4th of July

Our block is small, but we can get together and throw a mean party! We found that out when the 4th of July was approaching. One neighbor suggested we rent a bounce house, then another suggested a keg, and yet another suggested fireworks. It turned into a whole neighborhood potluck, party in the street.

The huge bounce house that was suddenly outside our house.

The boys tried out the bounce house before the party started.

I think they enjoyed their trial!

The neighbors bought a little water themed entertainment for the afternoon.

A little less coordinated than his big brother.

But just as bright of a smile!

Jonathan was loving the splashing!

Matt's frequently used attempt at a pouty face when he sees me armed with my camera.

The real expression!

Sweet treats were abundant!

At one point we couldn't figure out where Matt had gone. Apparently he had invited himself in to one of the neighbors houses and was putting on a concert for the entire extended family!

Here is the video version of the Matt Show.

Let the craziness begin!

Sparklers!

The kids weren't sure what to do.

The gathering started to watch the dads have their little kid fun with fireworks!

The kids had a blast sitting back and watching the fireworks in the street, but nothing was better than hearing them laugh collectively at the noises and craziness that surrounded them that night!

It was a good day, turned into a good night. We were even able to walk to the park in our neighborhood and enjoy some of the fireworks at the pier. We lucked out with our house, for sure!

Golf Lessons

This summer we signed the boys up for golf lessons. They have really enjoyed it and now even have their own clubs. Here are some pics from a few weeks of lessons.

They started out with lessons and it was just the two of them the first week. I love the look Matt has, including his stance. He cracks me up!

Working on the full swing!

Jonathan has changed a lot since this first week of lessons. He seems so little here.

The next week they met Tyler and Josh, who would be with them most weeks.

Giving Coach Tyler high 5s is a highlight after each turn.

The Big Dog, as the call it!

Another week, another set of collared shirts. I love that they quickly picked up on our lesson on golf attire.

Trying to master putting.

Goofing off together, while Jonathan takes a turn.

Working on a good finish.

For the big money...

Working on that "tippy toe finish".

Surfin' Boys

Three years ago, our friends Chris and Chivon came for a visit and we went to the beach so Nick & Chris could surf. This year, so many things were different, including us not having a baby anymore, and them expecting one in December!

Here's Matt, "riding" Chris' surfboard 3 years ago.

3 years later, and no baby fat left!

Jonathan was able to try it out this time. He was napping in his infant carrier 3 years ago.

Look closely, or maybe not so closely, at his forehead. The bunk bed got the best of him a few days before this adventure.

Sacramento Zoo

While in Sacramento, I was able to visit with a good friend over lunch and then meet up with the boys and my mom for a trip to the zoo! The boys had a blast.

We had to stop and measure wingspan.

I love that they weren't quite tall enough to keep their hands out of the hole!

I wish I'd had my own camera along for this one! My mom had her camera, but I think for this one, we needed 2 photographers to catch the different angles. The boys had the opportunity to feed giraffes! It was so cool! They went and paid for it while my mom and I stood and supervised.

The look on Matt's face was incredible as the giraffe took the leaves from him. See, 2 perspectives needed...

Jonathan was cracking up at the giraffe's tongue the whole time.

They just weren't connecting, so the giraffe problem solved when he realized Jonathan just wasn't going to get him the leaves above the railing.

Checking out the zebras.

What?

The zookeeper has grown extra shoulders and arms where only his head should be!

Next to the giraffes, this tractor proved to be the most interesting part of the zoo. We used a few quarters for them to ride in it, and then they just amused themselves for quite a while without any movement. It was great!

There were some great sharing moments during their playtime in the tractor. They convinced each other to ride along, took turns, and genuinely had fun with each other. There were a few minor rough patches, but all in all, it was nice to sit back and watch two brothers that like each other and enjoy each other's company!