Guided River Fishing

Cordell surprised us by booking a river fishing trip for the family in July. Of coarse it rained (poured) on us the whole time, just because we planned for an outing! We have a habit of this happening. We still had a great time none-the-less. We fished off of a cool pontoon boat and the guide was amazing, especially with the kids. Some of us sat on the shore while others fished, and then we traded. Wile on shore, Ethan and Briana didn't feel like they were soaked enough, so they had to sit in the river to feel drenched and complete the job! Everyone caught a ton of fish (this was not a Salmon fishing trip). We caught and released so we wouldn't dry up the fish population. Well, we took a couple home to eat and Cordell had to try his hand at filleting them, even though they were a bit on the smaller side. We made some great memories from this little trip. I think it worked to get the kids a bit more excited about fishing since they actually caught something.

More Backyard Fun

Picking Peas

The "Monkey House"

Playing with dad

Dancing in the rain, just before bedtime

Picking June strawberries...in the rain

Finally a day warm enough for sprinklers at the end of June

Rock Painting

This was all the kids idea! They found and washed the rocks and came out with some cute creations to add back to our rock piles outside.

Ethan My Kitchen Helper

Who would have guessed that this little fireball of a guy would be one of my best kitchen helpers?! This is a night I was making gnoccis and he really wanted to help. I always squirm a little inside knowing it requires more patients, time, and messes when the kids help, but he actually did a great job. He stuck with the job and reallyl concentrated trying to do it right without flinging too much flour all over the kitchen (that is Briana's job). This past week he also helped me make a rhubarb pie, from rolling out the crust to cutting the rhubarb. I have found that this is a fun positive time I have with him where I am not always getting frustrated for who he is. I hope his interest continues...I love to have our kids learning in the kitchen, as that is where I am at least half of the day :)

Daddy Dear, We Love You So

We had a nice Father's Day breakfast with Daddy! The kids were eager to show him what they had made. Preston's was especially thoughtful this year. He put together a coupon book all on his own, of special jobs he could do for Cordell, ones that he knows he could get paid for or dad would do himself. The best part is when Cordell has asked him to fulfill a coupon, he willfully does it! I feel so blessed to have a wonderful husband and father for our kids. They are always so excited when he comes home. He barely has a chance to get out of his work clothes before they begin wrestling or playing some fun game, usually outdoors.