Burney Falls 2015

With so many pictures from our camping trip, our afternoon spent at Burney falls earned its own whole post! (P.S. A lot of photo cred here goes to Casey!)

Most of the pics will speak for themselves here. I just enjoyed watching my kids and husband appreciate a new-to-them place that holds a special place in my heart. If I ever get my hands on some of the old pics from my childhood here, I guarantee some comparison posting!

In the meantime, here are some of my faves:

The first glance of the falls from up top 

Making our way to the bottom...

It wouldn't be a complete trip if Andrew stayed out of the freezing cold water!

Fortunately, the kids decided dipping their toes in was sufficient

Gus had way more fun and ease with the walking part than I expected. He didn't ask to be carried once!!

Obligatory family photo op on the picture rock!!

Road trip aficionados

Don't get me wrong, we've had plenty of our share of when-will-this-be-over-are-we-there-yet moments, but considering this is our third cross-country trek for the summer, these kids have been super trooper awesome kiddos. Helps when we stop for slightly longer breaks like this one at a totally random park in Salt Lake City. 

For starters, Aotis got to have his first solo ride in a swing!! (Not sure who was having more fun here though!)

My three super travelers 

Arjen even found a basketball and a court with a junior height hoop at one end. He even made a few baskets!

And while I was really hoping they'd run around the whole time to burn off all that energy, they were impressively interested in learning how to play checkers. So we scrounged up some pebbles and wood chips, and played a makeshift game!

I may complain about wanting more consistency and routine in my life at times, but moments like these really make me appreciate the flexibility of my awesome little nomadic family!

6 months?!?

Time flies. I know. It shouldn't be a shocker still. But it is. I'm just grateful that I get to stop and appreciate the wonder of a child's first year again! It truly is amazing to watch these little people just figure life out. And it helps that they're so darn cute too!!

Aotis proudly sporting an outfit worn by his dad (and both Anderson uncles) for his 6 month "photo shoot"

For comparison's sake:

And while we're comparing different babies in the same outfit: 

(Gus - on left - at 8 months, Aotis 6 months)

Rub a dub dub, my three boys in da tub! Aotis quickly grew out of the infant tub, and is more than happy to join his big bros in the real tub. 

Not even pretending to pay attention at big bros' swim lessons.  The table is waaaay more interesting!

This kid is seriously trying to figure out crawling already!

Aotis, you continue to be one chill, super happy dude!! Your smile is contagious! 

Pool fun!

This year, both boys got to partake in swim lessons.  Arjen was officially out of the preschool levels and into the "big kid" level 1. Gus mastered preschool level 1.  Both had fun on the lily pads at the end of lessons, and Arjen even jumped off the diving board! 

Arjen going across by himself 

Gus with his class in a "train" (he's the caboose)

Gus on his first trip across the lily pads

And jumping with excitement after he got across!

Arjen mid-air off the low dive. He told the teacher he wanted to jump in by himself!

And the look of sheer pride and joy on his face as he paddled to the ladder

It's a good thing these kids love the water so much!!