Our Domestic Church: Summer Has Begun

We finished school up last Monday when Matthias took his standardized test. So we've been done with school for a week now, but last week was still busy as I got ready for Augustin's First Communion on Sunday. Today was the first day that really felt like summer and the weather was perfect; sunny and warm.

After breakfast Augustin and Matthias headed to Mass with my Dad. Augustin was so anxious to serve. He sat in the pew with Papa and watched and they talked about what he would need to do while Matthias served. Tomorrow is the first day he will vest and serve and he can't wait. Then we didn't some cleaning...trying to get some "springing cleaning" done in the boys room this week. Finally...it was time to head outside and they had so much fun. The boys started by heading into the woods to the pond that is full of frogs this time of year. I didn't anticipate them coming back excited about cooking frog legs for dinner. Oh my. I'm really thinking that life around here is just starting to get fun and interesting.

Playing around while waiting for Matthias to finish showering. He fell into the pond near shore and was cleaning up before going out again to look for more frogs.

Augustin enjoying the beautiful day

Samuel playing with some caterpillars he found.

"Mom take my picture with the caterpillar!"

While the boys went back to the pond for more frogs, I took some time to play around with my new camera and take some pictures of the girls.

I love her smile here.

Beatrice's personality is really starting to come out and she's getting some cute expressions.

I love her eyes; so big and round. They remind me of Matthias'

Back with more frogs. They ended up with a total of 13. The girls enjoyed watching them and they were excited to touch them too.

It really looks like Matthias is getting ready to eat this frog here, but he's just excited at how big it is.

We spent the rest of the afternoon just enjoying the nice day. It was so nice to just sit in the backyard and watch the kids play.

Beatrice didn't want to nap and miss all the fun!!!!

Parker joined us after school and spent the afternoon playing w/ the boys. He's looking so much older and definitely looks like a teenager; he's growing up so quickly. He still has those twinkling blue eyes that I have always loved.

Sword fighting with Augustin

Throwing the football to Matthias.

Matthias having a great time

Trying to be like the big kids with the binoculars.

A girl and her sword

And of course, what would a warm day be without the sprinkler coming out. This isn't the best pictures (slightly blurry), but Papa couldn't help, but get in on the action.