We’ve crammed a lot into the last couple of weeks. We had doctor’s appointments to catch up on. Adam’s gained 3 inches and 5.5 pounds in the last year.

Luke was due for some vaccines. Three shots later and we had a very unhappy Luke.

We have been to quite a few playgrounds.

The boys had dentist appointments – no cavities!

We went to the zoo.

Maggie had her first trip to the dentist. Her teeth look good too. She’ll be getting a New Year’s Resolution this upcoming January to stop sucking on her fingers though.

We went to a hot air balloon festival.

And visited a castle.

And there were even more playgrounds.

We made light sabers out of pool noodles.

And had a picnic at another new park (I love how there are so many close to us).

Adam was finally able to purchase the Lego set he’s been saving for since last year, thanks to some birthday money.

He also moved out of the carseat he’d been in since he was 8 months old and into a big kid booster seat.

We shopped for school supplies.

And spent a day with Thomas the Train.

I can’t believe how long Maggie’s hair is getting!

The magician picked Adam to help with a card trick.

The boys built superhero vehicles at Lowe’s.

Adam started soccer last weekend. Luke is starting next week and can’t wait.

We took advantage of the warm weather and spent a day at a splash park.

The boys loved the frog sprayers.

And there, I think we’re mostly caught up.

Last night, the kids and I went to the airport. They insisted on wearing their superhero capes – a decision I backed 100%. We were able to get a gate pass and went through security to wait for a very special plane.

It wasn’t long until we found this guy.

I think we’ve heard nothing but a steady stream of, “Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!” since we picked him up. Six months is a long time for little ones to be away from their dad.

I missed him quite a bit too.

As soon as we got back to the house, before the van was even unloaded, Adam had to show off his new bike riding skills.

This was the second deployment that Adam’s been through. I’d be okay if it was his last.

For now though, I’m just glad to have our little family all back together again.

This kid turned 6 yesterday.

He asked for a hippos in mud cake. So we made an Eclair Cake. Adam helped and we used chocolate pudding instead of vanilla. We also added crushed up oreos to the top, to look like dirt.

We made a normal Eclair Cake, for those that prefer the traditional recipe, and Adam had to try a piece of each.

They were both delicious.

After cake, it was time for presents. Adam received a lot of really nice gifts – he’s a pretty lucky guy.

Not as lucky as I am though, because being his mom is a pretty fantastic gig.

We visited a children’s museum this past Wednesday. It was close to 90 degrees outside and I was hoping, that inside the nicely air conditioned museum, they’d be able to run around and burn off some energy. We’d been there once before and they loved it.

They had a great time and were really well behaved. I was so proud of the way they stuck together (that makes it easier to keep tabs on them for sure) and played with each other. The matching shirts also help to keep track of them in busy places. Unless you happen to visit the children’s museum on the same day as a daycare group that has their kids dressed in the same shade of green (then you might find yourself reprimanding someone else’s child on accident).

There was some construction going on outside the building and the workers were on their lunch break when we left. Adam and Luke were so excited to pose with this “big vehicle”.

After we left the museum we met up with Amanda and Connor for lunch. One of the employees stopped to chat with the kids and treated them to ice cream cones for dessert.

My plan worked and they all fell asleep during the drive home. Of course they woke up with recharged batteries, as evident by Maggie’s gymnastics.

It was pretty hot here today, so my dad filled the pool up for the kids in the morning. By the time they got in it after rest time, it was as warm as bath water.

They loved it.

We went to visit some friends at their campsite today.

The kids loved playing in the sand and laying in the hammock.

They also got to splash around in a little pool. Luke and Adam were able to show off their cannonball skills to a whole new audience.

And they had golf cart rides, ice cream sandwiches, and hot dogs too.

These kids have a whole lot of people that spoil love them.

After the kids helped with some yard work at my grandma’s, Rob and I took them to the playground.

This was their first time at this particular one and they had a blast.

Later that night we went for a walk to get some ice cream.

I’d say they have it pretty good.

I picked up the remote to change the channel to cartoons for Luke and he stopped me. “No Mom, I watch a cowboy show like Papa.”

My dad doesn’t wear a bike helmet while watching “Gunsmoke” though, that’s all Luke Luke.

The other day, Luke asked if he could play with his trains. When I said yes, he said, “Thank you mom, that was mighty nice of you.”

I wholeheartedly approve of his new found love of cowboy shows.