Random Spring/Summer Pictures

I've discovered that I'm not in very many (uh, none) of these pictures.  I think it's because, (A) I am the photographer and (B) I am postpartum and subconsciously (or consciously) avoiding the camera!  I will try to do better at capturing myself in some of these memories in the future!

Also, in Kev's defense...since he is neither the blogger nor the photographer, he doesn't get to pick which pictures end up here...so have compassion.

Well anyway, like it says, here's a bunch of random pictures from spring and summer...

Okay, the kids sometimes get a little creative (i.e. bored) and come up with some pretty interesting stuff...

One night, they set up a "have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny" photo op (uh...fun...?)

Another day before church, Brooklyn and Derek made a dummy and thought he was pretty cool...I don't know where they come up with these things!

We went up to Oregon over Memorial Day.  One night, I put the kids to bed.  Brooklyn and Derek in the big bed and Ben next to them in his Port-a-crib.  When I went to check on them, I saw this...

Precious.

I also took a sweet picture of Baby Jacob with Kevin's mom

One Saturday morning, Kev went on a run and when he got back, I went on a run.  When I got home, I found them all piled on the bed and snapped a picture...

I love Jacob's cute little face down in the corner.

Here's a picture of Ty after he returned from Scout Camp.  He was quite proud of his Rifle shooting target.  He had to make 5 shots on the red bulls eye.

Fourth of July fun!

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays!  I love the BBQs, the gatherings, the summerness (yes, that is a made-up word), and of course, the fireworks!  We celebrated all weekend long!

On July 2nd, our little cul-de-sac got together and set off fireworks in our circle.  The kids always love that!  They love staying up late, going outside in their jammies with blankets and pillows, and hanging out with their friends.   I love it because I grew up on a cul-de-sac as well, and we did the same thing when I was little.

These pictures are not the greatest, but here they are anyway...

On July 3rd, Kevin ran the Freedom Half Marathon in Salt Lake City.  My sister, Holly and one of her friends also ran it.  The kids and I drove up there to cheer Kevin on.  We got there just before I thought he would finish, but I couldn't find a parking place!  I drove to the end of a road where they had cones set up for the runners.  Just as I was getting ready to turn around, I saw Kevin run right by us!  I couldn't believe it!  I told Brooklyn and Derek to jump out and catch up to him!  They hopped out and I quickly found a place to park, got the two babies in the double stroller, and ran to the finish line.  I didn't see Kev finish, but the kids were able to catch up to him right after he finished.

Races are always such a fun atmosphere...very motivational!  I wish I could have run.

That night, our little family carried out our second annual Banner family Fourth of July redneck tradition.  We got Taco Bell for dinner and then ate it on the little strip of grass next to Taco Bell while we watched the fireworks.  It's actually a pretty good spot for Fireworks.  We did it last year and the kids wanted to do it again this year, so thus, it is now a tradition.  Nothing spectacular, but fun nonetheless.

On the 4th, we had a BBQ at my parents house.  It was fun to hang out and enjoy the holiday with family.  I love the Fourth!

Derek's last day of kindergarten!

Derek's last day of kindergarten was July 2nd.  The parents came to the last half of the day for the "Unusual Animal Day," and for a little graduation program.  It was fun, but I decided that I don't like my kids getting older.  It is sad for me to see him moving on from kindergarten...he seems like such a big boy now (sigh).  I have also really enjoyed him home with me in the mornings (he had afternoon kindergarten).  It was nice to have some quality "Mom and Derek" time.  I miss it. ;-(

Anyway, his graduation day was fun.  The kids each made and displayed an "unusual animal" and answered questions about them.  Derek made a Koala Bear and was quite proud of it!  The kids also did a cute little program and then they were each presented their diplomas and an award.  Derek received the "Good Behavior" award.  Yay!

Derek's kindergarten class singing a song...

with his good friend, Jacob and his koala bear...

with his kindergarten diploma...

with his teacher Mrs. Johnson...