I really, really, really love summer. REALLY.
I think that we’ve actually pined for this summer. And for many reasons, actually, from a shift in priorities to pretty much living outside to feeling that glorious sun on our skin.
We kicked off our summer immediately with our trip to Oklahoma; then a day after coming home we sealed the deal with that mega Harry Potter birthday party, our friend Sammy-the-Guy’s birthday party, and our town’s first summer Movie in the Park, all in one day.
In order to teach a thing or two to our youngest boys, we rounded up some water balloons and a giant slingshot launcher to take with us to Sammy-the-Guy’s birthday party. They are now pros.
Ok those are not our children. They ARE children, but not ours. Those guys are the official slingshot holders and water balloon launcher, because we thought it was a great idea to strategically place people out in the field to catch the water balloons.
This was, quite possibly, the best day of my life. I laid down low in the grass like a sniper with my 70-300mm lens and laughed until I almost peed my pants.
Ohmyword so funny. He looks kind of like a frisbee dog. So contorty.
Ok so that wasn’t a word. Maybe, “contortionisticky”?
You know what I mean!!!
Sammy-the-Guy thought it would be a fantastic idea to take our new 6YO out with him to swing at a few water balloons. And as the fine parents that Hank and I are, we thought this to be purely awesome. Look at our boy…so ready.
Should I be in any way alarmed that they both have the exact same expression on their faces?
In EACH FRAME?
They missed. But not for a lack of trying.
I thought they would catch that water bomb with their mouths.
The Rev decided it was high time to learn the technique of launching.
He was a quick study and had his peeps man their stations.
Fire!
These two were amazed and astounded at our parenting style. I think they took notes.
We quickly exhausted the water bomb supply, so it was back to regular ol’ baseball.
And a fight or two. We’ve been calling the little man, “Me Too,” since he thinks he can do anything big brother does. (And btw, the guy cracking up there is thinking fondly of growing up with his own brothers…)
It did turn ugly. Hank had to use the Dad Card.
Ah, life with boys. I just can’t help but love them to pieces, even with they’re naughty.
And as for Sammy-the-Guy, we all wish you a really, really Happy Birthday. Much love!
And one more thing…the Movie in the Park was two-fingers-up-the-nose good.
Tara Hybarger
mary!!! i love reading your blog. it makes me happy {and slightly} envious of your amazing life, family, community, and photography skills. without even knowing it, you are my long-distance role model. i love you, Pantier’s!