, I think Kaiser was either overtired or still too wired, and he ended up getting up to tell me about anything and everything (fearing the fireworks would make our house explode, explaining that it was too dark to close his eyes -- you name it). I finally had to put my foot down and told him that if I saw him come down the stairs again, there would be {vague, but serious} consequences. That was at 11:30; thankfully, my 5 1/2-year-old threw in the towel, and didn't stay awake to see midnight.

After the late night we'd had, I was nervous the kids would be in a grumpy mood on Saturday, but they awoke happy campers. It's a good thing, too, because they had a BIG surprise awaiting them that day: YaYa + Papa Ron had asked if they could come pick up Kaiser, Porter + their cousin Kinsey and take them to spend the night in Enid. So as to avoid the 2,847 questions that I would have had to field if I'd told the boys about their plans, I chose instead to keep them in the dark until that morning. They hadn't a clue that anything special was going on until Katy + Patrick showed up to drop off Kinsey at 10:00.

"Hey, what are you doing here?!?"

They were super stoked to see their aunt, uncle + cousins (Caden was there, too), but were over the top excited when they saw another familiar car pull into our driveway!

"It's YAYA!!!"

At long last, I let the two of them in on the fact that they were going on their first real overnight! (If you don't count them staying at our friends' house the night Malone was born, that is.) You should have seen the smiles on their faces. Their bags were packed, and, aside from needing to put on their shoes, the pair was ready to go. Of course, they didn't take off right that minute; we all hung out visiting and playing in our garage/driveway/front yard for a short while.

Making sure no one ventures into the street.

"Hey now -- how come I don't get to go, too?"

Getting some special attention from her Uncle Patrick.

This girl misses her daddy. Bad.

Showing Kins his + Kaiser's sweet ride.

This passenger is just waiting for a driver. 

A little before 10:30, YaYa + Papa Ron decided it was time to load the kids up and hit the road. I wasn't about to let them leave without taking a picture. After all, this was a pretty significant milestone!

Happy grandparents + blessed grandchildren.

Took some coercing, but Maloney eventually joined the group.

And just like that, I told my babies I loved them, kissed them goodbye, and sent them off! While the boys were away, I was excited to have some special time with my darling dot. After some playtime, we went to pick up Pops at his place, and the three of us went to eat lunch at Cafe Icon. Then we ran a quick errand, dropped him off, and came back home so Malone could nap.

Meanwhile, there was no nappin' goin' on in Enid. From the looks of the pics YaYa posted on Facebook, there was only fun, fun, and more fun!

Inflatable pool + water toys galore. 

Sprinkler hopscotch.

Sippin' on juice to stay hydrated.

Someone knew how to keep her Lego-lovin' grandson entertained indoors.

Launching rockets on the iPad.

Back in OKC that evening, after both of us girls had rested, I thought it would be nice to walk Malone up to our neighborhood pool for an evening swim. Pops showed up shortly before we left and tagged along. The pool was a pretty happening place to be; there were several families there enjoying the sunny but not-too-blazing-hot weather that comes at the end of the day.

Packed a snacky dinner to eat during a pool "safety break".

Went down the slide in the shallow end at least a couple dozen times.

Love that she can do this completely independently!

Don't let her grump face fool you; she was having oodles of fun!

See? Told ya.

Seemed like she wanted to sit with Mommy, but on second thought...

...she'd rather swim with her diving ring.

Sunday morning Baby Girl + I got up and went to church together, just the two of us. It was the first week of At the Movies at LifeChurch.tv -- which of course meant it was packed -- and we got to see the Frozen theme in full effect. It was pretty incredible, and I couldn't wait for the boys to be there to experience it, too! After church, we had a couple of quick trips to the store to make before returning home for lunch, followed by playtime. Uncle Justin + Aunt Amanda had gone to church and stopped for food not far from our place, so they brought their lunch over and stayed to visit for a while. Maloney had a ball serving them cup after cup of tea from her Minnie Mouse tea set. I eventually needed to put her down for her nap; my brother + sister-in-law hung out a bit longer before they needed to head out.

I wasn't entirely sure what time the overnighters would make it back from Enid, but received a text around 3:00 letting me know they were on the road. Just before 5:00, three very tired kiddos were delivered to me. They clearly had had their fair share of fun, as I'm sure YaYa + Papa Ron had, too. We're all so thankful for the awesome memories they were able to make together! 

No sooner had Kaiser, Porter, and Kinsey gotten out of the car than it was time to climb back in again. I'd just learned from Katy on Saturday morning that Jefe + Nana had invited all of us out to their ranch for a little belated 4th celebration on Sunday evening. She and I decided that instead of them picking Kinsey up from our house, I would just bring her with us down to Jefe's, since we were all meeting there anyway. It's about an hour-long drive, so I had plenty of time to chat with the cousins about their special getaway. Details were sketchy, but I know that, in addition to the activities pictured, they went to lunch at Braum's, had a movie night, played at the park, and went to see Papa Jim (YaYa's daddy) and take him out for coffee. The trio all gave their time in Enid two thumbs up and said they were excited for their next slumber party!

