At the start of the Summer season we got a swing set! It was an incredible deal we found on Facebook Marketplace still new in the "box." It took Benny and two friends multiple evenings to put it together. To say Bonnie was excited is an understatement.
Riser has the sweetest temperament. He is so laid back, flexible, and happy! He is very smiley when he gets personal attention and has been laughing more and more. He is so snuggly and sweet I don't ever want to put him down. I continue to try and battle the thumb-sucking habit but am sorely losing. He is still a champion sleeper and we are praying it's not just a phase.
This month Riser started rolling from his back to his belly, and has been sleeping on his belly at night. He has rolled from his belly to his back a couple times by accident, but not consistently. Even when we do tummy time, he is just so comfortable on his tummy he just gives up and relaxes right where he is. We pulled out the bumbo and he has been enjoying sitting at the table with us for family dinners. I can't sing this kid's praises enough. He is my little dream boat and I am in love.
We went to Sweethaven Lavender Farm with our small group a couple weeks ago. We had a great time but it was hot! We all started cutting our lavender pretty quickly so we could finish up and go sit in the shade. It's a very beautiful place to visit though.
I realize we are already halfway into July, but I still wanted to post some of the photos I never got a chance to from June - mostly random cute pictures of the kids.
Notch is still ever-present.
Benny living his best life fishing from the backyard.
There has been lots and lots of library time.
She also has been singing, rocking, and reading her baby to sleep.
He looks so little here! He is already so much bigger!
A small base for an umbrella came in a very large box.
We've been loving the Chapel Family Picnics, despite the heat.
Bonnie found one of Benny's old hats.
Her favorite new thing is digging in the dirt and making dirt pies.
Bonnie and Eric made ice cream together.
It turned out great! Although it was much better the following days after it hardened up.
Hopefully I'll have one of these up sooner than later for July!
The week leading into 4th of July weekend I took the kids up to Mom and Dave's again. Eric had a few days off and was also planning on spending some time there. Benny had to stay home and work so, as always, it was nice to have an extra hand with the kids! And there is always so much to do at Grandma's. Bonnie kept saying 'I want to stay here forever!'
Our days were full of slow mornings on the porch, some puzzling, lots and lots of pool time, and delicious food from mom and Dave who grilled something different every night we were there!
Grandma's impressive garden - Bonnie loved helping water the plants and pick veggies.
She would also go around each morning and do her rounds feeding all the animals. First the fish, Maggie, then the chickens. Uncle Eric said she may even get to feed Duncan in August when we're all together.
Bonnie has become a little fish in the water, so long as she has her floaties on. She has gone under a couple times but is still timid. We are hoping once all the Stratton kids are around setting the example she will get more comfortable!
Riser is also loving the water.
We got to see a big thunderstorm roll in from the porch.
Uncle Eric was a favorite, as usual.
Bonnie did a rest time outside and asked Grandma to snuggle her.
Another fun visit - can't wait to go back in August! Thanks for having us!
We got back on Sunday, the 3rd, just in time for the big 4th of July party in our neighborhood. They had live music, tons of food, and fireworks that the kids did not make it up for.
On the 4th we spent pretty much all day at the beach with the rest of the neighborhood. It was a lot of fun and always helpful to have other people to entertain/hold my kids.
Baby corner in the picture below - you can see Riser's mesh bed and another little baby girl right next to him about 1 month younger. Another one of our neighbor's on our street also just had a little boy 2 months after Riser.
Later that afternoon we went over to a neighbor's house and grilled out for dinner. It was much more low-key and we called it an early night. I personally didn't see any fireworks this year but I know our time will come. It was such a fun week and we are loving these long Summer days!
