Barbecue

We went to the 35th annual Tanner Family Barbecue this weekend. We have lived next door to the Fenzls since 2003 and I think we've attended every year, so that would have made this year our 7th year to attend. It's held at Lori's parent house every July. It's such an enjoyable day, but we realized that it was a lot more relaxing prior to having children. We spent most of the day chasing Riley & Ryan around and making sure they didn't get into trouble. They had such a fun time exploring, but it was totally exhausting to us. We were there from about 1:00 - 5:30, and we were totally zonked. I can remember years we were there from noon until the late hours of the evening, but this year is was just a few hours and it wiped us out. The weather could not have been nicer - it has been absolutely beautiful these last few nights. I even needed a fleece last night sitting out on the deck...can you believe it is July and I actually needed a fleece? Crazy, but I love it! We have sat outside for the last few nights and it has been a perfect way to wind down!

2009
They were obsessed with eating ice...it kept them entertained for quite a while!

2008

2009

2008

We had a nice day today - went to church and then came home and Riley, Ryan and I all took an almost 3 hour nap. We all needed it...it was a crazy week last week. We played this afternoon with Gran-daddy and Riley & Ryan rode on their new tricycles. We love them because we can push and steer them without breaking our backs and they love the independence. They've even figured out how to ring the little bells on the handle bars. They are loving Sable and Sam these days. They love to hug and kiss them and the dogs are so very patient. It's amazing how gentle they all are with one another. The kiddos have started feeding the dogs and sometimes I think it's the highlight of their day. They go over to the food container and fill up the cup and carefully take it over to each bowl and pour it in. Some days are better than others when it comes to spills, but they do a fantastic job! They are so proud when they are done and do a great job of taking turns. I'm amazed that they are not even 2 and they put their dirty clothes away every morning and night, put their towels away after bath, take their plate to the sink and feed the dogs. All under supervision and with several reminders, of course, but I'm still so proud that they are little helpers! I've learned to involve them when I'm cooking and it seems to be better for all of us. Instead of them just fussing at me the whole time, I can ask them to help me get things out of the pantry or fridge and take them back and they just love it. I think they like feeling like they are a part of things and it actually has saved me a trip or 2 to the pantry!

Bad Hair Day
it's been one all day, but isn't he just so cute! His shirt says "Miso Cute" with a bowl of soup under it - like Miso Soup! :)

We leave for Seaside, FL on Wednesday and I could not be more ready for a vacation! Get ready for LOTS of beach pictures on my next post...stay tuned!

Web Albums Added:

http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20090719TannerFamilyBBQ#

http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20090719Sunday#