One Cool Cat

This is currently one of my favorite pics - just thought I'd share it.

Iron Mountain

We had big plans to go camping last weekend - but thanks to the weather that never came to fruition. So instead we headed to the hills and had ourselves a cookout. We ended up at Iron Mountain - which is a little area outside of Keystone (where Mt. Rushmore is located). We had an awesome time!

Spence after 'rock climbing'

That is one messy face!

Spencer's Green Thumb

Spencer is growing sunflowers as we speak...or rather, as I write. Adorable, right? We found the perfect little greenhouse kit for him and so far so good! Here are some of our initial photos - I'll have to post more as they continue to grow.

Day 4

Day 10

busy busy busy

Within the last week I attempted to post many times but we've been super busy! As those of you familiar with our area know, tourist hot spots are bountiful and every summer we like to visit as many as possible. As mentioned in the previous post, it's really fun to experience these places with the boys and see them experience it for the first time.

Last week we visited Mt. Rushmore.

We make it a point to go every year. We had some mountain goats walking right next to us - and an annoying little chimpmunk that tried to run into my bag. We weren't very successful getting a good family photo since Mason didn't want to cooperate.

A few days later the boys and I headed to the infamous Reptile Gardens with my bestie Beth and her two little boys (Eli and Fin). It was great. The best part is that once you visit one time you get a FREE season pass - which comes in handy with boys who want to go there everytime we drive by. Mason had some 'challenges' when it came time to leave one exhibit to go to the next, but what's new. At one point he was having a mini-meltdown because he didn't want to leave the sandbox. This is when I had to say "Mason, you have a sandbox at home, but do you have little old man tortoises at home? I didn't think so." Then we get to the tortoises and he didn't want to leave them. Oh the two's, they are a comin'.

The following day we went to visit the Air and Space Museum. Anyone been there before? It was pretty cool. The planes are ginormous - well that kinda goes without saying. But see lil Spence in this first pic? Crazy!

To wrap up the weekend we went to good ol' Custer State Park.

Me & Spence

Mase with his 'walking sticks'

Micah & Spence

Random and awesome!

We saw every animal on our list except the mountain lion that Spence was looking for - although we were prepared in the event we encountered one and Spence can act it out for you if need be. We did see buffalo, prairie dogs, big horn sheep, horses, antelope, and donkeys (which the boys gave peanuts to - I know, random. One word: Micah).

Whew! We had some action packed days and enjoyed every minute.

We hear you...

Mason has this thing he does. After the fact it's pretty funny - and to those that don't have to parent him it's really funny. But in the moment - not so much.

In order to get his point across he feels the need to raise the volume with each time he repeats a sentence.

For example, the other day we were at Sam's and we were going to have some pizza for lunch. But first I needed to get a few things. Here's the breakdown.

Mason: i want pizza
Me: Okay, we'll get pizza in just a minute
Mason: I Want Pizza
Me: Yes, Mason, just one minute and we'll get pizza
Mason: I WANT PIZZA!!!
Me: Chill out and don't yell at me
Mason: i want pizza

Another example...the other day I put on one of those little romper outfits - you know, it's like one piece with little shorts.

Mason: i need pants
Me: Mase, that outfit has little shorts on it
Mason: I Need Pants
Me: That one has shorts
Mason: I NEED PANTS!!!!!
Me: Don't yell at mommy
Mason: i need pants
Me: Go look in your mirror - that outfit has little shorts
Mason exits left, goes to his room and looks in the mirror - he starts laughing.

I might have to put a hidden camera to use so you can get the full effect. But Mase, if you are reading this, just know - we hear ya.

A muddy reminder

Yesterday the boys and I went for a visit to Grandma's house...for those of you that haven't been there she has a very large and in charge backyard. Way in the back she has a play area for the boys...near it water drains down a little ravine from the hills (when it's rained a lot). As the boys were playing they wandered into the water...and the mud - and had so much fun! By the end of it they had found a ton of worms and had mud in their hair. So we decided to give them impromptu baths in some rubber storage totes out on the patio. Mud therapy, outdoor baths - they were getting spa treatment forsure!

When they shared their day with their dad they couldn't decide which was more fun - the mud or the outdoor bath. It's amazing how the simple things in life can bring so much joy - and it's nice to be reminded sometimes. Kids are great for that - experiencing things for the very first time and loving everything life has to offer.