Swim swim swim

We're still here and still swimming.

The cousins are having fun swimming away the summer.

They have made up all sorts of pool games.  Some better than others...

These guys are the official fish of summer.

OK, you have to see another picture of this adorable puppy.  Isn't he the cutest?  You really should stop by to meet him.

We've had the 'rents home for a few days now and the kids are in heaven.

This is grandma and baby Libby.  I think they will be friends.

A special thank you to Aunt Christina for making this guy's dreams come true.  He got one of his pieces back and has been looking for the next one every day in the mail.  Thank you!

Welcome Home

Last night was the big night.  Mom and Dad came home from Russia after a year and a half mission for our church.  The kids dressed up silly so they would recognise our crazy group from a distance.

They had a blast with the silly disguises.

We got lots of stares from everyone at the airport.  I think that made the kids even more excited to have the props.

We planned on videoing the triumphant return but when the moment came the kids couldn't wait and they just charged grandma and grandpa.

We all pretty excited.  I think they got their fill of hugs for the next 10 years.

The little miss kept hugging from the bottom every two seconds.

Grandpa had the same idea as we did.  He pulled out his glasses to impress the kids.  They were lighted and flashy-- it was a real hit with the kids.  I guess the baby apples don't fall far from the tree.

Scout

Meet Scout our newest member of the family.  He is a 7 week old Schnoodle puppy named Scout.

We think he is a keeper.  Come on over an meet the newest little Taylor guy.

Rope Swing

Yesterday morning, I went outside to let the dog out and I found Tim in the back yard with his chainsaw.  That's always a fun find.  He went at the forest cutting away to make the kids a rope swing.

The kids were pretty excited and so was Tim.  He just loves to use his chainsaw.

Here he is tying up the rope. 

After some careful thought, he added a seat to the rope so it would be easier for the kids.  Then he took an old tire and added it to the swing set so the kids could try that out too.  I think he enjoyed himself even more than the kids did.  Just when you thought our backyard couldn't get any better-- it did.

Rain Dance

On Saturday we came back from running errands and it was pouring.  The first thing the kids said was, "can we go play in the rain?"  I'm a sucker for summer rain because I remember enjoying it so much as a kid.  So I let them grab their umbrellas and head outside.

Breckyn was loving the glam of a properly placed umbrella.

This is how it started...

Slowly the umbrellas disappeared and the real fun began.

add a few puddles...

some splashing...

Heck, why not just try to swim in it?

The next step was towards the pool. 

Why bother with a swim suit when you are already soaked?

Can you tell what they thought of this?

I think my kids were the happiest I've ever seen them.

They slowly dispensed with their clothes.

The boys thought stripping down was the coolest.

I drew the line at undies and made them keep something on.  They were loving life.  Later that night they each commented how awesome it was to swim in the rain.  They told me I was the best mom ever.  I love when that happens.

This is how silly they got about swimming in the rain.  I love these goof balls.

Taylor Barlow fun

Here's what we've been up to.  There is nothing like the hot sun, some good friends and a little pool time to make the perfect summer.

This is Mr. Cool.  Caleb sporting his new shades.  He is lookin' pretty fiiiiine!

Libby Lu got a big girl bumbo to hang out in and she is enjoying her new found freedom.

What's a cookout without a few smores?  Can you see the happiness plastered all over their faces?

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We found the JUMBO marshmallows the Utah clan has been talking about and we tried them on for size.

Pool time for the kids.  (goggles-- a given)

Barlows brought over their slip and slide and it was a crowd pleaser.  Then weren't into waiting for each other....

They would all end up in a big pile at the end.  Cousins are the best!  Think this looks like fun?  Then what are you waiting for?  Come over already!