Happy 4th!

Our neighbors put on their annual 4th of July party on Saturday, and it was fun as always. Cole eventually enjoyed the bounce house (it took some convincing):
And he really liked the fireworks. His basic reaction was:
What the what?I love it!Again? More fireworks.Happy 4th of July, everyone!

Farm Fresh

If you haven't read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle or seen Food, Inc., I totally recommend either. While they can both be a little preachy, the main message is good: Eat Locally. This year, Bryce and I made a goal to eat both healthier and more conscientiously. It helps that a lot of our friends are doing the same and we've been able to get some tips.

We've been getting all of our meat from local M&B Meats, and I can totally vouch for it's deliciousness. This spring, I also signed us up for a farm CSA through Borski Farms, which lets you buy shares of their crops. Every week through October, we get to pick up a bunch of delicious local veggies. We've been eagerly awaiting our first week, and were not disappointed. This week it was:

LettucePeasand Herb StartsWe're super excited to try some new things and support local businesses. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy me some Mac n' Cheese when the opportunity arises, but this feels good. If you don't have quite enough time to garden or go to the Farmer's Market every week - this is definitely a good option!

Fun in the Sun

The weather has been so beautiful! It's been awesome to get outside and do some of our favorite things.

Like hiking! (Temple Quarry Trail)
This has to be one of my all-time favorite pictures of Bryce and Cole. So cute!
And swimming with Nana.Flying with Daddy!Nothing like a day at the pool and a good nose pickin'.2 years old going on 16....
And playing at the park with "The Cousins."
Something is amiss with this teeter-totter.Slidin' with Hayley.Discussing stick placement with Mitchell.Did I mention I like sliding?We had so much fun, we even got a trademark cheesy smile complete with squinty eyes. That's the mark of a good time!

To My Dad:

Dear Dad:
for telling the best jokes,
for all of your sound advice,
for jump-starting my car in the middle of an intersection,
for never complaining, no matter how hard it gets,
for teaching me how to be a hard worker,
for teaching me the value of a well-timed belch,
for being such an amazing Grandpa to my little boy,

Thank you.Have a wonderful Father's Day! We love you!

To Bryce:

When I asked Cole what he loved about Daddy, he had one thing to say:
"Awesun!"
That's right. Bryce is a pretty awesome Dad. He's also:
Patient
Fun-loving
A total smarty-pants
Easy-going
Thoughtful
And pretty dang handsome, if I do say so myself.

For Father's Day this year, Bryce picked out a new bike and trailer. We enjoyed the beautiful weather by taking it out for a spin.Happy Father's Day, Bryce!

Day 78

Going....Going....
Gone!It's official. The king is dead.

Now Entering the Terrible Twos

Temper tantrums
Whining
"NO!"
The maneuver I've termed "The Limp Bizkit."

It's come early. It's probably also the teeth, but we're definitely entering the Terrible Two phase. Cole is testing the limits and Mom is learning how far her patience can stretch.

Which sometimes isn't far.

I know that I've got it pretty easy most of the time, but try telling me that when I've got an armful of screaming, angry, struggling little boy.

It's hard to stay mad, though, when you catch gems like this:
Putting his own shoes on:"Reading" to his carefully arranged stuffed animals:
Enjoying his new slide.
Seriously. Can't stay mad.