I was pretty astonished to see a good-sized turtle leisurely walking through our backyard this morning. The boys were beside themselves trying to get past me to go outside and check him out, in which I recommended that they first put on more then just underwear and a 12-hour-old
pull-up to greet our new friend. They looked at me like I was crazy even suggest such a thing (Clothes?!?! You've got to be mad woman! Don't you know it's summer?), but the lure of the very large reptile was too much for them to bare, and soon they conceded. 

By the time we were able to get outside, Mr. Turtle was already in the neighboring yard, 

which happens to be vacant right now, so we didn't mind doing a little trespassing
to get a better look at him (yet another reason I should be nominated for mother of the year).

 We tried to bribe him into friendship with some food.

Let's just say that the turtle is now gone, and the carrot still remains. 

Ben's thoughts: "See mom, nobody likes carrots."

We sat and stared at him for a while, and he at us. That lasted all of five minutes.
We wished Mr. Turtle good luck in his adventures and went back inside
to watch yet another rousing episode of Go, Diego, Go (yay).  

Along with the lizard that Darrel and the boys discovered last week, and the legion of salamanders the week before, I really don't know how I feel about all this unexpected wildlife in my backyard.

Whatever happened to precious little baby bunnies, the non-intrusive blue jay,

and playful squirrels?

Hmmm...I think I know what  happened to them. 

 

 I've never been the biggest fan of summer. Why? Well, I'm a Pacific Northwest girl, so full swing humidity and temps above 85 are unbearable to me. Let's not forget about about the bugs that come along with these months. Here in Oklahoma, they are bigger, smarter, and in your face. I promise you. Then there's the grass that turns brown in June, the higher water and electric bills, the sun blaring in when it's time to put your sleep-haten' children to bed, boring television, and let's not forget when the power goes out in 110 degree heat for seven hours (grumble, grumble, grumble).
Cue the Debbie Downer music.

But, I have to say... so far the events of this summer have far outweighed those little nuisances.
First, we had the cousins here for a week. That was awesome. 

But, as a family, we've also made some memories. Check them out:

The kids fell in love with the free splash park in OKC. I just fell in love with the free part.

Sadly, if there are puddles on the ground, my son is drinking out of them. 

I don't think he gets that from my side.

We dragged the kids to see Seussical the Musical at a local theater, and you know...

I think we all thought it was pretty fantastic. And, the kids got in free.
Sensing a theme yet for what makes me happy?

Hello my name is Beth, and I am addicted to Pinterest. 
Hello Beth.

Our 4th of July was filled with goodies that I copied gathered from this amazing site!

These patriotic little guys were a hit with the family, and were so easy to make.

This idea was also inspired from my Pinterest perusing. I modified it just a bit to add a couple of my favorite things like: butter pound cake, cream cheese whipped filling, blueberries, and a sinful amount of sugar. These my friends, are happiness in a jar.

Nana and Papa spent the 4th with us, and we had such a good time with them!
When these fine folk are around, our kids forget that Darrel and I exist and I'm
pretty sure just see us as live-in help.

Can't forget Grammy. Yep, these kids were spoiled in heaven with all their grandparents visiting.

Again, I think I'm changing my mind about loathing summer.

Pushing daddy into the pool. They thought they were being sneaky, 

so daddy didn't disappoint with his dramatic fall.

Walking home from swimming, lightening bugs, popsicles, sunscreen, and headless towel children. 

The essence of our summer.

Usually when I put the laundry away the boys sneak off with one of the baskets to play in. I have seen some pretty cute things, but today takes the cake. I promise you, Ben thought of this all on his own.

Obi-Wan "Ben" Kenobi rowing his basket boat.

Little brother wants a ride. Ben says okays it on the condition that Harrison will help row.

The "Oh, you're taking my picture" smile.

Harrison trying to put on his swim trunks for a little swim.

"Mom, Harrison's not helping row."

 Ben decides to abandon ship. Harrison: Hey Ben, bring me some sunscreen would you?

H: Watcha got there?

B: (inner thoughts) I'm going to ignore him- but I'll be ready to throw down at any second with my cool new Buzz Lightyear moves when he tries to steal this sweet nectar.

 H: (inner thoughts) This sure is a swell picnic.

B: (inner thoughts) I'm going to push this food around on the plate to make it look like I consumed more than just juice. She'll never know....

H: (inner thoughts) Whoa, there's mom. She's gonna want to change this bad-boy diaper. 

If I stand real still maybe she won't see me.

B: (inner thoughts) There...must....be....one.....more....drop....in....here... 

Minutes before I snapped this picture I promise you there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth over who got to play with a broken toy. Well time-out couldn't keep these brothers apart. Every time I  set Harrison in his time-out spot, two seconds later you'd hear the swish-swish of a full diaper running over in Ben's direction. Finally, I just gave in, and took it for what it was, a golden photo opportunity.

We finally had some nice weather last week- so we spent some time at the park. We saw some ducks, had some Sonic drinks, sang some Veggie Tales songs, and enjoyed ourselves immensely.

The boys headed towards the promised land.

This little face makes my heart go pitter patter.

Ben fearlessly climbing the rock wall with precision. Next it will be bungee jumping or worse...dating.

Harrison's famous scowl. Probably in response to me asking him how he felt about healthcare reform or the taboo subject of non-fat milk.