Summer Fun

Summer Time

This summer was lots of fun.  In June Larkin and Brayden both took swim lessons.  Larkin had a great time and by the end Brayden didn't think they were so bad either.  We spent most of our days at the pool and hanging out with friends.  Even though Daddy was busy at work we enjoyed visiting him at his office to have lunch from time to time! 

 Brayden playing on our swing set before it got too hot!

Getting ready to splash around outside in the kiddy pool. 

Again, it is almost impossible to get them both to smile at the same time.

A Pretty Pretty Princess playdate!

Circus Time!

The circus came to town at the end of June so one morning Daddy told Larkin to come visit him at his office and he would have a surprise for her.  Once we got to his office Daddy hopped in the car and said it was circus time!  Larkin and Brayden were so excited and loved seeing all of the performances. 

 Larkin just finding out that we were heading to the circus.

Larkin's Dance Recital

Our Little Red Riding Hood!

In June Larkin had her first dance recital.  She was so excited and although all the parents were not sure how they would actually do on stage, it was fantastic!  They danced to a Little Red Riding Hood song.  All of the little girls were dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood and their teacher was the Big Bad Wolf!

Larkin and Rylee waiting backstage.

Here is a video of their performance.  It takes just a few seconds for the picture to come up.  It is sort of hard to tell which one is Larkin, but she is usually standing right next to the teacher.  At the end of the song that is our little Larkin who had to jump up and clap for everyone.  Not quite sure where she gets all of her personality from, but that is our little entertainer!

All tuckered out after her performance!

 Larkin Turns 3!

Our little girl turned three in May.  We can't believe how quickly time is flying.  She has brought us so much fun and entertainment, as well as more love than we could ever imagine.  We are so lucky to have two such sweet children.  For Larkin's birthday this year she wanted to go to the zoo so that is exactly what we did!  We had a great morning riding the carousel, seeing the animals, and visiting the petting zoo.  Later that day we had to celebrate with a yummy princess cake!

 A ride on the carousel.

 Right now Larkin is in a dress wearing stage in life so what better to wear to the zoo!

 Just taking a little snack break.

 Deep conversations with Daddy!

 Brayden getting ready to pet the sheep.

 Helping Brayden look for an easy-going sheep.

 Found one!

 Two horses that were not too big to ride!

 Our little princess ready for her princess birthday cake.

 Getting ready to blow out the candles.

 Everyone had to wear a crown, even Daddy!

 This stuff is messy!

 Present time!

 Larkin was so excited to open all of her presents.  She got lots of things for playing kitchen, some adorable clothes, and lots of princess stuff.  Thanks everyone!

We had several wardrobe changes throughout out the present opening process.

 Showing off all of her new stuff from Aunt Tara, Uncle Dan, and all of her cousins.

Look at all that bling.  Aunt Tara sure knows what little girls like!

Easter and the Botanical Gardens

Easter

This year Larkin has really gotten into all of the holidays.  She had a blast decorating Easter eggs and was so excited to wake up and see what the Easter Bunny had hidden around the house.  Brayden wasn't quite ready for dying eggs, but he sure had fun hunting for them!

Larkin getting ready for some Easter egg dying.

 Larkin and Daddy concentrating on getting those eggs just the right color.

Goodie basket time!

Why did Mommy make us wear these silly ears?

 Larkin searching for Easter eggs.

 Look, I found one!

Bradyen having fun with the empty eggs.

 Our happy little girl!

One of the goodies that the Easter Bunny brought was a kite. Here Larkin and Daddy are trying to fly it on a super windy day.  Might wait until she is a bit older to try that one again!

Success!

 Bray decided to sit down and watch all the excitement from the sidewalk.

A Visit to the Desert Botanical Gardens

Before the weather got too hot we decided to explore the botanical gardens.  Since we had never been before we weren't quite sure what to expect.  It was absolutely beautiful and full of color!  Larkin especially loved visiting the butterfly tent and Brayden enjoyed getting to roam around on all of the paths.  Amazingly, he didn't even try to grab any of the thousands of cacti around!

 Checking her butterfly guide.

 Our little caterpillar.

 Bray loved being able to wander around.

Trying to get them to pose together and smile is pretty much impossible!