Little helpers

This evening, after family prayers, I told the kids they could read a bit. I usually read to Abby and Jacob during the daytime, but for some reason, at night they like to 'read' by themselves. I guess they just want to be like their big brother and sister. I usually don't mind because it gives me a chance to finish picking up. Sometimes I'll catch Emma or Aaron reading to one of the younger ones. It's so nice when they help each other without having to be asked.

Tonight, Jacob was a little more tired than usual. With watching conference, and having a different schedule, he did not get a nap (something that has become a part of his routine lately). And by 7 o'clock it was obvious that his nap had been missed. He was throwing a tantrum and telling me 'No!'...so I put him in bed. I guess Emma had a bit more compassion than I did because a few minutes later I heard her singing to him. It was so sweet that I had to capture it on camera!
Everyone should have a big sister!

I know Jacob is glad he does!

Since I was taking pictures, I walked over to the girls' room and caught Abby 'reading' to herself. She is such a character. I think she could read/sing to herself, make crafts, or do 'schoolwork' all day long. She is one independent girl!

Aaron was reading a Junie B. Jones book to Josh. Aaron is such a good reader that he put Josh to sleep!

I love all my little helpers!

On the lake

Don't worry...I've almost finished posting pictures from our summer adventures. :) Before we left Georgia, most of Josh's family got together at the lake. The kids, of course, had a blast. I think they could live in the water...most of them anyways.
Jacob liked playing up in the house or walking around on the dock. He's such a silly boy!

They took the boat out tubing for a bit. Emma was so excited to be out on the water again.

This year Abigail braved the slide. They have a slide on the dock that goes out over the water. I guess after jumping off of a bridge this didn't seem so scary.

Aaron spent a lot of his time perfectinv his 'dive.' By the end of the day he was actually doing very well. However, Emma got very upset every time I let him take his life jacket off. At least that shows that she loves her brother.

This is Jacob playing on the dock while everyone else is out on the boat.

Time with Nana

This summer the kids got to hang out with my mom. They loved being "country kids" for a bit.

Adventurous eaters

Last night Josh went to visit someone and they sent home some jalapenos from their garden. Being the boys they are, he and Aaron decided to each eat one.
Getting ready for the bite.

Recovering from the bite.

Taking a second bite to finish it off. Why!?!

Feeling the burn.

The remnants of their eating adventure.

The aftermath of man vs. food

After that second bite, Aaron drank and drank and drank.

He kept saying that his throat was hurting. I wonder why. :) I really don't know why he took that second bite...I would never have taken the first one.

He was so pitiful for a few minutes. I think he stomach hurt more from drinking so much than from eating the jalapeno.

He said he'll never eat another jalapeno, but Josh is trying to talk him into making it an annual tradition. Boys!

Aaron was so sure he was sick that he spent a little time in the bathroom. Fortunately, nothing ever happened. Man beat the food this time.

The Dixie Staaaaampede!

One of our favorite places to go is the Dixie Stampede! The food is good and the kids are captivated by the show. It's so fun to watch them clapping their hands and cheering for their side. And they love to drink out of their boot cups all year round. Here's a few pictures from the pre-show.
Jacob his popcorn and drink more than the show.

Abigail loved to see all the animals.

They loved it!

We think it's funny how 'into' it Aaron gets. Last time he was moving to the music. This time he was a little more subdued but nonetheless enchanted. Can't wait till next time!

Cousins

This summer we stayed at Josh's parents for a bit and the kids got to visit with a lot of their cousins. They camped out on floors together, played all day (usually nicely), and got into a decent amount of mischief. :) It's great to spend that time with family!

Abigail was born to be in the country. Shoes....what are shoes?!?

The three musketeers! Aaron, Trent, and Hayden.

Emma and her cousin Hope.

Jacob had a blast playing on the slip 'n slide! He thought everyone was his friend. :)