Catching up on some more summer fun that hasn't made it to the blog yet:

 Tessa and her Great Grandma Kaiser. Rhett loves playing at her house because of her collection of vintage Hot Wheels cars to play with, and now Tessa loves it for the snuggles.

Rhett got a free ticket to Lakeside from the summer reading program. Andre warned me that is was super run down and hadn't been updated in years, and he was right. But Rhett couldn't care less and had an amazing time. We rode every ride and went on the kiddie coaster about 4 times. Definitely worth it for free!

 Littlest one on the frog hopper. 

We relived Andre's childhood and ended the night with the train ride around the lake with a view of the lights coming on all the rides. These Colorado summer nights get all the heart eye emojis. 

 This face! I don't think Tessa had ever seen herself before--clearly she was interested in her cute face. 

Nature story time at the library meant all the kids got watering cans to water the library's plot in the community garden, but it quickly spread and Rhett ended up over-watering a few random plots, but at least he was learning?

This summer has definitely been slower-paced with a new baby, but we've loved time exploring new parks, playing with friends, going to the splashpad, and just playing at home!

cousin fun!

We had so much fun with the Richardsons in town this week! I think they've seen more of Colorado in their two weeks here than I have in four years of living here. We met up around town for some adventures, and then they stayed with us for the weekend. Rhett was in heaven with so many cousins to play with! I just wish we lived closer so this was a more frequent occurrence.

 Amy loved Tessa and picked out her clothes and held her everyday. The feeling was mutual. 

 Watching the action at the candy factory--Hammond's is always a crowd-pleaser.

 Playing in the corn "maze" at the farm. Janice found free things to do we'd never done before. 

 Riding the Belleview Park train. Rhett's second time riding it in a week!

 Cousin bath time! These two are five months apart and went from being best buddies to worst enemies in a matter of seconds. But mostly they loved playing together. Now we're saving this picture until Rhett's wedding.

 Scott was obsessed with baby Tessa!

 Casa Bonita! It can't be described, it has to be experienced. It was a little crazy, but the kids (and adults) loved it!

 Park time! 

Isaac was initiating the kids into the "Awesome Club". Clearly it was serious business.

Rhett is 4!

It's hard to believe we have a 4 year old on our hands! I know I say it every year, but turning 4 sounds so old. Just one more year until he's 5 and going to kindergarten! Then middle school! Then college! It's a slippery slope.

We tried to let choose as much of his birthday as possible, which ended up being fun for all of us. Treats everywhere! So many toys! It was a great time. 

 Rhett just really wanted to spend his birthday morning cuddling with Tessa and his stuffies, so we did!

 Then it was on to his favorite place--the Children's Museum! We could spend all day in the rocket room.

 You want to know what Rhett is like at 4? This is it. Goofy and lots of fun. We tried a new pizza place for dinner and Rhett loved watching them make our food through the big windows into the kitchen.

 Rhett wanted a DinoTrux cake, but I opted for just a regular dinosaur cake instead. It was still a hit and so easy! We even convinced Rhett that the malt ball "rocks" where actual rocks from the backyard I had covered with chocolate. 

 Then this weekend we went to Andre's work picnic. Rhett did the duck race through the stream but tried to chase after his duck and catch it after he threw it to start the race. He fell into the stream and was soaked, but at least he got first place! The entire thing was hilarious (he loved it more than his face says) and he dried off eventually. 

The picnic was at Belleview Park, which has been on my list for a while. Rhett and Andre rode the train across a real tressle bridge and through a tunnel and loved it.

Rhett at 4 gives us a run for our money with his questions (so many questions!), jokes, and unpredictable behavior. But he is so sweet and gives so many hugs. He loves to cuddle and tells us he loves us multiple times a day. He is crazy smart and loves to read and remember things. He loves his friends, his family, going to church, riding his bike, playing the piano, reading and doing workbooks, playing outside, singing, and being goofy. He gets excited about the  littlest things, and his attitude and laugh are contagious. He is so much fun to be around and we love him a lot!