a stroll in the park

In February, David and I decided to take our health a little bit more seriously. We already had a good healthy diet, but making time to physically condition our bodies was dependent on our children's moods and schedules. I finally came to the realization that it was going to be better overall for my children to see their parents establish healthy living in front of them than to make sure they made it to bed the exact same time every night. I guess both is possible for some people, but it just wasn't for us and mornings will probably never be a successful option.

The simple truth is that it is hard with young children to find the time to consistently exercise. However, I truly believe the old saying, "You do what you want to do." I decided I wanted to be healthy and teach my children to make it a priority. For our family, that desire turned into us getting a family membership to the local YMCA. It has been so good for all of us. The boys adjusted well to the later bedtime 3 nights a week just fine and David and I have really enjoyed working out together. We've been going to a kickboxing class that we both love which helps with the whole motivation thing.

The only downside that I've seen with our new weekly schedule is we don't make it to the park as often as we use to. Before, week nights were often spent playing in the big grass field and strolling a winding track with our boys. I really miss it. Last week, we ditched out class (our instructor was out of town anyway) and spent a few moments just enjoying the clean air and wide open spaces.

We grabbed dinner together first at an outdoor restaurant on the river. The ducks appreciated our visit.

 And our leftover fries.

 

 The carp were a bit hungry too, I guess.

 When we first got to the park, the boys tore off towards the playground. Parker loves climbing the walls.

 For the very first time, Graham conquered the daunting feat of making it up the red tube. This tube leads to bigger better slides, lots of tall scary openings, and a freaked out mommy. Children are genereally safe until they have the ability to scale the red tube. His world just got larger...and more dangerous.

 We swung. And swung. And Swung.

 And swung some more.

 More proof that boys don't grow up!

 Trying to do pull-ups like daddy.

 I spent lots of time on this track when pregnant. In fact, I believe this track was a large contributor to labor with both of them. It's kind of neat to see them walk it themselves.

 I like to sit down in the middle of the field and just watch the boys run wild. 

 Run they do, and wild they are.

 Sometimes they'll plop down on me for some lovin. When this happens, I throw gently hand the camera to David.

 I have a real soft spot for my first born. Despite his extreme independence, he's such a touchy, lovey kid. I'm thankful.

 I love these little fellas.

 What a refreshing evening. Too bad strolling doesn't burn many calories, because it was a nice break from the gym.

fourth fun

Every year, July 4th goes up on my list of favorite holidays. I love my country so much. I also love watching my three year old (for only 2 more weeks) in awe over explosions of color in the sky.

 

 We got together with a few friends to watch the show. It was pretty darn good this year. I found it weird that they would have the main shabang on the 3rd, but whatev.

 Before we headed down to the river's edge, we got a bite to eat at Pies and Pints downtown. Their pies are to die for!

We decided just a few days before the weekend to have a cookout with a few of our favorite people. Gotta love last minute planning. It turned out to be such a good day. Corn hole and cupcakes. How much better can it get?

 

I'm sure you noticed T-rex. He and Parker were inseparable for the holiday. Any day for that matter. He has a bit of an obsession with any dinosaur/reptile right now.

 

How cute is the cheering section?

 

You may ask, what are these girls laughing at? Well, they were making fun of a poor soul who tripped and almost broke her ankle. Their mommies must not have taught them to not laugh at people.

 

Parker and "T" watching the game.

 

Nana even got in on the action. Graham wouldn't let her toss alone though. Yes, his finger is still in his nose. Too bad there isn't gold up there.

 

Aaron chased baby G around for a while. It was good practice for him ;)

 I just love this shot. What in the heck is Eddie doing? Apparently it was funny.

 Ms. Tabi getting her corn hole on.

David asked for strawberry cupcakes. He's spoiled so he got his way.

 

The food was delicious. I even got to try a new recipe I found on Pinterest for my zucchinis. OH. MY. GOSH. YUM. I'll post it some time this week. A total winner. I was so busy running around that I forgot to get a picture of all the real food in the kitchen. Oh well, cupcakes are prettier than hamburgers and pasta salad anyway.

I thought it was going to rain, but when it didn't, we took the party outside on my old rickety picnic table that David drug around from the side yard.

Lastly, my attempt at getting a picture of the boys.

 Parker was such a trooper even when Graham poked him repeatedly with the flag.

I hope everyone had a happy, safe July 4th celebrating the amazing country we live in.