The week between the beach trips

 So we got to go on two beach trips this year.  We are BEYOND lucky.  And in the week between the trips we managed to do some important/fun stuff.  Such as...snuggling this guy.

 Jack also lost his FIRST TOOTH!  This was so exciting.  And kind of freaky.  He had been working on it for so long but it still needed a gentle yank from Andy.  I'm thankful to have a husband that is willing to pull teeth - it is not for the squeamish.

When I was little, we put all of our loose teeth in this little tooth pillow that my mom thinks came from my Grandma Kersey.  Even though we are unsure of the source, it was something we all used and mom gave it to me to use for the kids.  Jack was super pumped the next morning when he came in our room bright and early to tell us that the old Tooth Fairy left him a $1 bill.  Which is pretty sweet in my opinion b/c in my day we got a quarter.  Inflation.  Sheesh.

Other things we do to pass the time in summer.  Grudge matches.  Jack and Lucy do love each other.  But they get bored while they are at home and will start to pick at each other.  It usually starts with Jack asking her to play with him and before you know it, he and Lucy are locked in fisticuffs.  I see all these precious sibling pictures on Instagram and think to myself, "hmmm... that must be nice."

Whereas my kids are constantly trying to make the other one bleed.  Notice Charlie in the background though, just doing his thing.

One day Melissa & Anderson met up with us for lunch at Salsaritas!  She also took the opportunity to take Lucy to Build A Bear (she's holding a very pink and purple bear that she named Lala - Lala is a fixture in our house now.) and then she took Jack swimming at the giant Y pool.  He had a blast!  We are so grateful to have a Sissa in our lives!

Lucy, Lala, and the Seahorsies.  All she needs in the world.

Jack lost his second tooth the same week Charlie got his two bottom teeth!  It was kind of funny and we kept teasing Jack that the Tooth Fairy was taking Jack's teeth and giving them to Charlie.

Together these boys have a full set of teeth :)

On Sunday after we got back from HH, I noticed on my Facebook memories that I had posted a picture of Lucy in the full throes of a tantrum about a year ago.  On that same day I took this picture of Lucy, in the throes of another massive tantrum.  No idea what either was about but I love that there is consistency with this girl.

Charlie, just in the past two weeks, has changed so much.  He's eating real food, growing teeth, and STANDING UP.  Which, when you have a belly like his, is a pretty impressive feat!  Don't worry, his mattress has already been lowered to the ground.

Day came for a brief visit on Monday bc he was in town for business.  He and Jack entertained themselves by playing with this tree frog in the backyard.  It may just be me but Jack looks so grown up in the picture on the right. I love this and hate this all at once.

On Tuesday, Chelsea called us out of the blue and asked if we wanted to do a Dollywood day.  We immediately said yes and she bravely ventured to the Land of Dolly for a fun but exhausting day with three small kids.  Charlie even got to take his first ride on the carousel!  They were all so well-behaved and loved this random, last minute trip to one of our favorite places.

See?  Sometimes they look like they are getting along!

Lucy didn't want to go to bed that night so we snuggled for a little in my bed.  With Lala of course.

On July 14th Andy and I celebrated 9 years of marriage in the most romantic way possible.  We asked our 6 year old what sounded good for dinner and then all ate tacos.  Here is a really unflattering but fun picture of that super romantic dinner.  And frankly, it was in reality pretty great.  I love seeing how much our twosome has changed into a family of 5 in just 9 years.

More of my standing man.  Just being perfect.

We've spent a little bit of our time hunting Pokeman.  It doesn't last long though b/c that game eats data and battery but every once in a while it's fun to catch one of these things in the Target parking lot.

On Friday morning we went to the eye doctor to get everyone checked - thankfully Jack's prescription hasn't changed so no new glasses!  Until he breaks this pair but whatever.  Charlie also got his Infantsee appointment and everything checked out great!

In a quest to live up the last few weeks of summer, we picked up Anderson on Friday after our eye doctor appt for a fun time with the bestie!  It started with a nutritious lunch at McDonalds.

Then we picked up Widdi and went to the zoo!  We loved the lizard room.  And the prairie dogs AND the splash pad!  Oh and the otters!

A great day was had by all.  Jack was in heaven having Anderson with him and it reminded me once again, I love our zoo.  It really does kick butt :)

Lucy got to ride her second carousel that week.  You know who is living the dream over in this house.

We ended the day with a water balloon ambush on Andy while he mowed the lawn.  See, it was pretty hot that day and we figured we were just cooling him off.  Even Charlie got into it!  And it was the perfect end to a busy fun week.  Especially since we left the next day for the beach!

Forgot to mention... Lucy had her last swim lesson of the summer.  She is still a little scared of not swimming with a float and doesn't quite have the hang of it, but this video proves that next summer we will own this swim thing and that's one less kid I have to worry about falling into water.  Charlie, you're next!