the laZy, craZy dayZ of summer

we haven't been doing much lately. I mean, we've been doing a ton, but it's all spontaneous and completely out of schedule... (not that summer has really changed our routine too much :) Here's what we've been up to:

Hiking in the acres of dirt in front of our house.. we found a cool (dangerous) old car and a trashed druggie hangout. totally awesome.

Playing in the dirt in front of our house (seriously, it doesn't get more exciting than this.) The boys have been moving big boulders to build themselves a house. They found carpet, a blanket, a broom, and telescope- all imaginary items of course. I just want to know why Luke will sweep out his house of dirt and will never volunteer to sweep mine..

swimming, swimming and more swimming. they clean up well after hours of playing in the dirt. I love watching them play together in the water... they are three peas in a pod.

enjoying the tender poolside moments.

reading before bedtime. after hours of swimming everyday, I find myself reading out loud to three sleeping boys. each night i have to back-track because no one can remember what they heard the night before. i think I've read the same chapter 12 times, but I love having exhausted children. These pictures are as professional as they get. I realize I am not smiling, but they are the cutest of the kids. I will sacrifice my flawless supermodel reputation for my kids to shine.

superhero fighting. their "dress ups" [which Aaron prohibits them from saying] are very accessible. Zack dresses up as Yoda, Batman and at least one of the Spidermen EVERY single day, if not more than once. And after wrestling/fighting while in costume, he gets mighty sweaty. Which makes him even more exhausted at bedtime. win, win.

Exciting news for Luke this week-- he's finally riding Ben's big bike. Which means Ben needs a new one for his birthday. I can't believe how fast they grow! Go Lukey Go!

Zack is one CRAZY kid. He is talking non-stop and almost everything he says makes us laugh out loud. It's not really what he says, but how he says it. Last night at dinner, Aaron asked the boys what their best feature was. Obviously we didn't expect Zack to answer until after the older boys did-- thinking he didn't understand the question. But before anyone could say anything, Zack spits out, "I love my HEAD!" It was so cute. When he eats or drinks too much he says, "My tummy sure is full of _________" (fill in the blank with whatever he just ate or drank) Now's he's going around saying, "My tummy is so full of watermelon. Shake my tummy and listen to it wiggle." He literally has us all wrapped around his giant personality.

And if this post couldn't get more random, I will include ONE of Ben's anniversary cards he gave us. Mind you, I believe he hung 15 around the house. This is obviously a lot like last year's card-- but his spelling is improving. and this time we're inside the temple "with the preacher" AND I have another set of lopsided boobs. at least my waist looks skinny.