The Botanica

We braved the heat this morning to check out our Botanical Garden and their recent opening of the children's section. What a fun place and just beauty all around! The new area for kids is great - water features, water pumps, a tree house area, music and much more! I think we will definitely be heading back!

First we headed to the Butterfly Pavilion.



The entrance to the children's area! I can't believe we got a picture of all the kids looking!

Just monkeying around!

Matthew was SOAKED from this fountain! But it didn't take him long to dry!





Playing a little tune!

Banging on the drums!

I'm not sure were he found the sword! :)

Jackson made a friend!



My attempt at just 1 picture of the boys together - and this is the best I got - sigh!

The lily pads were a favorite!

Just some of the flowers!

Airplane Daddy

Every airplane that Matthew sees/hears he says "airplane daddy".....except of course on this video!

My boys

Here are a couple pictures I took with my phone the last few days! It's how we have been spending our days!

This was not my brightest moment - I just wanted a picture, but I got a little more! I didn't mind too much since it was triple digits outside!

And then they got smart and decided to just lounge where it was cooler!

Matthew has NO fear

I had my friend, Deanna, take this video to show how Matthew has NO fear of the water (and daddy wasn't able to make it tonight so I wanted to show him what they did...excuse her crazy comments at the end)! He loves to jump in and going under doesn't phase him! He must take after his dad and I!

Now Jackson on the other hand is scared to death! This is actually his swim lesson time with 2 of his little friends! I will have to say by the end of this session he was standing in the pool and not clamped onto his teacher! He is SLOWLY becoming more comfortable in the water!

But this seems to be the way it's going to be with my kids....Jackson is my cautious one and Matthew - well lets just say I expect to be in the ER with him first! :)

Our 4th of July

We had a fabulous 4th of July! We started it off with the local parade!

The firetrucks were a little too loud for Jackson.

Matthew was just taking it all in - trying to stay cool!

Then we went back to the Byer's and the kids enjoyed the girls new pool!

That evening we spent with friends who have adopted us into their family for a cookout and fireworks!
The kids had a blast on the Slip n Slide!



I do love this picture - Matthew is looking very concerned for his brother!

This one- oh he didn't want his picture taken! But look at those baby blue eyes of his! Such a sweetie!

Jason was assisting the little kids in child friendly poppers! They had a great time!

We were not let down this year - the sky was lite and it was beautiful!

Here are a couple comparison pictures! What a difference a year makes!
Matthew and Emmy 2011

Matthew and Emmy 2010

The whole crew plus Jason and minus Kreslee who was sleeping in her carrier
2011

2010

Happy 4th of July from the Akins Family!
We hope yours was full of fun, food and fireworks like ours was!

Cannons

Here is another current favorite of mine!



Today I am thankful for our country and our independence! I am also thankful for my husband and all the other brave men and women who have and are still fighting to keep this a great nation! Remember those that are currently separated from their families that would give anything to be with their loved ones cooking out and watching the skies light up! It is because of them that tonight you can rest peacefully in your bed!

Happy 4th of July!