Palm Springs, California

Last Saturday - Tuesday, we took a side trip to California to spend a few days with my good friend Jeanette (a college friend) and her family. We were able to stay at a nice Marriott resort (Thanks, Joey) for a reasonable price. 

I didn't get tons of great pictures because we spent most of our time swimming and I was too busy making sure my kids were safe. Luckily, Jeanette also took a lot of photos. I especially can't wait to see the pics she took of us going down the water slide. That water slide was a highlight for all the kids (+ me). 

I like these pictures of Evan because I have similar ones of Ryan sitting poolside on a chair like this in Florida circa July 2009. I'll have to compare and contrast. 

Evan continues to be fearless in the water. He did not mind walking in water up to his neck and didn't even get too upset when we went under a couple times.

The resort had an activity center with a little playground. Great for our boys. Ryan liked this rocking airplane toy. He "drove" it and called it a "shuttle bus", imitating our frequent rides on the resort shuttle that took us from our villa to the pool.

Jeanette and her girls. Me and my boys. 

(Yes, Ryan is investigating something he just removed from his nose. Gross, I know.)

Arizona Trip: Part 1

Upon arrival at Nana & Lolo's last Wednesday, Ryan and Evan had to try out the pool right away!!

On Thursday, we took a train ride around the zoo. 

At the zoo, they had splash pads (with various sprinklers, waterfalls, etc.) where the kiddos run around and get wet. Both boys liked it a lot.

Pretending to be kitties - a favorite game in our house.

Ryan Kitty

Evan Kitty

Outside after dinner, playing with pool toys. 

The boys clothes started coming off...

...until they were skinny dipping.

 (Burke is NOT skinny dipping, FYI.)

Reading stories in Nana & Lolo's room before bed. 

Music

These are a couple videos from mid June. I'm a little late in posting, but I think they're still fun enough share.

OLD MCDONALD

WILLIAM TELL

Both boys are holding little Lego pieces that are meant to be flag poles, but they are using them as conducting batons. (At least Ryan is. I think Evan is using his as a spoon.) Ryan is doing more conducting. Evan is mostly focusing on dancing and marching. 

Sprinkler

What Fun!!

Ergo

Ryan had so much time in the Ergo carrier. We lived in more pedestrian neighborhoods when he was Ergo-sized. Evan hasn't gotten to use it nearly as much. When we did try it a couple times when he was smaller, he really didn't like it. So, we put it on a shelf and mostly used a stroller. Well, Burke was inspired to try it again last week and Evan really seemed to dig it. And I think he looks just adorable on his Dada's back! 

Another Day at the Beach

Aunt Christine came for a little visit this week, which warranted a trip to the beach. A place that is near and dear to Christine's heart. 

Evan still enjoys the water, but has been less aggressive about running in. Either he's calming down or the water was really dang cold. 

Ryan & Aunt Christine enjoy the ambiance. 

Evan's First Haircut

We have been relatively happy with the results, and especially the price, of Great Clips. This lady (a very sweet Polish lady - having some Polish in me, I was partial to her) actually cut my hair last week. I asked her if they often cut babies' hair, knowing that a real haircut for Evan was in the near future. She convinced me that Great Clips would be a fine place to take Evan. So, off we went on Tuesday, July 12 to get Evan's first haircut. Age: just about 19.5 months. 

Not yet in distress. 

Love his long hair. Always sad to see it clipped. 

 His eyes are saying "help me".

The first couple snips were tolerated. 

But then he reached breaking point #1. 

 (No, Burke is not choking him into submission. Merely holding his head still.)

The sucker provided a brief calm before the next storm of tears.

What a face!! Poor kiddo!

He was "telling" the other stylist all about it. It was adorable to hear him "talk" to her about the injustice and torture that was occurring. 

Whew! We all survived. Evan studies the scene of the crime. Maybe wondering why Dada's not screaming as he gets his hair cut. 

Super cute little boy! 

Congrats on your first big boy haircut!

(P.S. Because I like length in his hair so much, I asked her to keep it a little long-ish. Well, here we are on day 2 and he seems to have a little Mary Lou Retton thing going on. We may have to try a different approach next visit. Perhaps we'll go to a barber.) 

At The Car Wash

Also at my parents house...Burke took advantage of not having to pay to clean our car - inside and out. Plus, he had two little helpers. 

Sports

These pictures are from my parents when we visited a couple weeks ago. The boys find all the sports equipment in the garage. And there is plenty of it. Anyone who knows my brothers will not be surprised by this fact.

BASKETBALL

FOOTBALL

BASEBALL

Fort Fraser

We spent last week at my parents house in Fraser, MI. There is a park there with a labyrinth-like playscape called Fort Fraser. We went there a couple times. The boys loved it.