Three (and a half) Year Pictures

Hunter and Reagan had their pictures taken in July by an amazing photographer Marianne Brown. I was impressed with how well the kids did considering we were pushing it with their naptime and the mosquitoes at the lake were insane! Here are a few pictures. Of course they were all amazing but maybe I'll save all that for a photo book or something:-)

Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus!

Hunter & Reagan went to their very first circus on Saturday. I'm not sure who was more excited for it, the kids, or me! I hadn't been to a circus since I was around six years old so I was stoked:-) We had SO much fun. We started out with dinner at Taco Johns which is my absolute fave. Well, as far as fast food goes. The circus opened to the public an hour early so we got to be on the floor and the kids were able to do a bunch of fun events with the circus performers.

Reagan made a fast friend with this woman. She was with the hula-hoopers but when the circus started, she did all sorts of stuff. Most importantly, riding the elephant with the American flag for the National Anthem. How COOL is it that the circus sings the National Anthem before it starts?!?!

Reagan showing off her mad hula-hooping skills.

Getting their tattoos. One thing is for sure, the last circus I went to didn't give tattoos!!

Hunter wasn't into the tightrope walking but of course our gymnast Reagan was!

This was the highlight for Hunter. He is 100% into anything with engines so he was more than pumped to get on the motorcycles with the "cool dudes".

My dear, dear friend Kirsten WARNED me about these light up swords. I was secretly hoping we could steer clear of the toys but just as she warned, it's impossible. So... here is Hunter with his light up sword....

...and Reagan with her light up spinning wand.

On a side note, Water For Elephants is my Number 2 favorite book ever read and this circus definitely didn't compare to the Benzini Brothers. I guess you could consider that a good thing;-)

First Day of 3-4 Year Preschool

Hunter and Reagan started preschool on Monday. They moved up to the 3-4 year class this year even though they'll be four in November. I guess that's how it is being born "late". Luckily for me, they still have another year of preschool after this one before they go to Kindergarten. Sadly, I know these two years will go by just as quickly as the last 3 1/2 have:-(

Camping & Goodtimes Take 2

Here are some additional pictures that Julie took of our trip.

Reagan fishing

Somehow Reagan walked back from the lake with no shorts on. I wish I was that skinny that wet shorts just fell off!

Hope & Reagan

Daddy & Hunter roastin' marshmallows

Hope & Trevor

Camping & Goodtimes

This past weekend we went up to camp at Michigan Lakes. We went with our great friends, the Eddy's, our awesome neighbors, the Chavez', and Ronda and her family. Brenda and her family met us up there on Saturday. We had an amazing time. The only bad part was that our campsites weren't very close to each other. We know the lay of the land now so it will be better next time:-)

All eight kiddos ready for our mile hike! Honestly, these kids are what made the trip so enjoyable!

The Edwards Fam ready for the hike

Anywhere we go, Hunter will ALWAYS find a stick...or five....

Notice the two sticks in his hands.

...and two new sticks!

Liam, Brok, Jace, and Tyler wading in the creek.

The water was so refreshing. Very cold but definitely refreshing. This is Ronda, Julie, Reagan and I.

Evidently Liam thought it was super refreshing. Seriously, you have no idea how cold water is at 9000+ feet!!

Trevor accidentally fell in completely but when he noticed just how entertained we all were by it, he didn't get upset. He just "fell in" about a dozen more times!

We celebrated Uncle Gary's 45th birthday Saturday night. I'm sure he wouldn't mind me advertising his "young" age.

Ryan took the kids and I on a wild four-wheeling trip. It lasted about an hour and a half. It was SO much fun. The trail was really meant for four-wheelers and Jeeps but as you all definitely know, a GMC can do anything and go anywhere:-) This is how the kids rode the whole way. Gotta love back roads!

We made it to the top. I have no idea how far up we were but it was gorgeous!!

Time to go. Hunter knows just where to find the wrench-thing (my vocabulary) and puts the camper jacks up himself. It makes me proud so you KNOW it makes his daddy proud:-)

Pitstop