Playing with Rylee

My SIL, Lindsey, is at Girls' Camp this week, so Dustin decided to bring Rylee down to play for a couple of days. We went to the zoo yesterday and had a really fun day. We saw part of the elephant show, rode the carousel, went to the bird show, rode the train, saw the animals of course and played on the playground. Then today we went back to the zoo to get Parker's blue blankie (post about that to come) and then went to the aquarium, lunch and to visit Grandma and Heather at work. I wish my child was as cooperative about taking pictures as Rylee is. I'll have to ask Lindsey if she will share her secret! Anyway, here are a few pictures of our adventures the last couple of days.

Watching the elephant show, which didn't hold their attention for long

Getting ready to ride the carousel
Riding the train, Parker's favorite

This is the only pic I got of them together in the turtle shell

Parker didn't want to sit on the crocodile, but he agreed to sit on it
with me, but not to look at the camera
At the aquarium, Rylee was more than willing to sit in the canoe,
Parker not so much
Parker and Rylee climbing around in the caves at the aquarium

Riley James. . .

Our newest nephew has a name! It's official: Riley James Gillespie Allen! I don't have any new pics of him yet, so refer to the 4th of July post below. I will share more pics when they come, but for now we are just happy that he is healthy, eating and sleeping well and are just so excited for Gary and Bliss! Congratulations again! We love you!

Happy Birthday!

Today is our birthmom's birthday! I decided to make a sign for her and have Parker hold it and take a picture to email to her. He was about as cooperative as he usually is, so this is the best one I got. Anyway, we love her and want her to know that we are always thinking of her, but especially on her special day! Have a great day and thank you for giving us the best gift anyone could give! Happy Birthday!

4th of July

We went to Idaho for the 4th for a family reunion. Parker and I went to the parade with my brother, sister-in-law, my sister and my mom. The highlight for Parker was Wall-e in the bed of one of the trucks. We got tons of candy, saw airplanes, fire trucks and helicopters. We had a great time. Then we went to the reservoir to play on the wave runners. Of course I didn't bring the camera for that part! We then went to my grandparents farm for dinner and fireworks. We walked to the park to watch them and Parker did not like the fireworks at all. I'm sure the fact that we could see them lighting the fireworks from were we were sitting had nothing to do with it! It was very loud because we were so close. Bryan ended up taking him back to the farm. We had a great time and enjoyed spending time with our family. We also received an addition to our family on the 4th! Bryan's brother Gary and his wife had a baby boy that morning! He still doesn't have a name, so stay tuned for that announcement. . .7 lbs 10 oz 19 inches. Bliss gave birth at home and thankfully both she and the baby are fine! We are enjoying our summer and playing out side! Parker has discovered a new way to swing all by himself. We are looking forward to being home for a few weeks before going to our annual Smart family camp and our second annual trip to Mesquite for another trip that Bryan has earned! Have I mentioned we are staying busy this summer?

Parker with his cousins Jackson and Addison at the parade

The highlight of the parade for Parker

Jackson and Parker checking out one of several fire trucks

After I got back to the farm from watching fireworks
holding my traumatized and very sleepy boy

Parker swinging all by himself
Aunt Heather decided she needed to join in
He really catches some air!
Baby Allen