Another month down

July is nearly over...
We have had a boatload of time at the pool practicing our swimming skills, have sweltered at tee ball games for Jonathan, had a lovely time with my dad's side of the family, had a little neighborhood sort of VBS that I had the random idea to put together (and, my awesome neighbors came so it was super fun!)...

I've learned a few fun things about the kiddos this summer:
 - Caleb loves salami.  We were buying meat for sandwiches and he always groans when we mention sandwiches as he doesn't love turkey or other lunch meat.  He looked over all of the selections for meat, and pointed to the salami and said, "I want that to eat.  Not turkey, that one."  And, it has been love ever since.  I shouldn't be surprised: this is the jalepeno chip eating, olive and pickle loving, tea drinking child.
 - Jonathan wants to be a fireman and a lifeguard.  And, drive an RV, old-fashioned truck and a motorcycle.  And, he asked me how he would get a wife someday.
 - Jonathan will try foods that would have been miles away from his radar if we've grown them in the garden.
- Jonathan slept all over his room from the ages of 2 - 4 1/2.  On the floor, in his chair, occasionally in his bed.  He still sleeps on the floor about twice a month.  Caleb, on the other hand, always sleeps in his bed.  And, he loves it.  He has not slept on the floor one time.  That boy likes comfort :+)

Tommy and Sheena

Jamie's cousin got married and we were delighted to be included in the celebration!  There were festivities at a park following the ceremony and it extended beyond the typical: football, tag, and all sorts of fun running around.  Jamie's cousin, Bruce, even did a magical flying maneuver in an attempt to avoid Caleb.  

 The best man managed to play football, in his tux, without doing any damage to the rented clothing. That's skill :+)

 The newlyweds... out of the wedding attire and into fun-having clothes

Family Weekend

Jamie's family planned a weekend for all of us to hang out.  It included the first camping experience for our family of four.  That spiffy tent with the orange was one I bought for Jamie last year.  It was our first time using it.  The weather was absolutely perfect, we camped in Marc's backyard (read: readily available, clean, bathrooms), and it was very quiet.  A good first time for all of us.

 My boys are always ready to wrestle any available cousins

 Campfire bonding

 S'mores and a very cheesy smile

We also enjoyed a bit of time a local state park before the ridiculous heat overtook the whole Midwest.  

Amusement Park Fun

We had such a delightful time in perfect weather at the Amusement Park near Jamie's hometown.  The boys loved the rides, the food, the company...  Thank you Grandpa and Grandma!

Swimming lessons

The littlest Guilds took swimming lessons at the beginning of June for two weeks.  Swimming is our "thing".  They both love it and learn it easily.  It is interesting to watch the focus and determination that Jonathan puts in to swimming in contrast to his take it or leave it attitude with tee ball.  We are taking some additional lessons next week to hone the learned skills, but here are a few photos of the greatest part of lessons: getting to go down the slide and off the board on the last day!

 Caleb, down the big slide by himself

 Caleb, off the diving board... a little hesitation but then he hopped right in!

 Jonathan, mid-air

"Cards for Sale"

One day a week ago, or so, Jonathan made cards.  Lots of cards.  Then, he asked me if he could set up a stand and sell them.  He made a sign that said, "cards for sale.  10 cents a card."  The sign was taped to the front of the table and he brought out his cash register with money in it.  He recruited Caleb to "work" with him.  They dressed up (basically this meant a tie).  I thought we would just quietly sit there and wait for a few kind neighbors to happen by.  Not so much.  You can watch the video to see what we did, instead.  Between the dog walking business and this, we are quite the money making family :)

Whew!

June is over.  It is blur of family visits, swimming lessons, making dinner for all sorts of random guests, and working on several projects.

I have many photos to upload, but first a story...

We visited an amusement park with Jamie's family when we were in Iowa last weekend.  The boys had a delightful time, but one ride was not on the top of J-man's list: the Frog Hopper.  Today we were in the car and went down a large hill... Jonathan said, "Ooo, that hill makes my tummy feel tickly like the Frog Hopper.  Caleb, do you know what causes that tickly feeling in your tummy on hills?  It's tiny little hands inside your stomach that move around and tickle in there.  They only do it on hills or Frog Hoppers."  Caleb: "Oh."