4th of July fun and more!

Getting ready for the 4th of July weekend, but we first have to finish up a few odds and ends.

Benji headed back for one final swim lesson with Miss Liz, but it was storming.
She said he was good to go -- so, instead, he had a final good-bye to THE baby! :)

Daddy tries to get handy and fix the water line to the fridge --- Josh wanted to help, too!

Benji checks out a wiped out Josh who fell asleep before dinner.

Derek leaves dinner with a "summer scarf"
from Grandma's collection.

Derek recently had a sleepover at Aunt Susie's, so that means this time is Josh's turn!

The breakfast of champions --- only at Aunt Susie's place!

Daddy helps Benji prepare for a day down at Bubby and Zaide's house.

Getting rid of the 5 o'clock shadow

Daddy: Nice beard, Benji
Benji: Thank you.  I was a bit unsure at first, but it has definitely grown on me.

At B & Z's:

Derek and Mommy work on Lincoln Logs

Benji enjoys a Bubby-made smoothie.

Everyone is proud of their mustaches.

The boys on 4th of July!

We played games, swam, had BBQ, and saw fireworks --- a great day was had by all!

Josh's creates a dog.

The gang.

Fireworks in the local park -- no bug spray necessary!

The boys also were able to finally begin their Back to the Roots Organic Vegetable Water Garden. We should have Radish Sprouts and Wheat Grass in a few weeks and our Betta Fish will have a home filtered by the roots of the vegetables.

And, at camp....

Derek works on a hammer, nails,
string formation of "D"

Dinosaurs exploration.

Music Time.

Basketball Time.

Stretching for sports.

WINNER at the Carnival!

Benji is adjusting nicely in the separation class.  He loves to have snack and listen to stories at the end of each class.

Josh shows off his "Cubs" mask.

Josh tries to get the boys to stop sucking their thumbs!

Our Water Garden  has quickly blossomed and we cannot wait to try our first crop!

Derek added a Lego-Man to keep Teddy
company -- Teddy often swims by to say hi.

The boys decided to name the fish Theodore
(like Theordore Roosevelt in Newsies).
They call him Teddy for short.

Since it's sunny later, we decided, on a whim, to go to adult services at our temple (since the cantor will be playing the guitar and singing).

Ready to go.

Josh wanted to hold hands for the picture.

Goofy boys.

Impossible to get them all looking and smiling at the same time!

Back at home --- Mommy will never get sick of snuggles.

In love.

This cute peanut butter face:

Derek always walks around with his Blue Pillow, so we showed Benji he has a Red Pillow and Blanket.  The other day he was so upset, and he ran around the house asking for "Red Pillow Peas." Once he had his pillow, he was as happy as could be!

Benji is under that red pillow -- you can see his feet sticking out.

LOVING his red pillow.

The next morning -- the Derek and Josh join Benji in his crib (all with their own pillows).

Benji snacking like his big brother.

Benji -- Mommy feels the same way about grocery shopping.

Some more camp:

Cheesy Joshie

Sidewalk Chalk Time

Mr. Patrick and Derek.

Mr. Alec splashes around with Derek.

Benji climbed into the bed in his room and was "reading" a book.

Derek decided to climb in and actually read to him.

Then they shared a book side-by-side.

An amazing sunset to a great summer day.

Good night, Moon.