Summer Fun - Part I

School is over, let the summer fun begin!! This year, mama signed you guys up for a good blend of camps as well as free time.  We have camp christmas tree, sailing, cardboard, VR coding planned.  Then, hopefully lots of play dates, vacation, family and summer fun.

A lover of all animals.  Neighborhood cats just show up for Bradley

Fun at Christmas Tree 

Brunch at Mara

The biggest chocolate strawberry ever 

Bradley, you wished everyone a Happy Father's day and asked our server if he was a Father.  He was very touched by your care and curiosity.  

Gift for baba 

haha

Fishing everywhere 

Taking pleco home

Target run

4th of July fireworks!!

The 4th of July weekend was a rough one.  The week leading up to the 4th, there was a baby deer hanging out in our backyard.  He was very close to you and even went into the playset.  You would see him every day in the playset or under the deck.  On July 3rd, you went out to see Jeremy and he was under the deck.  When you went to pet him, you realized he had passed away.  It was so sad as you wanted to grow up with him and tell him you love him and he was your friend.  

We gave Jeremy a proper burial and eulogy.  It was a sad weekend full of tears.  Bradley, you might not fully understand this now but you have such a big heart and love for all creatures.  Your love of creatures also draws them towards you.  With this, you will have big highs but also big lows.  I think Jeremy was not well and came here because he knew you were going to take care of him.  He choose you and he knew you would take care of him in his last days.  You'll always have a heart of gold and be compassionate towards all living beings.  This means extra love and cuddles during times of happiness and sadness.  

Love the arcade games

Getting ready for some fishing.  You caught an epic goliath grouper and mother of all Tuna's!

So, I attempted to get some sense of a schedule and reading in place by putting together a daily schedule. To entice you, I also offered five dollars a day if you completed the tasks.  

Ben - Ooo I get five bucks
Bradley - So I can choose not to follow this and just don't the get money?  works for me

Love you Brad o lee 

Bradley's 10th Birthday

It's your birthday Bradley!  This year, you turn double digits - TEN.  I can't believe you are already ten and going to the fifth grade this fall (sigh).  We kicked off a week of fun celebrations including a birthday party of nerf wars, lunch at Rainforest.  Two cakes, one arapima, some fishing and lots of fun.

Time for battle!

Continue to love nature, here's your tree stump cake.

Fish and a rainbow!

Lots of ice cream 

A beautiful cake ... originally designed to include a mid-sized fish.  However, you wanted to have an arapima.  AND red velvet in the fish so it looked like guts.  That resulted in a very large, heavy and oversized fish on the cake.  Pinterest semi-success.  

Arapima was a bit too heavy, substituted with a banana post pics. 

Per birthday boy's request - checkered red velvet.  

For this year's birthday request, you wanted a blue phantom pleco fish.  It took us about a month to get the water right for Sploob.  We made about six trips to Sea Level before we could finally take Sploob home.  In preparation for Sploob, we also got tester 1, tester 2, two tiger fish and one shark fish.  Sharkie had to be returned as he was biting the other fish.  Right now, Sploob and your tiger fishes are living happily with each other. I was a little concerned about Sploob adjusting but you were quick to point out - I bet you he feels like he just got kidnapped.  LOL  Super proud of how patient you were in getting the water just right to bring Sploob home.  We started May 23 and it was end of June before Sploob came home :)

Happy Birthday Bradley Berger!  I love you soooo much.  I love you because you are kind, energetic, smart, have a six pack and I don't want you to change.  And you're TEN!  You're the sweetest and kindest boy with the biggest heart for animals.  You also said to me - thank you for taking care of me and that's how I know you love me.  You're sense of humor continues to make everyone around you laugh.  The other day, you asked me - when you die, can I get your money?  I don't know Bradley, you might kill me.  I would never do that because you're worthless.  HAAAA

Memorial Day Camping

 t's that time of year again!! Time to load up the vinny van full of "camping essentials" to hang out with our camp friends :)  

This year was no different than any other year.  The van was packed to the ceiling.  If you look hard enough, you'll see Ben in there.

And, with any road trip, we need to stick to tradition - KFC

Quality baba time

When you go camping, you get screen time? 

cuddles with Beni B

Active camping activities

Ben wins Jr Bean Bags again!

Weather was amazing 

All the kiddos are getting so old!  Bradley caught some fish as well :)

We always look forward to a great camping trip and this year did not disappoint.  We had amazing weather, our great campsite at Lake Carlos and amazing friends.  Auntie Jess provided circus peanuts (I cannot believe she remembers every year!!)