Aspiring Artist...

What am I going to do with this girl?  She writes on EVERYTHING!  This was a few weeks ago and I am still finding pink highlighter all over my walls and on toys.  Any suggestions?

The Gurney Family Reunion 2012...

On August 11th we had the first annual Gurney family reunion.  It was so much fun to have a relaxing day at the park and enjoy catching up with some of my second cousins.  (I know a lot of people don't know their first cousins so that probably is a little weird, but yes, I know almost ALL of my second cousins and even some of my third. :D) 

Madi was ecstatic to play at the park all day! 

Here's my little family.  We stuffed ourselves with Cafe Rio and played games while we chatted! 

 YUMMY!!!

 

Playing in the rocks... 

They had jars of candy that you had to guess how many was in the jar.  Madi won this jar of salt water taffy.  Way to go! 

A baby shower for Annie...

On August 10th we had a baby shower for my fabulous sister in law, Annie.  I am so excited to meet this little guy and find out if Bruce will prevail.  (Annie wants to name him Bruce and Chris is adamant that it is not going to happen.) 

Holly made the cutest cake.  She is so talented!

I must have done to much talking, because that is about all the pictures that I got.   

My little viking... 

It was so fun to see family and catch up with them.  I don't see them all as often as I'd like and there just isn't enough time when I do.  Glad for showers and things like this that I am able to catch up a little!

August 9, 2012...

Before we left for the zoo I had to get a few pics of the kids.  I love Madi's outfit and she looks so cute in her glasses. 

Easton got this for Christmas.  It is half of a ball that you put different shapes in.  He has never used it as that.  He is positive that he got two hats. :D 

I love this one of Easton!

Off to the VERY hot zoo...  Madi is totally scared of the elephant that "sneezes" on you.  Easton normally likes it but wasn't so fond this day.

We LOVE the new Rocky Shores exhibit and are looking forward to the start of the African Safari.  It is fun to get new animals and see the zoo update and create new habitats for the animals.  It is one of our favorite places to go and this day we went with some of our favorite friends!  

Madi & Guire in the hollow log... 

Guire peeks out... 

Miss Madi... 

(is it just me, or does the close up make it look like they are in the middle of a cow pie?) 

My favorite part of the zoo in the summer are the GIANT misting fans.  It is like a little piece of heaven on the hot, hot days!  Guire was NOT loving it and made the funniest faces, swatting away the mist and air. 

Look at my sweet little kids.  They are so much fun to be with.  They keep me going and say the funniest things.  I love these two! 

Guire wanted his picture on the bike too.   

The tigers tank was drained.  One of them was exploring and kept walking by the window.  It is fun to see them up so close! 

We went to the bird show for the first time.  A.MAZ.ING!!!  This owl was flying so low that his wing hit Chantel on the head as it flew over.  It was awesome!

I loved the bird show and think it is on the list to see every time we go.  This is how they end the show.  I think bald eagles are so beautiful.  Awesome to see one so close.

We finished our day with a ride on the carousel.  My hot, sweaty, tired little kids love that thing and could ride it all day! 

 



Learning to ride...

I am SOOOO behind on my blog.  These are from August 4th.  We exchanged Madi's helmet for a bigger size and I love it.  Isn't she super cute?!?!!

This is the first time she rode her bike outside.  It was a fun night.  We all went out to watch her and help her.   

Derrick pumped the tires on his bike and showed her what to do. It was great!

Easton followed behind her, wanting a turn. :D 

She was so funny.  She would concentrate so hard on pedaling that she would forget to look where she was going.  We had to steer for her.  She will get the hang of it. 

Part way through she was sure that if she wore sunglasses she could pedal AND steer.  I love her!!! 

Easton literally paced the sidewalk in front of the house waiting for his turn.  If Madi got off the bike, he would race to it and try to get on.  It was so cute! 

Easton must have got bored waiting, cause he went and turned the sprinkler on so he could play with something too.  Madi decided that looked fun and was done with the bike after the water turned on.   

Easton totally adores Madi.  He idolizes her!  He tries to do everything she does.  First thing in the morning he is knocking on her door, wanting her to wake up so they can play.  He gives her hugs and kisses all throughout the day.  He LOVES his big sister!!! 

Kids like to do two things with sprinklers... step on them... 

...and sit on them.

 Love this grin!

Easton was so cute in the sprinklers.  He loves water and seeks it out.  He might just be the next Micheal Phelps.

Taking a break...

This is my favorite picture!  I love his face! (Do you like the art work on our door and brick?  I have that best chalk artists living with me is you would like to update your facade. :D)

Sup?

I love cool summer nights.  I love spending time with my little family, out on the lawn, relaxing with Derrick, watching the kids laugh and play.  That is my perfect night!