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At first, Ruby was content just being a spectator.
But she quickly picked up on what was going on.
Carter was digging the idea of mud pies.
They both built sand castles for a while.
This picture explains the diaper full of sand the next day.
The boys
The Girls (and baby boy K)
E didn't care about swimming much, as long as he had a hot set of wheels.
L geared up for fun.
Carter seized an opportunity to play in the ashes while he was in clothes that could be hosed off.
Shane's sister and Megan finished off the day with a visit to see A & D's triplets (extended family). Too cute!
We then moved on to lunch at the Lion House in SLC and a trip to the Discovery Gateway children's museum and just about got to the point that we'd had a little TOO much fun...
We stopped at Costco on the way home to pick up Carter's birthday cake, swung by Grandma Linda and Grandpa Russ' house to pick up the rest of the party supplies, and headed to Scera park in Orem where we had a pavilion reserved. Luckily, Carter got a nice long nap on the long drive. We had ourselves a hot dog dinner with his birth family and our immediate and extended family. Afterwards, most of the guests joined us for swimming at the Scera pool. What fun!
We're so grateful for this little boy that made us a mommy and a daddy three years ago! We are also so grateful that Carter's birth family was able to join us for the first time in celebrating him!
Carter has been potty trained, has a regular bed and nap schedule, and is now apparently working on underwater hand stands...
I think my Aunt and Uncle would be open to training your kids too - if the price is right. So plan a week long getaway and give them a call!
Carter is determined and focused when he sets his mind to an activity. Lately it's been swimming almost every day. During a couple of days this week his toes were getting rubbed raw from jumping off the diving board and climbing up the wall to get out of the pool. It didn't even phase him until he got out and they started stinging to walk on. We helped him out by putting bandaids on 4 of his toes, and now we have him wear swim shoes when he goes out.Carter has really started wanting to do a lot of things on his own lately, or wanting to help us to do things because, "I'm bigger!" One of his favorite ways to help is by doing dishes with Shane. When I do laundry, he runs and gets a stool to come "I needa help you!" He does the same when he sees Shane doing dishes. We all know it's just a ploy to get inside the kitchen gate and play with water and bubbles, but it's cute anyway!
Meet Grant. 
Isn't he the cutest? Grant is Monica and Jon's recent addition. They live in Ohio, but Monica (Shane's cousin) is here visiting with her two little guys for a whole month. During said month, not only will Father's Day happen, but Jon's birthday as well. I took pity on Jon and went crazy with the camera hoping to get some decent shots to fill him in on what he's missing. (Note: Jon is a photographer. I am not.) For the rest of you, just enjoy these cute kiddos. There are some of my boys too toward the bottom of this very long post.
He's Grant's big brother. Bet you couldn't tell because they don't look alike at all.
Did you know he is learning to swim with his face under water (with help from floaty vest)? 
He's even learning to take breaths...
...and open his eyes under the water. This makes them very red, but he loves that he can find stuff under the water like this "rocket". 
He's pretty proud of himself and we are of course proud of him too! 
Nana Claudia gave Carter a few fun rides on her legs while she worked poolside.
What a fun day, right?! 
He was very sad that it was time to get out of the pool, but Daddy helped him calm down.
