Building a summer sand playhouse!

Uncle Wayne came down a couple of weeks ago and built a sandbox for Dyl. (Wayne snuck outta town before I could snap his picture with the sandbox). We've been a little busy the past couple of weeks and I hadn't gotten the chance to check into getting sand. Grandma and Grandpa came down this weekend so we decided to complete the project. More summer sand adventures to follow!

Good thing Grandpa brought his big truck to town!

Dyl's neighbor friends, Joey and Nicole, joined the work crew. They're excited to benefit from their hard work!

Excuse me...but doesn't Grandma look a little over-dressed for hauling sand? Just a question...

Troopers...You can always count on Tracy and Leslie to be around to help!

Music, music, music

Papa Bates has had these flutes for years and they're immensely precious to him. The night before he left to go back home Grandpa taught Dyl how to play them. How fun for Dyl to learn so much more about his grandpa and for them to spend this precious time together. I'm so grateful that Pops, Grandma Dorothy and Rodney felt comfortable enough to come to Utah and stay at our home. What a wonderful blessing and a great opportunity for Dyl!

Grandpa's Hat

One thing about Grandpa Bates is that he loves hats; He has hats that he's owned for years. This particular hat is one of Dylan's favorites...

Grandpa and Dyl got to show off their missing teeth. There ain't nobody like good 'ole Grandpa Bates!

Father's Day

Dyl got to spend Father's Day with his father for the first time this year. Without getting too deep, I'm grateful Dyl has been able to get to know his dad a little better over the past few months. Anybody who knows us knows that Thomas and I were divorced shortly after Dylan was born and Dyl has really missed out by not having a dad around. I continue to pray for Thomas through his struggles and hope he will be able to work through his personal "stuff" and be a more constant in Dylan's life. With that said, when I think of wonderful common characteristics Dyl shares with his dad I think of the following:

1. Quirky, out-going, funny, laid-back personality
2. A forgiving heart
3. Charm
4. Good teeth
5. Beautiful, big brown eyes
6. Athletic abilities
7. The ability to love everybody
8. A love for giving and doing for others

Thomas invited us over for a BBQ today and this is what Dyl had picked out for him. I enjoyed watching Dyl interact with his Papa and Dad. Afterwards, Grandpa taught Dyl how to build a fire...Ever wonder where Dylan gets his good looks from?

On this special day I also celebrate those who have filled in and stepped up to be great male role models for Dylan. I'm extremely grateful to my own dad for the person he is and for providing me with a wonderful childhood. I have such fond memories of my dad growing up. At the time it really stunk...but I have such great memories of doing chores with my dad and feeding all the animals in the tough, cold, Idaho winters at 6:00 in the morning. My dad wasn't just a dad. As busy as he was trying to provide for his family it seems like he never wore out. He would come home from school every day and take a 10-minute nap with kids jumping all over him and then he'd be good to go for the night. What a chore it must've been to be responsible for raising 7 human beings and how easy he always made it look. My dad is a man of character and compassion. If there is ever anyone in need you'd better believe my dad will be there and be the first to step in. My dad has always had a love for the elderly and would take us often to visit relatives and elderly neighbors. My dad is and has always been there for the underdog. He definitely picked the right profession when he went into teaching because he genuinely cares about children and the struggles some of them go through. I could go on forever and write a novel about how wonderful my dad is but there's not enough room on my blog or the entire internet. One other thing I would like to mention, however, is that I love my dad more and more every time I see him with Dylan and see the wonderful relationship they have. I am truly a blessed girl!

California beach bums visit sunny Utah...

How lucky we are for a fun visit from Pops and Grandma Dodo...And they brought Dyl's cousin, Rodney, along for the ride. All day long Dylan kept asking when they were gonna be here and they FINALLY made it! Some people think it's strange that Dyl's relatives stay at our house when they visit but we LOVE it! ...So grateful for the fun times and for Dyl to get to know the other half of his family!

Breakdance Boys...

Chase and Dyl love to dance so we decided to put them in an all-boys hip-hop/breakdancing class. These pictures were taken on the day of their performance but I couldn't really get too many good pics during their dance as it was too dark. I couldn't decide which pictures to post 'cuz there were so many cute ones...So here are a few of my favorites!

Top 10 Things I've Learned So Far About Being A Mother...

1. There are no better days than lazy dayz hanging out around the house: putting puzzles together, playing board games or "go fish", throwing a football or looking for bugs in the backyard...
2. I never did quite understand boys or the weird things they do...And, since being the mother of one of these strange creatures, I've received confirmation that I never will!
3. If I swear or say something naughty, you'd better believe Dyl will realize it's wrong and repeat it!
4. Sleeping in is a thing of the past!
5. Never spend too much time preparing a meal 'cuz that's the 1 time Dyl won't be hungry.
6. I really do have a great sense of humor!
7. Parenting advice from those with teenagers is great wisdom.
8. No matter how many parenting books I read or how many "Love and Logic" classes I attend, you'd better believe Dyl will try something that wasn't even discussed!
9. Spongebob is actually quite entertaining and tends to be a fabulous babysitter on occasion!
10. No matter how badly my day has gone, just a big squeezy hug from Dyl can make everything seem perfect!

not TOTALLY TOOTHLESS!

Last night Dyl noticed his bottom tooth was loose. He kept moving it with his tongue and, this morning when he woke up, it was half-way ready to come out. He was over at Aunt Tracy's house eating some cereal and it just fell out...My baby lost his first baby tooth!