August(us Gloop. Why? Because I can.)

I should also add that the kids and I read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this summer, and they thought his name was just hilarious so... 

August happenings: Water play, Pe-pa's birthday, mine and Craig's seventh year anniversary, another zoo trip, camping, the state fair, and more!

When it's hot, we slip and slide.

You'll notice Fischer getting less and less dressed.

Until this happened. What's that style of parenting where you don't make your kids wear clothing? "Lone wolf-ing" or something? Ah, well. Fischer was lone wolfing it.

And they never nap better than after a hard day of play. And yes, he is resting his bottle on his teddy.

For my dad's birthday treat this year, I made him corn fritters. The kids were not sure about them but he says they were spot on. (Meaning they reminded him of the ones he ate as a kid. Mission accomplished.) 

As I try to do one really fun thing each week during the summer, we went to the zoo again.

The weather was great so most of the animals were out and ready to interact. Vash didn't understand why the panda was red. 

Fischer loved the flamingos.

Measuring themselves against the animals.

He was sure this was a real animal, so he was super brave for getting on it.

And not to be outdone, Rhyla hopped on too. (Vash was not interested.)

They were walking a baby elephant through when we went by. Fischer is getting pretty good at mimicking the different animal noises, so he busted out his elephant trumpeting.

We ate at the new restaurant for lunch, which overlooks the zebras' and giraffes' exhibit. Vash thought it was very cool. (On a side note, he wanted to know why they put 'grass' in my salad. Grass is apparently not cool.)

Aquarium!

Roller time.

Turning like a boss.

You'd be surprised at how fast these things go.

Log ride. (It ain't Disney, but it'll do.)

Petting the goats. Vash was ok with this until they started pooping, lol. 

Isn't her hat adorable?

Fisch doesn't care what comes out of an animal, he loves them always. (i.e. Won't stop petting them even when they're trying to walk away.)

And when Grandma and Grandpa come, the kids get a carousel ride too.

Having fun, but holding on for dear life.

Another swim day.

Crazy hair kids.

Why yes, he does fall asleep with a bottle by his face a lot. (And because I'm paranoid about rotting teeth, it's usually filled with water.)

Rhyla came with me to the store one night to get everything I'd need to finish making Christmas presents. She wore this witch hat around the entire time. Got lots of compliments. Pouted a bit when I said we weren't taking it home. Quickly forgot about it when I let her pick out a candy instead. 

Brothers. 

They were demonstrating their pony gallop as we took a walk one evening.

Bugsy enjoying the freedom of a long leash. 

Rhyla trying her hand at a selfie.

Camping! The kids were so stinking excited for this. They asked about it probably everyday over the summer and wanted to stay longer when our trip was done. If I hadn't of been 31 weeks pregnant, we probably would have planned longer than a three day trip!

Snacks around the fire.

Chips make Rhyla sluggish.... but very happy.

Brought the bunny. Fellow campers stopped by to pet her. They were rather impressed by a pet rabbit.

The rickety play set that the kids braved despite threat of splinters. 

Fischer saw Vash take a wiz in the woods and couldn't quite figure out how to emulate that, lol. 

Bedtime. So excited about their brand new sleeping bags.

Helping daddy cook breakfast. 

It was a bit chilly first thing in the morning, but warmed up quickly.

They had a "beach" there, which I think was the kids favorite part of the trip.

Rhyla and I buried our feet while Craig took Vash out in the canoe. 

Fischer tried to play on the swings but ended up enjoying the shade beneath them better. 

Canoeing with Daddy.

Another family was nice enough to let us raid their sand toy box.

No matter where he goes, my little Vash ends up with female admirers. This one was older than him and spent an hour searching for a sea shell for him. He was grateful and treasures the shell, but I don't think she stood a chance against Sara. 

Creative graffiti. (Can't touch this!)

A tiny frog we found during a nature walk. 

Holding hands as walk to a field to play some soccer.

After we packed up camp, we went to the bluegrass festival. We ate, took a ride in a horse-drawn cart, looked at the wares, attempted to rock climb (which didn't work out because the kids were afraid of heights), and bought yummy fudge to take home. 

Best selfie these two have taken.

Runner up here though.

Digging in the garden.

My mom brought the kids a small bug house. They have caught a number of ants and caterpillars, but the real prize was a tiny garden snake. We named him Draco.

Unfortunately, his little back was broken and he died after a few days. (Yes, I sobbed and sobbed because he was a sweet little thing and it was one of Vash's friends that threw the cage and accidentally hurt him.)

Craig made the kids a giant slip and slide, complete with TONS of soapy bubbles. Kids were in love... until it took forever to shower off the suds, lol. 

Twin parks sandbox day.

Craig actually came to the fair with us this year! Until they called him out twenty minutes after we got there. Good thing my parents met us. He drove their car home so he could leave and my parents stayed with me and the kids.

Cows. Fischer was thrilled for the opportunity to show off his moos.

Almost forgot to mention that Vash and I started homeschooling in August. The first book we read for funsies was Charlotte's Web. From now on, all pigs are Wilbur, bacon is the devil, and fairs make us cry. (Just kidding. Nothing will stop these kids from eating bacon, lol.)

The kids fell in love with this man's tiny goat. It was SO little. 

Corn dogs and fries for lunch.

Vash wanted a picture with the giant rabbit. I think he's hoping Bugsy will get this big.

And I think Fischer was hoping for a chance to put sunglasses on this goat.

Rhyla loved the turtles. (She loved feeding the tiny goats too, but somehow I didn't get a picture of that.)

Vash wanted a picture of this guy so he could try and draw him later. 

After going home for a rest, we returned to the fair for an evening of rides.

Grandma and Grandpa took the big kids on the bumper cars. Fischer and I stood and waved from the sides. 

Why so serious? (The truth is, his favorite ride was the carousel. We rode it ten+ times. I think anything but the carousel was just 'meh' to him.)

Ice cream for dinner. I am not going to explain myself. 

I made Rhyla a new dress so she'd have something special for her last/first day of preschool. I think it turned out great.

Vash's new soccer season started up too, including new Wednesday night practices. Fischer and Rhyla have a ball running around with all the other little siblings.

Fun: As demonstrated by Rhyla.

Working hard on the field.

Peek-a-boo!

If there is a screen nearby, my children will find and commandeer it. (Not even sure what Disney movie they were watching, but I was glad the other kids let my babies join them.) 

Johnny Two-Hats.

Vash's team is called the Destroyers. They haven't lost a game all season, lol. (And when they win, it's like 10-0.)

Fischer really wanted to see this puppy but Rhyla beat him to it.

Love it when these three play nicely together. They're having a picnic with Lego food.

My model with a flower in her hair.

Being silly with her apple. Man, I love my kiddos. 

Craig and I didn't really get to celebrate our anniversary on the day of, so we went out for dinner and a movie later in the month. Rhyla didn't want me to leave, so we took some silly pictures first.

And Vash joined in. 

So, August proved another fun month. I started the Christmas presents, Vash and I got into a routine for homeschooling. We finally went camping and now the kids know the glory of S'mores. Summer might be done, but we sure made good use of the sunny weather. Onto Fall and fall fun!