June

 Oh man, June went by so fast! I was a little nervous what this summer would be like- with a new baby and social distancing still being very much a thing. We decided it was okay if the boys had playdates as long as they stayed outside, which has worked really well. They play outside with their friends all the time- which is where I'd prefer them to play anyway!

 Chase and Hudson are the sweetest with Lila. They love to help with her, hold her, feed her the occasional bottle and read to her. I have so many pictures of them doing these things because it just warms my heart so much. They genuinely love caring for her and being with her!

 My mom got all the grandkids shirts that say "Cousin Crew" on them and they look darling in them! They wear them on Saturday swim night and I'll say they are the cutest little cousin crew you ever did see! Our Saturday swim nights are always a highlight of our summer, and this year we had the whole family together for so many of them with Nate, Halie and Heidi staying at my parents house. These nights are so pleasant and relaxing, full of family fun and bonding and interesting conversation, and lots of laughter mostly caused by the hilarious littles.

 This was when I asked him for a bite of his cookie. (Actually a bite of MY cookie that he commandeered)

 Oh Hudson, this kid is awesome! He starting officially doing piano lessons with Jodi back in May and he's doing great. I think he has a natural gift for the piano and I love seeing it all come together for him. I love this sweet kid.

 We've spent most of our days at the pool. It's so nice to have it so close by. Sometimes I swim with them, sometimes I sit on the side with Lila, who during June decidedly did NOT like the pool. This spot is a little bit of heaven for me! Also, Chase and Hudson are SUCH good swimmers! They really amaze me and I love seeing them be so comfortable and capable in the water. Davis has no fear of the water, but during June still hadn't done much swimming without a puddle jumper.

 I asked Hudson to weed the front flower bed. Last year he told me I shouldn't make him weed because "when I sweat it just waters the weeds and makes them grow better". He did it without complaining at all this particular day, which definitely deserved a picture.

 Heidi took me birthday shopping which was so fun! We wore our masks, all COVID-style but had a great time anyway. I loved having her in town so much!

 Little Lila and Rosie- I'm so excited for these two to grow up together! My relationship with my cousins is so special to me, I'm so excited for Lila to have that.

 Will invited Chase and Hudson over for a Lego night (watching Lego masters and building with Legos). Then Hudson wanted to have Nora over for "Minecraft night", which was super fun. And now it's a semi-regular thing that we do!

 At some point Minecraft night turned into cousin planking.

I love their commitment to color coordination. Hudson's blue is more of a coincidence. Davis's head-to-toe RED is definitely not. He LOVES red and picks "the red one" any time he has a choice about anything.

 Another Saturday swim night- this is Davis saying "Dad- fly me!"

 We finally made Bear Lake happen! We decided to go on a Monday since the beaches have been so crowded on weekends and we are trying to social distance. Ben couldn't take any time off work, so my mom graciously came with me! We went with the Josephs, who brought paddle boards and kayaks, which Chase especially loved! The boys played in the water, played in the sand, and we all sat around and chatted and just had the best day! Even the drive, albeit long, was absolutely beautiful! It was such a lovely day in a beautiful spot with wonderful company!

 I turned 32! Ben and I got take out that night to eat in our quiet house, which was lovely. As I was putting Lila down for bed that night I got a little emotional while snuggling her. Last year as a blew out my birthday candles I wished for a baby girl, and this year I had the most beautiful baby girl snuggled in my arms. I'm so thankful for this sweet little blessing- she was the baby I was hoping would come to our family and I love her so much!

 Davis spends a lot of his days running little cars around random surfaces of our home- this windowsill is a favorite.

 He's the cutest- he's starting to talk a lot in full sentences which is hilarious and adorable. He loves to come chat with me while I feed Lila- although Lila doesn't always appreciate it that much (he tends to rock the chair a little too aggressively for her liking).

 Chase picked Lila's outfit on this day (both of the older boys love to pick what she wears)- and then I realized they totally matched. It's fitting, since Chase has said red, white and blue are his favorite colors for years now.

 I have so many pictures on my phone of him sleeping- I just think he looks so cute. Bei Bei is almost always tucked securely under his arm.

 He does all kinds of crazy tricks off the board- most of which make his grandparents very nervous.

 Chase has totally taken over mowing our lawn this summer! He really wanted to learn and he's doing a great job! Papa Ray has also hired him to mow their lawn as well. And one week our sweet neighbors were out of town, so Chase did "sneaky service" and mowed their lawn too. He loves these neighbors and was excited to do it. They actually caught him in their "ring" doorbell, but I told them to pretend they hadn't because he was excited to do it anonymously. They were so touched that he did that for them.

And whenever anyone is mowing the lawn, Davis is always close behind with his little lawn mower.

 This is the beautiful birthday cake my mom made me this year- we celebrated at swim night a few days after my birthday. It was delicious! I love getting to celebrate my birthday with my family doing a BBQ and swim party every year.

 I love her wide open mouth smiles! She always smiles at me when we make eye contact.

 I finally got around to cutting Chase's hair and it turned out so cute! I just love this smart boy so much!

 June was such a wonderful, full month. Lots of swimming and outdoor play. Lots of movie nights and family time. Getting to enjoy having my siblings in town. Ben worked too much- but we are so thankful he has a job as the economy around the world is crumbling. This year has definitely been unique and stretching and hard at times, but we are learning so many good lessons, appreciating the little things and feel grateful for our health and family.