Did I really just say that?

I drive a van.

With 3 little boys in the back.

It is summertime.

Those 3 little boys get really dirty.

Like everyday.

They are also hungry.

All.

The.

Time.

So, we eat in our van.

A lot.

That van can get pretty messy.

Crumbs everywhere.

Cheerios everywhere.

Sand, gravel, dirt, rocks, sticks.

Everywhere.

We have a new rule to help keep the van clean:

Take everything that is your's into the house when we get home.

Also, everyone must eat 5 Cheerios off the back seat before they can get out.

I'm totally serious.

Life with boys is messy.

But oh so fun.

Father's Day 2012

 I knew that Eric was fun, happy, goofy, and thoughtful when I married him 8 years ago.  I knew he was hardworking, loyal, and adventurous.  But watching him become a father to our three boys has made me realize just how lucky my boys and I are to call him our's.

Eric loves his sons.  He has a such a sweet and unique relationship with each of them.  Sam, Max, and Jake know they are important to their dad.  They absolutely adore him. 

So do I.

Happy Father's Day to one of the best dads I know.

Stop it. Right now.

My kids are growing up, and there's nothing I can do about it.

They like to measure themselves nearly every morning and show me just how long their legs and arms got during the night while they slept.  I try to hammer them down sometimes to stop them from getting too tall, and they laugh and laugh about how my hammering does no good.

I just have to watch them get bigger and bigger.

And in some ways it breaks my heart.

Summer is here, so that means we've got another year of preschool under our belts.  Both Sam and Max had fabulous years.  They learned so much and had fun too.  I worked with some of the best women I know to make preschool amazing for our kids.  We are so lucky.

Max had a little graduation party at the park with his preschool friends.  He felt so special and loved hearing compliments from his teachers.  Here's what they had to say about my Max:

"Max is THE BEST super hero!"

"Max, even though he was the smallest in our group, his personality is larger than life.  His laugh and smile are infectious!"

"Mas is a very funny kid.  He is always looking to make everyone laugh.  He can bust a dance move like nobody's business!"

"Max was energetic and happy during school.  He is a friend to everyone!  Max can write his name really well and learned to use scissors."

"Max is such a joy to teach, he's willing to do whatever the teacher asks.  He has an energy for life and a smile that melts any moms heart!"

Oh, Max!  You are a good one!

 And my sweet Sam finished his last day of preschool...EVER!

Kindergarten begins on August 1st.

He is so ready and so excited for kindergarten.

And me?  No, I'm not ready.  I can't even think about it without getting emotional.

So, let's put off blogging about it until I have to, ok? 

Thanks.

Sam learned all sorts of things this year. 

He is a reader.  He loved learning about famous artists and musicians.  But mostly, Sam loves his friends.

These four boys are wild, crazy, smart, fun, happy, and goofy.  They are truly great friends. 

I feel like this summer of 2012 is precious.  It's our last summer before real life starts.  Real life that includes real school and real schedules.  We are going to soak up every minute of it that we can!

summer night scenes

Icecream.

Tastes for baby brother.

Dad has to help contain the dripping mess.



Sometimes Superman icecream is an absolute necessity on a hot, humid night.

Best Brothers.

That's what they call each other these days.

And I absolutely love it.

Max always ends up on the top bunk with his best brother.

Always.



And the littlest best brother is my dream sleeper.

Thanks, Jake.  I owe ya one.



The nightly neighborhood crew.

Sam and Max try their hardest to keep up with these big boys.

Catchin' air off the sweet bike ramp and slam dunkin' on the Little Tikes hoop are part of their nightly routine.

 This was actually a summer morning scene, but I love it.

"What are you guys playing?"

"We're not playing.  We're studying bones."

Yes, they want to be just like their dad.

Dockters in the house!

We spent last week in sunny Scottsdale, AZ with all of the 21 Dockters!

That's 11 grandkids!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We hadn't been all together in a long time, and it is amazing just how big our group has become. 

 We had such a wonderful time!

I love seeing my boys play and bond with cousins. 

I grew up surrounded by cousins and I feel sad that my boys don't have that.

So, cousin time is precious!  They loved running around, staying up late, swimming with, eating with, and laughing with cousins for six straight days.

I giggle when I see my boys play with girls.  They just aren't used to it.  Girls play soooo differently!  All of these girl cousins are so good for my boys.  They taught them all sorts of new songs and cheers and even taught them to play mermaids in the pool. 

Sam and Eva still share a special bond.  They love each other so much.  I overheard a sweet conversation between them one afternoon at the pool.

"Sam!  You are my best friend!

"Eva, we are more than best friends.  We are best cousins!"

And of course, grandparent time is precious, too!

Golfing was a must for the guys.  They had a great time.  I am so glad Eric got to spend time with his brothers and dad!

We hiked Pinnacle Peak one morning before the heat set in.  It was beautiful!

I  have become so used to the endless green and trees of the midwest, that the landscape in AZ seemed totally foreign.  We loved the enormous cactus that grow everywhere.

Swimming was definitely a highlight.  Jake even loved it.

I feel like right now I live for Eric's weeks of vacation.  There is nothing better than being together without the worries of crazy work schedules, on call nights, or just extra stuff.  I love vacation!  It was wonderful to be together and explore a new city with family!

When can we do it again?!