Liam went in for his first official haircut today. I’ve trimmed it a little in the past, but this was the real deal.
Before.
The stylist was smart and gave him a sucker (also his first!) to distract him.
“Hmm…lookin’ good!”
My handsome little guy.
My first attempt at an “after” picture. Clearly, sitting in his high chair with no food on his tray was not acceptable.
“Who, me? I don’t know what food you’re talking about.”
July has been a great month! Our landscaping was done, we celebrated the 4th of July, and this past week we went up into the mountains for our annual Haymond Family Fun Day!
Amelie and Calder have started taking swimming lessons. They are having so much fun! This is the pool at our local rec center just across the road from our house.
Amelie is so dedicated to her ice skating. She’s started going during public skate times to practice–she goes around and around the rink–and her skating is really improving! I’m really proud of her for her desire to practice and improve. This night there was hardly anyone at the rink. The rink, by the way, is adjacent to that cool pool from my first picture.
Grandpa Haymond getting things set up at our campsite up at Moosehorn Lake.
Keian taking Calder for a raft ride.
Bryce and Easton out for a ride.
Isn’t it gorgeous?
Easton caught his very first fish! It was the only fish that anyone in our group caught that day. He was excited, but also a bit nervous about the flopping fish when he reeled it in.
This is what a day of fishing, hot dog and marshmallow roasting, and rafting will do to ya!
Hurray for summer! It’s been a great one. Oh, and Liam is walking now! New walkers are just the cutest thing.
Our landscaping is finally finished! We bit the bullet and hired a professional landscaping company to install everything and manage the whole build. Bryce designed the landscape, however, and even made a 3D mock-up of the plan! Here are some before and after pictures.
Before. All these lovely weeds sprouted this Spring.
After!
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After. The woodchip area is where we will put some more play equipment for the kids.
Our bubbling rock water feature. The kids love playing with this!
It will be fun to watch the plants and flowers grow bigger and fill out more. In a couple weeks, we’re having a fence installed along this side of our property, too. Pretty fun!
Somehow I’ve let a whole month go by without posting and now you’re all going to pay for it with one long post because it’s been a fun month around here! I’ll try to keep it short and sweet.
Amelie’s been taking ice skating lessons! She really loves it.
Zoo trip! We just renewed our annual pass since we now live a lot closer to the zoo. Should be a fun activity this summer!
The rest of the crew.
“Hey, boys! Look over here so I can take your picture!”
“Hellloooo!”
The boys really wanted a photo with this otter statue. Cute little otters.
Calder finished t-ball. He was such a great sport and a really good team player.
I had surgery to remove a tumor (that turned out to be benign!) from under my arm. I got all dressed and put on my surgical cap and the nurse said, “Now all you need are the boots!” I totally thought she was joking. Ha ha…
Bryce took Amelie and Calder to West Fest (our city’s summer celebration) and they went to a cool animal show.
The kids have been playing with LEGOS a lot. Amelie made up her own instructions for building a space ship. Anyone who has ever built something from LEGO instructions will recognize how true to form this is.
And this boy is just so much fun. He’s almost walking and is such a snuggle muffin.
June was a pretty fun month! July’s highlight will be the installation of our landscaping. Stay tuned for some fun before and after pictures of that project after it’s done.
Remember this list? Well, I’m determined to finish it. Here’s today’s prompt:
Describe when you knew your spouse was “the one.”
Interesting question. I can actually tell you when Bryce knew I was “the one.” At least I think I can. I think it was when we went to this cute musical called Forever Plaid. During the show, a girl gets chosen from the audience and the guys in the musical sing to her (the storyline revolves around a group similar to The Four Freshmen, or other boy groups from the 50’s). Well, this particular night I got chosen to go up on stage and be serenaded. Anyway, I think Bryce has told me that watching me up there, he just knew.
I have to say, I think I loved Bryce from the very start. After our first date, this is what I wrote in my journal (prepare yourself for mushy stuff): “Last night was wonderful. I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun with a guy. From the start, I felt like I could just be myself. No pressures. Bryce is a great guy. He listens and wants to hear how you are really doing, what occupies your time. He laughs and isn’t afraid of looking silly. He dances to have fun and he belts out Broadway tunes with me. And he smiles and makes you feel special.”
One month later: “Bryce and I see each other at least once a day and usually for several hours. I could spend countless hours with him and not realize that one has passed. I think I might love him. He makes me so happy and I feel so safe and content when I’m with him. He lets me know how much he appreciates me and makes me feel so special.”
5 months after our first date (and one year before our marriage): “I love Bryce so much. Sometimes I wonder what the future holds for us. I don’t have any answers, only the peaceful assurance that everything will work out if I am faithful and continue to seek the Lord’s guidance. I could marry him, and, at this point in the relationship, that’s I’m hoping for.”
So, yeah, I was clearly smitten from the very beginning. 11.5 years after that first date and I still am.