Flashback to 2009

Just found these beauties on one of our old SD cards that I found in a pile of stuff.  I cannot believe how blonde my hair was that summer, how tiny little Eli was, how much the same Robby is and yet so much more mature.....

I still remember this day like it was yesterday.  We were invited over to swim at the house next door to my in-laws.  I remember thinking that it was the first time I had EVER been swimming with my in-laws at a regular pool [other than in Rocky Point].  It was super duper hot outside that day {a typical Arizona July summer day}, and my kids were literally stripping off their clothes in a rush to see who could get in the pool first.  Nona was pretty worried when both of the kids made it into the pool before any adults, and I gently reassured her that there was a reason why my kids took ISR survival swim lessons.  Maddie and Robby were such fishies and were swimming to and from people over and over again.  Eli was timid as always and did NOT like when he was dunked under water.  He was however extremely content in Papa's arms splashing at the water with his overactive little hands.  Robby loved sitting in the little blue swim chair and used it like his own personal boat, paddling to and fro with his hands.  I'm sure there were some fights and tears entwined into this swim date, but like always those moments are quickly forgotten.  The things I remember most were the togetherness that was felt as we splashed around, laughed and loved that day. 

{Below: a couple of pictures that were take the end of July 2009 on Papa's birthday.  I love that pretty much every year on Papa's bday, all the pics taken feature him with multiple children on his lap.  He truly is that kind of Grandpa that all the kids immediately latch onto and love....he has such a gentle heart and for that I am forever grateful!}