Cooling Off

We got to spend the afternoon cooling off with our buddy Luke and his mommy.

The boys had fun going from fountain to fountain splashing...

and spraying...

and just trying to stay cool!

We took a little break from the action for a quick lunch.  After the boys ate they were back at it again!

Celebrate America

This past weekend our church had a special Celebrate America musical.  We had a full house, every seat in the church was taken.  They honored men and women of the Military, as well as First Responders.  We were so proud of our daddy as he was honored with the First Responders to a standing ovation.

We may not love his hours and the toll it takes on our family time, but we are so proud of him and thankful that he has a job that he loves so much.

This and That

Some random pictures from the past couple of weeks.

Daddy and the boys enjoyed a carousal ride.

Mommy watched and waved from the sidelines.

Barrett's new way of sleeping.  I think we need to get him a sleeping mask!

The boys enjoying an afternoon snack on their trays.

Fun summer pictures I want to be included in next year's blog book.  I am slowly working on my book for 2009.  Can't wait to get it finished and see it in print!  It is always my motivation to keep on blogging!

Adoption Fundraiser

I was doing my adoption blog hopping one evening when I came upon this blog post.  I read it.  Thought about how cool it was.  Read it again.  Thought about it again.  Then, I did it.  I filled out an application for a chance to be included in a very cool fundraiser.  It was late one night when I filled out the application.  All the lights in the house were off.  I was just about to shut the computer off... I clicked on the application, said a prayer, and went for it.  This week we received a very cool email that started this way:

Dear McIntire family,

We are very excited to let you know you have been selected as one of our first feature families for our Hip Mom adoption fundraiser!

 

We are thrilled.  After receiving the news last month that we will be matched to our little girl a lot sooner than we had expected, we have been praying for God to provide the financial means to make this happen.  God never ceases to amaze us along this journey.

 

Starting AUGUST 1st we will be a part of the Hip Mom adoption fundraiser!  I will be posting more details as the time approaches.  Start spreading the word!

The New Fad

You might have seen the bracelets that are the new fad for kids.  Chances are if you have kids, you probably have them scattered around your own house.  So just what are these new-fangled bracelets? They are silicone rubber band-like bands in varying fun shapes such as stars, hearts, and a large variety of animal figures. They also are available in nearly every bright color imaginable. Kids are having a lot of fun with these collectibles at school, wearing a wrist full of bands, showing off their latest finds, and trading with friends.  Store clerks say they can't keep them in stock.

Blake got his first pack as a party favor at Carly's birthday party.  He and Barrett have been hooked ever since!  They both love to put them on, take them off, line them up, look at the shapes, and then put them back on again.  They have been a fun, cheap little summer collectible for the boys.

Movie Night

Blake has been anxiously awaiting the showing of Toy Story 3.  We surprised him with a movie night with his friends. Barrett stayed and played with Jim and Duby since we knew he wouldn't be able to sit through a whole movie.  First things first though... I had to get pictures of them together in their Toy Story gear.

After we dropped Barrett off, Blake and I had a quick dinner together.  Then it was time to meet Daddy and Blake's friends!

They were all excited about the movie!

After lots of laughter and a few uncertain faces... we made it through the movie.  We got the kids some ice cream and walked around by the lake to finish off our fun night.

As the sun set we ended our fun night with friends.

Clowning Around

Today we went to see a special clown show at the library.

The Ringling Brothers clown was there promoting the upcoming circus... and doing some entertaining tricks too!

The boys watched as this funny clown did his thing!

Barrett didn't find it entertaining the whole time though.  He got a little antsy from sitting there so long.  I had to take him over to the toddler section of the library to play while Blake finished the show.

When the show was over they passed out these lovely clown noses.

And when we got home Blake started practicing his juggling skills.

All in all it was a fun, free, successful morning!

One Step Closer

Barrett is one step closer to being a big boy.  We took the side rail off the crib in order to prepare him for his big boy bed.

Here is our baby on his last night in his full crib.

And here is our baby on his first night inching his way closer to being a big boy.

He was very proud of his bed and couldn't wait for me to turn out the light so that he could go to sleep in his "new bed".  He slept like a champ, never got out, and was still sleeping at 7:30 the next morning.  We will see how the rest of the week goes!

Next step:  Bye Bye Crib!

Father's Day Celebration

Saturday night we had our Father's Day celebration with my family.  It was complete with a yummy dinner, dessert, and a game of wiffel ball.

Blake on 1st base wooden board.  Hey, you use what you have around the place for these activities!

Uncie was Blake's personal coach for the game.  Blake hit several balls and caught several... with his head and chest.

Dad was the pitcher, along with the other members of the family playing in the outfield and the bases.

Barrett and I sat on the sidelines and cheered.  That's how I like to play the game of wiffel ball!

After the game was over Mom brought out fresh fruit and water for everyone to snack on.  We came home for BATHS and bed shortly after.  We all had a very fun night together.  I am so thankful for our family nights!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to 2 wonderful Dads!!

Elvis In The House

Blake LOVES Elvis!

We have been listening to Elvis' Greatest Hits in the car and at home for the past year at least.  For his birthday Uncle Josh and Aunt Yay Yay got him a pair of Elvis glasses (from Graceland) and the DVD of his greatest hits.

On any given night (every night!) you can find Elvis LIVE in concert at our house... complete with autograph signing afterwards. He is happy to sign any book, even if it's a phonics book.  His little sidekick's glasses of choice are the neon yellow goggles.  The playlist includes: Love Me Tender, Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, Teddy Bear, and All Shook Up.  There is gelled hair and lots of leg and hip jiving.  Their audience is always in awe when this spectacular concert comes to an end!

Lots of Water

Today was Blake's last day of swim lessons.

He and Presley have made such big improvements with their swimming this summer!

Since Barrett has been such a trooper and waited so patiently each day while Blake was in his lessons, I took him to the sprinkler park to play on our way home.

He LOVED getting to run and splash!

Blake enjoyed it too!

We played for about an hour and then headed home for late naps.

As you can see by Barrett's face, he wasn't happy about having to leave.  That is his I am not going to look at the camera because I am mad at you for making me leave face.

A fun day cooling off in lots of water!