BOYS IN BOOTS

Last weekend Peter spent some time with the boys doing what they wanted to do. Sam wanted help building a stronger dam in the creek, so they all donned their rubber boots and spent some time in the muddy shallows. They did build a stronger dam as well as catch their first crayfish and one salamander. They considered that a great success. I'm happy to let their father join them for the mud and mud critters...I'll man the camera.

NEWS FLASH

After more than two and a half years since William lost his top front baby teeth, his first front adult tooth is breaking through his gums!! We are so thrilled to see front teeth moving on in! He's been toothless for so long, that this is big news around here. Hurray for front teeth!!

GOOD MORNING

I woke up the other day to find Peter out in the rain trying to unclog the pipe that is supposed to carry the rain water under our yard. He did unclog it, but the water flow was too heavy and it came up over the pipe and through our yard anyway.

A NAP FOR BENNY

MONONGAHELA RIVER

PETER'S BIRTHDAY

Back in June, we had a fun, family celebration for Peter, who turned 31. We had spare ribs....

Untraditional Pecan pie...

The boys and I created a scavenger hunt with clues for Peter to hunt for his gifts. One gift and clue were in the mailbox. (The boys had great fun going around with him and watching him figure out the clues and find things.)

Another clue was out on the deck.

We ended the evening with a family baseball game on the field by our house (a mild success) and then catching fireflies (below).

LEFTOVERS FROM COOPER'S ROCK

I had one last roll of film from my old camera that I just got developed and so here's a few outdated pictures from it. I will post some more of Peter's birthday from June soon.

PLAYING TOGETHER

Calvin was playing with Amelia in her room and when I went to check on them, I found that he had helped her into her wardrobe and covered her up with blankets and toys. She thought it was great fun and they were really cute playing so nicely together.

MY HANNA DRESS

I got a summer dress for Millie on clearance from Hanna Andersson. When Hanna has clearance, I usually see if there's anything I need because her clothes are such wonderful quality. Once again, I was not disappointed. This dress is great; sweet and feminine, but sturdy and well made. The fit, style and durability make it worth the price. All of the Hannas I've had for the boys have passed down to child after child. (Really, I'm not on their advertising staff).

THE BLANKET

This is Amelia holding the favorite corner of her favorite blanket up to her nose. She's the second of our children to get attached to a blanket. I'm seriously considering getting rid of it now before it becomes much more difficult to detach in the future. I'm having a hard time being totally determined about it though. She just loves her blanket. That blanket you made is really getting some good use, Grammy.