"Chocolatety" & Chalk Days of Summer

So, I couldn't resist just putting some of these pics on here because honestly, they are just so cute! We made cupcakes one Sunday afternoon in early September and the kids were in heaven! However, I knew they would be a huge mess, so outside we went with minimal amt. of clothes on - is there anything cuter than chocolate covered kids?

Jax, my realist - looking at his hand wondering why they are so dirty?

And, then there's Austin.... not a care in the world! Loving the mess.... Full time free spirit :)

One night in September too, Spence was gone so I was putting the kids to bed and said, "come in your room so we can do diapers and jammies okay?" Jax and Austin come pretty quickly but no Rio... usually she's my quickest one to respond and get changed but after I changed both boys, still no Rio.... I called her name and waited and then thought, she is being super quiet..... (the worst and best sound to mommies) I walked into the kitchen and there is my little Rio with a giant King size Milky Way sitting in between the island and their high chairs... Ya.. she had eaten half of it by the time I got to her. Needless to say, it took a little longer to get her to bed that night! Adorable Rio... do you think she knows what she was doing? Look at that face!!!

Oh sidewalk chalk.... I hate it and love it at the same time - our deck and back of the house and tables and chairs and stairs and.....and... is covered in chalk! But it's on days like this, that I just don't care when it ended up - they were SO happy!

Love you guys so much! Little fishies in the fish bowl :) They LOVE being outside - what are we going to do in the snow?!?!?!

Our Fun Fank Cousins

We have some of the best cousins in the world - this post is going to focus on my sister's kids - they are absolutely FABULOUS cousins! We have been able to do some of the funnest things with them over the last few months. We went to the Thanksgiving Point Gardens together this month.

Here are just a few pics:

My mom and cousin Ella with Rio. She is seriously the best little girl in the world! So loving and so extremely helpful!

Here's all the boys : Zak, Gabe, Luke and my two: These boys are honestly the best boys in the world - they would do anything for my kids and their younger siblings. I love you guys! They are the sweetest, kindest & most playful boys - even though they are older, they don't ever act "too cool" for anything - they are amazing boys! And Luke is so super funny and entertaining :)

Austin made his way through the tunnel on his knees and was so happy he made it all the way out of the tube - he just sat there so proud of himself!

This pic is of Rio and Halle - she is only about 6 months older than my kiddos and she is so funny! She has such a big personality and always smiling! We went to Jungle Jim's for her birthday in July and they all had a blast on these jeeps.

Oh Anna! What can we say about Anna? She is such a ball of energy and fire! Anna & Zak took Jax and Rio on this ride and they loved it. Below is Ella and Luke with my sad little Austin - he's not the most adventurous kid in the world (unless it involves jumping or water) and was a bit nervous about this ride at first. Seriously? Their little arms around mine - oh.... melts my heart :)Sky and Matt took our family to Discovery Gateway for a Christmas gift (yes, we just got around to going) It was SO MUCH FUN! They had these little farm costumes you could dress up in and of course, my ever "showy" Rio couldn't resist. She's a little donkey on her tractor - love you sweetie!Austin LOVED the grocery store and we couldn't get him out of there. He pushed the carts around and shopped and shopped.

Here's Zak and Gabe again taking my three for a ride! Told ya, sweetest boys in the world!

Rio and Ella shopping it up!

Sky with all the girls :) Thanks Sky! I love you! Best sister anyone could ask for!

Last but certainly not least - Jax was in complete heaven when he saw this car and knew he could turn the wheel and actually drive it! It's a super short clip but I LOVE IT!