A PEACH PICKING GOOD TIME

On July 22 Peach Picking Season began at a local farm, so the boys and I met up with Amanda and her kiddos to pick away. This is the first year that we have made it out to pick peaches and I wasn't sure if the boys would even like them since we usually don't buy them. We did know that papaw would eat them if no one else would though.


Of course before we set out the kids had to play in the Kids Corral for a bit and were promised they could do the miniture golf after we picked our peaches.

We are headed out to the peach orchard on a wagon ride!

Carson contemplating the amount of work he has in store for peach picking.

Hayden ready as ever.


Best buddies (they look like they may be up to no good.)

Headed out to the orchard.

Carson tasting his first peach, checking for ripeness of course.

Hayden giving it a try since the other kids have all ate one and everyone is still doing fine!

Hayden and Carson

He falls, but saves the peach!

Reaching high for ripe peaches

Carson showing Grace what to do (not like she doesn't already know).

Now we are climbing trees to get the really ripe ones.

Carson found one

The boys were such great helpers toting around all of our good finds

Waiting on the tractor/wagon to come and pick us up after a hard days work.

A quick picture with this years Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Orchard, while waiting on the wagon still.

Our Wagon ride back.

Hayden had to take a quick ride around the Kiddy Corral after we picked peaches and before a quick round of miniture golf before we headed home. We had such great weather while we were here even though it looked as if it might rain all day. After all the hard work, the boys decided that the peaches are better suited for papaw and that they can't wait until Apple picking time!

Hole number 1

Carson concentrating!



Now hole number 5



Hayden with his 5th hole in one. By the time we hit hole number 9, Hayden had 8 hole in ones. Carson was just happy to play.

HAYDEN LEARNS TO RIDE A BIKE

I had an unexpected day off on July 9th and so the boys and I went to the pool in the morning then came home for lunch. After eating lunch, I asked Hayden and Carson what they wanted to do. Hayden said he wanted to ride bikes, but didn't want his training wheels on. A few falls (in the grass) later, he was riding all over the yard. Hayden wouldn't get off until daddy got home from work to see him. Then after daddy came home we had to take a quick trip to grandma's house and show papaw, Chelsea, and grandma. The next morning we were packing up the bike again to show momaw and popaw. Carson attempted the new found adventure on Hayden's bike, but decided he likes his training wheels. Seeing Hayden ride all over the place is just another mile stone that reminds me that he is growing up...

The adventure begins...

and we're off...

oops...

"I got it now mom, look out"

Hayden had to call his buddy Mrs. Amanda first to share his news and then needed to talk to Seth about this big event. Within just a few days Seth was off on his own as well so we met at the park and let the boys ride around. Grace attemted to ride, push, pull and look at the big wheel I brought for her, but many times found running after the boys more fun. Too bad my picture of this didn't turn out...her running around in the helmet was hilarious.

FAMILY FUN AT THE RUEBUSCH'S...

Our July 4th weekend was jam packed. We were with Kevin's family for the 4th, and onthe 5ht we were invited to a family friendly BBQ/July4th(on the 5th) celebration at our Jim and Carolyn's (our friend Mark's parents). This made the second weekend in a row that we were with Mark and his family and after spending this day with them I know him and Trisha will make great parents, (we just found out recently that they are expecting!)

WOW!! THERE'S A POOL MOM!!!



THE BOYS GEARED UP FOR A CHICKEN FIGHT, BUT CARSON'S IS THE ONLY ONE WITH THE CHICKEN, or is it the other way around?
Mark wrestling in the pool with the boys


THE FISHING DERBY HAS BEGUN!!--go Hayden with the first catch...but wait...they just keep getting bigger and bigger and bigger...



Carson waiting patiently for someone to get his rod ready.


AND WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE???..as I called it "bulldogging it"... some called it "hogging it"...and I think Mark called it ..."where's that net?!"




DETERMINATION!!...WHO NEEDS A NET ANYWAY?

THE FIRST BIG CATCH!!

ANOTHER BIG CATCH...OOH..and here's the net? Knowing Carson, he had it all along!

ALL THAT FISHING...let's take a break.
Hayden jumping over Mark's head.

VOLLEYBALL

Nothing's better than beachball, pool volleyball. Carson's standing ready for a stray ball. Mark and Jim took turns with their teammate Hayden front and center.

TIME TO FISH AGAIN!... so far Hayden had the first catch and Mark the biggest and most interesting catch.

Hayden and Carson fishing off the end of the dock.

CARSON'S BIG CATCH!!!

I am not so sure he knows what to think!!

AND NOW... HAYDEN'S BIG CATCH..check out his face ("that thing better not touch me")

I AM NOT SO SURE WHO'S CATCH THIS ACTUALLY WAS....it must be a big one though
Hayden claimed it was his since it was his rod, I think I see Kevin in there trying to make it look like his catch, but I really think Mark's cousin reelled this one in. Thank goodness for Trisha's nephew's they were a big help to the boys all day!!!!!!

THE 4th OF JULY (Is someone under arrest?)

This year was the second year in a row that we celebrated the 4th of July with Kevin's dad; Aunt Janice and Ron; cousin Angie, Pat, and their daughter Emma; and of course the boys think our friends Tom and Nikki are their uncle and aunt so they were also there with their daughters Kennady and Kassidy. We invited a few other friends as well, but they were unable to make it. We had a pot luck type dinner (yummy, yummy), played at the playground, twirrled sparklers, and then watched the fireworks show. Everyone had a great time and we are looking forward to next year.

COUSINS ARE THE BEST (we miss you Brooke and Kyle!)

Carson, Emma, and Hayden

MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO!

Hayden hanging from the rings

Hayden, Carson and Emma hanging from the rings

Carson holding on tight

MOMS AND BABES-

Carson, Angie, Hayden, me and Emma

THE GIRLS HAVE ARRIVED, FINALLY!
Emma,Kennady, Hayden, Kassidy, and Carson

WHAT IS THERE TO EAT?

Kevin taste testing...and of course the ladies trying to set up still(Aunt Janice and Angie)

A little wave from "Papaw with the tractor", Aunt Janice, Angie and Kevin

THE GROUP

Hayden, Emma, Kennady, Carson, and Kassidy

MY SWEET BOY(when he wants to be that is)- I have been trying my best to prepare him for his first day of Kindergarten, but I think I am the one that needs the preparing! I am sooooo not looking forward to dropping him off that first day. Trust me, I am packing the Klennex (I even took off work!)

TIRES?

"TAKE A PICTURE LIKE THIS MOM!"

ALL RIGHT, ALL RIGHT, NO ONE GOT ARRESTED!
We had so much food, that we asked the on duty police officers to come eat. Pat and Tom used to work with these guys, so they even allowed the kids to meet their K-9 unit dog. WOW! The kids were so impressed, and mommy was too. He was one of the most well behaved German Sheperds that I have ever met. He put our Sara to shame. All the kids were able to pet him.

The group loving the opportunity to see and touch a police dog, our dog looks identical but she's not as cool!

SPARKLERS AND FIREWORKS
Hayden with his sparkler

Carson



The group watching the firework show, ""quit hiding your face papaw!")