I did my best to get some action shots while the boys were swinging. They love to go high on the swings.
And Talon LOVED the hammock. He just laid there and looked up at the trees. Simon used to love to sit in his bouncy seat in our backyard and "talk" to the trees too. It's funny how they are so the same - yet so different!
A few weeks ago, we realized that we had a bunch of raspberry bushes behind our garage. We were so excited - they are Jon's favorite fruit. We've been waiting and watching and finally they were ready to be picked. The boys loved helping Jon pick them all. They were so good.
We ventured out to a carnival at the end of June with our 3 boys and our friend Stephanie from church. My boys love Stephanie! She moved to Colorado a few days after our trip to the carnival. :( We already miss her!
As soon as Simon saw the ferris wheel (he called it a paris wheel), he wanted to go on it with me. So we did, just me and Simon. 
The little boat ride.
And the airplane ride. They did this one a few times. The last time around Ben went in his own plane. About halfway through he was on his knees turning around to see us. I was flipping out! Luckily the ride ended shortly thereafter. Whew!
Getting ready for the dragon roller coaster to start. Simon's been on it before - this was Ben's first time. As you can see, he's a little unsure.
Ben liked it the first few times it went around. After that, he was done! Simon was not. He went on a few more times by himself.
Ben loved this little train.
I haven't posted for ages and I am so sorry. I'm especially sorry to Grandma Penny in England who goes out the the library every day to use the computer! I'm going to do better, I promise! I have a TON of pictures to post. And a cute video from the carnival.
Here's the only picture I got on Father's Day, which is kind-of sad. We did have a nice day though. Very relaxing for Jon and I both. The boys swam in their little pool and in the evening we went out to Dairy Queen.
Ben does not like his picture taken BUT he does like an audience! He so reminds me of Pete sometimes. He is such a ham! Yes, that is his swimsuit on his head. He just came running into the room one day like that. So proud of himself.
And Simon is so funny too. He gets me cracking up so often with the things he does and says. It's great for the day - which can sometimes feels so long...
It was really his first time in his swim suit and he looked so cute! I put his feet in a few times. He wasn't quite sure at first but then he kind of liked it. It's nice to have a 4 year old who enjoys using the camera because Jon was at work. I wouldn't have pictures if it wasn't for Si. He's pretty good at it though, don't you think?
Talon is really starting to get his own little personality now. I love how he studies my face then gives me a huge open-mouthed grin. This morning he did a little laugh. It was great!
My dad has to travel from his home in Pennsylvania to Peoria, Illinois a few times a year on business. The good thing about it is that visits with us are on the way! On Friday he stopped at Aimee's so my boys and I went out there and we had lunch together. The kids got to play together too so that was nice.
I don't know why but Ben is always antagonizing Chloe (probably because we don't have any little girls in our house!). She's usually pretty good about it though (probably because she doesn't have anything but little boys in her house!). Here he is trying to get her with a cup of water.
Brett always says "Auntie, baby" when he sees Talon. It's really sweet.
I love the impromptu visits Dad! Tell Caterpillar that you need to visit more often! :) It's great...except for the pain in your back. And the 7 hour drive, I forgot about that! It was great to be together ~ love you!
On Tuesday we went to my friend Katie's house. We met a few other friends that I play cards with every week and their kids there. They had a blast. At one point I think we had 12 kids there! I know, we're crazy!!!
Here's a picture of Simon and Chloe with Katie's kids - Anna, Cally & Tucker. Thanks Kate for a great day out!
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