I Asked My Kids If They Will Miss Each Other When School Starts

They didn't answer, but kept on doing their thing.

I think they will.

The Swelter of an August Day (2nd Post)

This past winter, I promised to not complain when the heat came for the summer. And I haven't really complained. I mean, it is HOT, but it's also summer in Florida...

But this week has been another story. Oh the heat. Oh the humidity. Winter is sounding really good to me right about now.

This evening, though, the heat died down a bit and we enjoyed some great family time outdoors.

We quickly learned that sidewalk chalk and white puppies do not mix.

This is the most adorable purple mustache I have ever laid eyes on.

Precious.

Those dirty elbows are pretty darn cute, too.

"Hi y'all!"

Oh no. This is the sidewalk chalk artist. She takes decorating the driveway just as seriously as she takes decorating herself.

See?

Two-hand touch.

I love the sound of it because it reminds me of my own front yard when I was growing up.

You have got to be tough to make it in our yard.

Posing for Mom is just not on the agenda.

Unless...

Cheese!

Lately Olivia has been posing and asking us to take her picture.

At Last

I guess that there are no excuses, so I'll just dive right in.

Car washing has taken place.

Olivia doesn't want Andy to have to work for his food so she usually serves him and bonds with him at the same time. It's very cute.

She bonds with her brothers, too.

I had the privilege of taking senior pictures for Hannah, our sweet friend.

We went back to Texas and found out that my youngest brother, Zach, and his wife, Shanna, are expecting their first baby. Yay!

We had so much fun with family.

Unfortunately, I didn't take my camera with me so the only photos I have of the trip are from my mom. In other words, only Dietz peeps...no Wrights. :(

Cousins are the best friends to have. All of the grand kids are stair-step for the most part.

Caitlin (11), Alexis (8), Isaac (7), Ryan (6), Josiah (5), Addilyn (5...just had a birthday!!), Olivia (2...almost 3), and Sweet Baby on the way

We host a college group once a week and had a surprise birthday party for a guy who didn't show. It was fun. :)

My kids will be sent to public school next year...

We've had lots of wrestling.

Andy is growing and is just about the calmest dog I've ever met.

Olivia wore shoes "like Aunt Shanna".

And we've played in the rain.

Concert on the Patio

We had some good friends over the other night and all of our kids put on a concert for us. It was my favorite part of the evening and only lasted 2.5 minutes.

**Speaking of our patio, it is our project for the summer. Maybe I should get your ideas. What color should we stain the concrete? Jay and I are thinking Espresso. **

It's Like Having A 4th Child

Lack of sleep. More time to get out the door. Crying at night. Potty training. Getting him used to loud noises...

Sweet puppy smell. Cuddly. The center of attention. Lots of new toys. Stolen hearts...

Welcome to the family, little guy.

Last Game of the Season

Isaac had such a blast playing flag football this year. He had some great coaches and a really sweet team. He made some awesome touchdowns and pulled several flags. We are very proud of him!

Isaac making the extra point.

a proud smile to the sidelines

Olivia doing what she does best...making new (older) friends

bored brother

some of the Sharks