Hot Air Ballon in the Backyard

Derek and I were watching some hot air balloons floating out behind our house today. They aren't uncommon, so I lost interest pretty quickly. Suddenly, Derek dashed outside yelling about a balloon and, sure enough, when I looked out the window we saw a balloon closer than we ever have before. Even Mitchell and Colton came out to watch the drama. Though my camera was dying, I managed to take a few pictures of the close call the balloon had with a nearby house.

 

 Running out to see the balloon

 

 So excited and trying to make sure I didn't miss the massive balloon

 

 Near miss!

 

The balloonists finally landed in the pasture behind our house

Mowing the Lawn with Dad

Mitchell made Derek's day today. He went out to mow the backyard and popped Derek up on his lap the whole time. Derek was singing songs like "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," "Old Macdonald Had a Farm," and "The Farmer in the Dell." He was thrilled to help turn the wheel to steer the mower and point out patches that needed to be cut. He threw all his strength into helping Mitchell move the jungle gym and trampoline. I was content to sit and watch, but Bryce was bouncing up and down and yelling for a turn. He was so cute! Maybe when you get a little older, kid.

 

Beyond thrilled

 

 Watching Dad line the mower up

 

 Trapped on the trampoline - safe from debris

 Sweet boy!

 

 Two opposites

 

 Helping Dad move the jungle gym

 

 Sitting in the biggest patch of grass on the lawn - it was under the trampoline

 

 "Don't miss that spot, Dad!"

 

 Chainsaws are a little more effective, Colton. ;)

 

Making the last round with Dad.



Party at Nana's!

Aunt Amy and Aunt Bella came out to Nana's house for the weekend! We had a blast hanging out with them today. Mitchell was even able to come spend time with us between work. Derek has outgrown the little trike we kept at Nana's house, so my mom wanted to upgrade his bike. We headed to Walmart to find a suitable replacement. Derek had a blast trying out several different bikes in varying sizes. We've found that an 16 inch wheel is a perfect fit now, but the 18 inch is do-able til he grows into it more. Aunt Amy and Nana picked out a fun mowhawk helmet too!

 

After that, we went home to eat lunch and play some Dance Central so Mitchell could show off his mad skills at "Soulja Boy" and other songs. He really is good at these games. We all got into it and even Derek and Bryce were able to participate! I agreed not to post pictures of my mom or Kelly dancing or video of Mitchell doing "Soulja Boy" but rest assured it was epic!

 

 Trying out a motorcycle helmet he found

 

 Found the mowhawk helmet!

 

Final combo! An 18 inch wheel, mowhawk helmet and happy kid!

 



 Derek was our lunchtime entertainment

 

 Amy gets a big kick out of watching Mitchell dance to "Soulja Boy"

 

 "Yooooooou!"

 

 Nana, Derek and Aunt Bella!

 

 Dancing with Dad!

 

 Dancing to the beat of his own drum

 

 The "superman" move for the corresponding part of the song

 

 The signature "Soulja Boy" move

 

 We got a big kick out of watching Nana help Bryce do the dance moves!

 

 Bryce likes this rocking chair

 

 My handsome boys!

 Me and my 23 and a half weeks pregnant self!

 

Derek and Nana, Bryce and Aunt Amy!

Shhhhh....

We tried a headband on Bryce to see how it fits. It's hideous, I know. Lol!

Riding the Rocking Horses

Derek and Bryce love the rocking horse and bouncing zebra at Grandma's house. Derek is way too big for the rocking horse, but we haven't found a suitable larger horse yet. He doesn't mind making do. Bryce loves to touch the horses and has recently learned how fun it is to bounce on the zebra!

 

 Good morning!

 

 Derek loves helping Bryce

 

Yee-haw!

 

Derek's interesting version of side-saddle

 



Bryce learns how to bounce on the zebra



Pool Party!

I blew up the backyard pool to give Derek something fun to do and Bryce insisted on swimming too. He was a little apprehensive about the waist and chest deep water at first but he quickly mastered crawling around the water. A great way to cool down on a hot summer afternoon!

 

 Chew toy!

 

 Face first!

 

 Sweet smile!

 

 These two are so cute!

 

 Having a blast!

 

 Derek liked this inflatable tube.

 

 HE was very inventive with his entertainment

 

 Derek turned the tube into a Frisbee

 

 When he was done with the "Frisbee," he jumped back in! He refused to wait for me to get his swim trunks, so I just let him swim in his underwear. Haha!

 

 Brothers!

 

 Mid-jump

 

Playing with water

Bubble Gun

Nana found a cool bubble gun at the store. Derek was thrilled to go out in her backyard and pretend to shoot the "bad guys." We were well-protected. Bryce was content to sit and watch from Nana's lap of luxury. :)

 

 Pow pow!

 

 A plethora of bubbles

 

 Perfect ammo for a three year old

 

 Happy as a clam

 

 Trying to shoot the camera

 

 Bryce was politely amused

 

Shooting the bad guys