We pulled up to the ranch around 6:15, and despite their exhaustion, the kids were amped up and ready to go! In the hopes of getting a few more pics of my munchkins looking patriotic, I had changed them back into their red + white + blue back at the house. Katy had happened to bring Kinsey's along, too, so the girls were matchy-matchy! (For $5 at Walmart, that dress just couldn't be beat!)

Attempted to gather the grandkids with Jefe for a pic.

Forever wishing I had the ability to swap out heads...

Once the pesky picture-taking was over with, the little people were itchin' to head out and see their treehouse/fort. Jefe + Nana have been rebuilding/reinforcing a preexisting structure on their land, and we just couldn't wait to see it in real life!

Maloney + I were bringin' up the rear.

The Braly Brothers approve!

Lil Sis checking out the first floor.

Was a teensy bit nervous about her walking up + down the ramp with no handrails, but she was well supervised.

Good job, Jefe!

Can't wait to see all these rascals playing in it for years to come.

After the treehouse, we walked back toward the main house. On the way, we made a quick pit stop to check out the place where a fire would be built later that night.

Someone knows that where there's a fire, there just might be s'mores...

Wanted to pet the "dots", then got a little overwhelmed by their friendliness!

Next up on the agenda was some water play, so the kids got changed into their suits and went out on the lawn to run around. Instead of a typical sprinkler, they had even better: a human sprinkler (a.k.a. Jefe spraying them with the hose)! It goes without saying that there were tons of squeals and giggles during the half an hour or so that they were out there.

Sneaking up from behind.

Trying to be a "water stealer".

Stopping to soak in the tub.

That water was pretty cold!

Look who finally decided she didn't want to be left out.

Caden stayed nice and dry on the sidelines.

Who needs a shower, really??

Giddy girl.

Getting nailed!

When you mess with the Boss...

...you get a hose down the back of the shirt!

High fives from Uncle P.

Checking up on her younger cousin.

Big Sis loves her Bubba.

Time to dry off and eat!

Nana came to tell us that the burgers + hot dogs + sides were almost ready, so we stripped off suits and came inside for dinner. 

Pretty proud of herself for climbing into Caden's scooting toy while I wasn't looking. 

Hangin' with Jefe.

Trying to be a little momma.

"Why won't this kid take his bottle?"

Once our tummies were filled, it was right back outside for our crew -- this time, for fireworks! Jefe had bought a bunch of the ones that snap when they hit the ground, and the kids went to town throwing those suckers down and hearing them go "POP! POP! POP!"

They emptied out several boxes in no time.

Not entirely sure what to make of all the noise.

Gettin' in on the throwdown action.

"This is FUN!"

Patrick was put in charge of the more legit stuff.

Kids were instructed to watch from a distance.

Pretty pleased with her first fireworks experience thus far.

Got permission to stand down closer with his uncle.

After we'd watched a decent amount of things being shot off, Nana came down from the house with the ingredients for s'mores. The kids had almost {but not quite} forgotten about the special treat that was coming their way; once they saw that bag, they all but forgot about the fireworks!

Nana getting them all set up.

Super-size marshmallows!

This chica was all about the white fluff.

These guys perfected their roasting technique at Reynolds Plantation.

Nom nom nom.

When Kaiser's marshmallow caught fire back in April, he threw a fit. This time, he kept his cool, blew it out, and was even excited about eating it a little burnt!

There is absolutely no way to eat these things gracefully.

Porter kept it clean...at first.

Minutes later, he looked like this.

While gorging ourselves on s'mores + watermelon, we sat back and watched as our resident pyrotechnician went out to the end of the dock to set off the final 'works. (I believe one was called "The Shiz"???) These were not only bigger + brighter, but also significantly LOUDER. Like, "make-all-the-kids-but-Kaiser-cry" louder. Even Porter, who I really didn't anticipate would be all that afraid, was begging for them to stop. I think at the end of such an intense weekend, he was just overwhelmed and a little more on edge than usual.

Ka -

- BOOM!!

Before we knew what had happened, the clock was creeping way too close to 9:00, and the mommies agreed that we needed to get our babes in bed for the night. As we walked back in, I paused to snap one last pic overlooking the water.

Dang, this place is pretty.

Before we left, I threw all of my kids -- who were covered in a delicious-smelling mixture of sunscreen + bug spray + dirt + food + smoke -- in the shower and got them dressed in their jammies for the trip home. We thanked Jefe + Nana for a fabulously fun night, gave hugs, and promised to be back soon (next time, hopefully with Brett!). It took all of 10 minutes of driving in the van for Kaiser + Porter to pass out cold; Malone, however, held strong and was happily hollering until we were about 10 minutes away from our house. Fortunately, all three of them transferred to their beds without hardly a peep, and slept soundly until well past their normal wakeup times the next morning. {Insert Mommy saying a prayer of thanks while drinking her second cup of coffee.}

And that, in a nutshell, was our July 4th weekend. I'm exhausted just recounting it! Looking forward to many, many more like it in the years to come...