Brennan and Rachel

backyard pool

We have a super dinky pool that we haven't used since 2014. I seriously doubted it would entertain the kids for long. But I obviously overestimate their entertainment needs. I filled it up on a particularly hot day and they played in the backyard for three hours. Three hours!! Even Emry got to enjoy some frigid hose water before her nap. And she wasn't too sad about it. :)

I sent Brennan a picture or two that afternoon and said something about how some days my job feels hard and lonely but some days (or moments, rather) it's pretty obvious that I have the better job by far.

I mean, this picture! I just love it.

What a shooting stance.

Is that a hug or a strangle?

father's day

I love having the opportunity to celebrate Brennan and what an awesome and involved father he is, even if I don't do a very good job of making it a big celebration.

Emry started off the day with some naked lunging, teasing us that maybe she would crawl soon. But that definitely didn't happen. Her flexibility is impressive though.

The kids are always so excited to give him his gifts. I wonder if he could tell what this one was...haha.

The kids painted this frame for him for his desk at work. I wonder if he loves it as much as I do.

I don't really know why but I love this photo I just happened to catch. I guess because it shows something about Brennan that I love. He is at least as likely to take a picture of the kids as I am and I love that. And they are way better at smiling for him than for me. Little stinkers.

Tried to get a photo of the father with all his kids but they were pretty much haphazard and ridiculous. I'll still share them all with you though. You're welcome...

Emry 😂

My dad and Brennan showed what awesome men/father's they are by totally playing along with Declan's make believe play. He could play pretend all day every day and they were great sports about it.

A little Father's day cuddle.

Tried to get some good pictures of the kids but it just wasn't our day. They didn't go much better than the pictures with Brennan haha.

His mini bow tie is killing me.

Love that easy, real smile.

Okay, okay, I guess they went better than I remembered. Some of these are cute!

We made shrimp and salmon for the guys for dinner. We are certainly grateful for all the great dads in our lives and hope they know we love them!

backyard camping

The kids got to camp in the backyard with daddy. A real camping trip was on our list of things to do this summer but we still haven't made that happen so I'm glad we took advantage of this opportunity for a backyard version. We had hot dogs, watermelon and s'mores. Pretty classic.

Tatum helped with putting up the tent. She loves that sort of thing.

So much concentration.

While Brennan was reading them stories I channeled my "inner Brennan" and sneaked outside to scratch the side of the tent. Totally freaked them out, especially Tatum.

Everyone slept well. I know I did anyway haha. Tatum desperately wanted to stay awake to see the stars come out but just couldn't quite make it. Brennan tried to wake her when they finally did but was unsuccessful. They fell asleep so quickly Brennan was even able to come back in the house and watch a little show with me before bed.

Emry 8 months

Emry hit 8 months in early June. No stats to report and more of the same in the personality department. She is the most content baby I've ever had the privilege of knowing. She isn't crawling or doing much moving at all. I'm thinking that must be a byproduct of her super content personality.

Here's a plethora of pictures of the cutie in our backyard.

splash pad fun

We started our summer out right- at the splash pad. I was pretty sure Emry would hate the ice cold water but I couldn't have been more wrong. She loved it and has loved it every time since. Apparently her love for water knows no temperature bounds. And her little chubby self in a tutu swimsuit is just too much. I love it.