Summer randoms

Fall is in full spring around here (is that an oxymoron?) but before I start posting about that, here are some random pictures from summer.

We took a family trip to the sand dunes while Justin's family was home. We planned to camp there the night before, but since 4 of us have babies under 2, we decided that might not be the best idea we've ever had. Instead, Grandma and Grandpa offered to let us camp in their backyard, and we all loved that idea. Kyle and I didn't even attempt to sleep outside with Bentlee, but we still had part of the camping experience roasting s'mores and chatting around the fire. The next morning we headed for the dunes!

The only things Bentlee liked about the sand dunes were the food and the attention from grandpa. It took a good hour for her to muster up the courage to walk on the sand WITH shoes on. 

Tyler jumped just in time for a sweet picture

We'll pretend she liked the 4-wheeler ride

The other babies didn't mind the sand a bit, and neither did our blanket.

Cheetos will solve just about any problem, yes?

I liked MY 4-wheeler ride. Who wouldn't want to sneak away with this hottie wearing a Ninja Turtle shirt?

The classic "zonked out in the car seat picture" after a long day of fun

We like Cafe Rio during all seasons, but here are a couple different nights we spent there this summer. I might eat at this place a little too often. Fortunately I'm not the only one around here with that problem.

Bentlee might be one of the "ones"

But I didn't teach her this. I don't think....

Bentlee developed a love obsession for books this summer, which has made me happy and crazy at the same time.

She also developed a love for broccoli, and that just makes me happy

She loves to sneak on the trampoline with her cousins but never lasts more than a few seconds before her nervous mommy pulls her off

After avoiding sand like the plague all summer, she finally decided it wasn't so bad

Some days we bring daddy lunch, and sometimes we bring extra yummy things. You know, like lunchables.

We could have stayed inside with Bentlee all summer and still been entertained by these faces...

And sometimes we did stay inside, but that didn't mean we couldn't wear sunglasses

We've learned that we can bribe Bentlee with suckers through pretty much anything. Movies, long car rides, boring errands like vacumming out the car, you name it. Lets hope her toothbrush is working well!

She has become a big fan of parks (we especially like the one right in our little town home community) and she makes friends with everyone around her. Including small dogs, even when they hide under the fence.

Perhaps one of the most important life lessons was learned this summer-how to eat an ice cream cone. On this particular day Bentlee had endured a long day of errands and driving, so I treated her to McDonald's ice cream (my fave) inside Walmart during my last shopping trip of the day. And now I distract her every time we walk by it because surely she won't forget!