R Family Update (with lots of Instagram pics!)

So, I realized Instagram has sort of replaced blogging in my life. I LOVE Instagram. It is such a fun way to document what is going on in day to day life and it is super quick and easy to use (definite bonuses for a busy mama)! So, if you don't already, feel free to follow me over there. My username is "katieramsey".

But, I still do love blogging from time to time. So, I thought I would do a little catch up post on what we have been up to these days!

We have been really enjoying summer this year! Including spending almost every minute outside, staying up way too late, eating food off of the grill, spending tons of time with family and friends... basically I am not sure I ever want fall to come...

We started off our summer with a trip to Kansas City to visit my sister and brother-in-law... Sam's first road trip! (We had a blast and the kids are begging to go back!) Here's a picture of Max enjoying some real KC bbq...


Then a few weeks ago we had friends come visit us! One of my very bestest friends ever, Christina, and her two sweet kiddos came up from Springfield to spend some time with us and we are still talking about it everyday. We loved having house guests and I was so blessed by our time together. Our Springfield friends were basically our family when we lived there, so it was so special to have them visit us. We miss them so much! I love these pictures from their visit!



And now for a giant photo dump of pics from our summer so far... :)

Jack thinks he is big stuff when he rides his big boy bike

We took the kiddos to Indian Camp Creek to play and then followed it up with Lulu's Shaved Ice. It was a big hit and might be one of our new favorite treat!

The kiddos were invited to a sports themed birthday party so they went decked out in their Cardinal's gear!

Nick and I got to go see Spamalot at the Muny. It was so good! And, basically any date night with my man is a big win in my book!

Nick and Max went to their second Father/Son campout with our church. They had a great time.

While the boys were at the campout, we had some girls over for a little ice-cream and p.j. party. I love this pic of Jack right in the middle of all the girls.

We had an irrigation system installed and it provided lots of entertainment for Jack and Sophie!

Max and Sophie also started swimming lessons.

Sam also got to take his first dip in the pool! He really liked it.

Max and I got to have a Mommy/Son date. We went to Crushed Red for dinner and then to the Muny!

It was Max's first time to go to the Muny. We saw Shrek the Musical and he loved it! We still talk about it everyday!

We are loving our neighborhood pool this summer. One afternoon last week the big kids and I snuck away while Daddy was at home with the little boys for an afternoon swim!

My parents (Papa and Grandma!) blessed us big time with a new (to us) swingset. The kids basically spend every moment that they are awake outside playing. Last night Sam was super cranky so we went out for him to swing and he was instantly in a better mood!