The Phillips Family

Playing out in the rain Aiden practicing his photography skills on Sam and me Getting lots of luvins Climbing the buffalo at the park. (Once again, Aiden's poses crack me up!) Getting free slurpies at 7-Eleven on July 7th after swimming. Realizing that computer games at the library do not count toward the day's time allotment for video games. :) Sneaky boys... Eating snacks at Grandma Dixie's house with cousin Jaxon Swimming at the pool and soaking up the sun   Eating tomato soup for breakfast (that's my Sammy for ya!) Going to Ikea Actually READING some books at the library.  (Nice candid pose, Aiden!) Singing together at the piano And getting more luvins.

 After our Canada trip, we ended up driving home on July 4th and rolling in to town right at dusk.  Without even stopping off at home first, we dropped by Rex's parents' house for their July 4th party with all the cousins and family.  We were all exhausted but we had a ton of fun, even if fireworks were banned in the whole state of Colorado due to the drought and wildfires.  So what did we do this July 4th weekend? We put on white T-shirts for a colored bubble party Roasted smores (boys' first) played with grandma's toys went to the lake the next day swam in the lake made sand castles played at the playground ate ourselves silly tried taking family pictures (very unsuccessful with the boy cousins. ) watched a movie in our basement This was the best cousin picture we could get all weekend long.  At least no one's crying... yet. Get ready for... BUBBLES!     Wow I love this man! :) Aiden's first taste of a smore...

On June 26 my dear sweet Grandpa Brandley passed away.  He had been suffering from Alzheimers and Parkinsons for some time now, so it was a blessing for his fragile body to be left behind so his giant spirit could return to his Heavenly Father.  He always gave me "peach kisses" with his scratchy whiskers, ate an ice cream float every night, and told the cheesiest puns whenever we came to visit.  I don't know him as well as my other cousins do since most of my extended family lives in Canada, but from our few visits since I was a little girl, he made sure I knew I was loved and special to him. Once I heard the news, I strongly wanted my little family to go to Canada with me for the funeral and to meet my Grandma Brandley and Torrie before it was too late for them.  My Grandma hadn't even met Rex yet, let alone our two boys.  So Rex, being the wonderfully understanding husband he is, took off work and we all drove to Canada.  Once there, it wasn't so much...