July Phone Favorites

July was a roller coaster of a month for me. I have had some amazing times full of laughter and joy and some of the hardest times filled with so much sorrow I felt as though my heart was literally going to break. I just love this picture of my Mom. Her strength when my Dad passed was incredible. I don't think I know a stronger person. And even though she was hurt, confused, broken and lonely, she got down on her knees every morning and night and poured out her heart to our Savior. My testimony was built on my parents testimony. She is such an incredible example of Faith. 

Jakob and Al were reunited at Daddy's funeral. These two are trouble any time they get together. 

These men. I couldn't be prouder of them. 

Things like caskets just seem silly to me. I am not very sensitive when it comes to these things. It's a very expensive box that goes into the ground. Jared was amazing. He picked out Dad's casket and it was perfect for him. So grateful for him. Jared was just amazing!

Then I came home to these little ones and I couldn't have been happier to have them back in my arms!

Playing at the Park in Vegas. E is learning to pump her legs and swing all on her own. When did she get so big?

Ice cream was our go to treat this summer! So yummy!

So happy to be talking to her Daddy back in KC.

Happiness = In n Out!

I just love snuggling with this Peanut in the morning!

Sabbath day selfies!

Uncle Duke came for dinner with Mom and Dad and I finally got to give him his B-day present (from January). It was so good to see him! I think he needs to move to KC. Jakob was a bit jealous but we Skyped him in so he wouldn't feel so left out. 

Our final night in Vegas we stayed up late and went to Sonic for 1/2 price shakes. E was super stoked! 

They were delicious! That you Mom and Dad!!!

The same night I came home my friend Bre from Nashville was coming through KC so she crashed at our place for the night with her littles. It was great to see her! That's July! Man, summer is flying by!

Summer in the Backyard

I just love Mom Tobler's back yard. You can see the kids from the kitchen, it's grassy, shaded, and the door to the house is right there! One day I will have a door that leads to my backyard in my house, one day. For the most part we spend our days outside, playing the the grass and filling up milk jugs full of water. More often than not you would find Duke naked, a lone man in the Garden of Eden. 

Who needs fancy toys when you have rocks and milk jugs? Seriously the kids just loved it!

E was a big fan of Grammy's pool!

First we used buckets to fill er up.

Then the hose. 

Then we had to wash brother. So refreshing!

Some days we would go to the BIG pool at Roseann's house. E {loves} Roseann! (How couldn't you?) She was there for the majority of our trip but left a few days before us. Once she left E was very sad and every time we would look at her house she would sadly say, "Mama, my friend Rosann in gone :(" It was so cute. P.s. This my new favorite picture ever. After swimming we'd have ice cream!

Poor Duke getting sprayed by his sister. Which turned into Mama spraying Ethnie, Which turned into a massive water fight between Mom and I. I really don't think I have had that much fun in a long time. I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt. I think I won but we were both soaked. 

This is what summer is all about. Sunshine, playing in the water, ice cream, laughter family and friends. It's was so nice spending two weeks in Vegas, but we miss our Daddy and it's time to go home!

Hometime in Vegas

I am such a homebody and so is Mom so after our big party, the 24th and the reunion... we were just wiped. We were BUSY so our day to day was go, go, go but we stayed home a lot. We had picnic's with Pa...

...Shared snacks...

... dressed up...

...smelled flowers...

...ate ice cream...

...Built puzzles...

... Skyped with Daddy and he sang songs before bed time...

... read stories...

... had dance parties...

... Duke dressed up too...

... snuggled...

... and tried to catch rainbows. We had so much fun!

Hot Lava

 One of E's favorite activities at Grammy's house is Hot Lava. I am not sure how long this tradition will last but I will cherish watching them play for as long as I can!

 It is a game where essentially Grammy simply throws E off of the bed. I (the alligator) or Daddy (the monster) attacks and tickles her while she's on the floor where she runs back up to Grammy to save her, who then throws her over the edge again.

 Sometimes they defend themselves with snowballs made from socks. 

 Or they stuff the socks in each others mouths. 

This right here is happiness and I can't help but smile every time I look at these pictures! I am so thankful for such an amazing family!