The cliffsnotes version of June

I know we already went over some of the fun things we did in June, but after unloading dozens (and by dozens, I mean hundreds) of photos off of our phones, there were a few images that didn't make the original cut, so I wanted to share them now.  Below you will find a cliffsnotes version of our June through photos.  xoxo

The highlight of Jackson's life - his very own sandbox!
Matt took one Sunday morning and dedicated it to building Jax a sandbox. This came after dozens of trips to the park where he had tons of awesome playground equipment to play with but, chances are, Jackson could be found playing in the nearest sand volleyball pit.  LOVE it!

 

We finally got to give the digger that Papa got him for his birthday a proper place to play!

 Abby started playing softball representing the Scott County Animal Hospital.
She liked it better than T-ball and thinks she will want to play again next year.  Go, girl! 

On our trip with my family to Galena, Matt and Jax snuck off to one of our favorite stores in Galena, Poopsie's.  They have the MOST AMAZING TOY section ever and Jax decided that Squigz were not only good to put on smooth surfaces like glass and metal, but they would also stick to places such as his forehead.  Priceless, Jax!

We took a family trip with Papa to the Botanical Center and guess where Jackson ended up playing?
You guessed it - the sandbox area!

 With Talia helping out watching Jax this summer, Matt and I actually had a few date nights and on this particular one, we took a 45 minute hike around an island off of LeClaire. 

 The good old fashioned carnival came to town, so we met our friends Callie & Macy there for some rides, cotton candy and games.  

Jax won a "smiley" and was so excited that it had sunglasses, just like him. 

Jax and his favorite Kat 

 and what better is a day spent with Kat?  When Papa brings over cupcakes!  Thanks, Papa!

 Some silly times at Texas Roadhouse

Cookie making time, 2016
Jax LOVES to help out in the kitchen and its so fun because he really gets into it.
His favorites are frosting cookies, making watermelon balls and cutting the stems off of strawberries (with a baby knife, of course).

Our little chef in the  making

...maybe he just likes licking the spoon...?

It was dance party time and these two outlasted me by a couple of songs.  

So. Much. Energy.

I came out of the shower one morning to see Jax "fixing" the bench that sits at the end of our bed. 

He informed me that it was really good that he was there otherwise someone may have gotten hurt.
I love the silly things that come out of his mouth these days.  

Talia introduced Jackson to Snapchat this summer and we had a blast after family dinner one night each taking turns making silly faces.  

  

We took the kiddos to the family museum where Jax got to drive some construction equipment and Abby got to make some awesome crafts in the Thinkshop

Last, but certainly not least, is the shopping trip that my friend Aud and i took to the Fashion Show Mall in Chicago. We went up early and came back that night, both not able to feel our feet.  That mall is hands down, the best outlet mall I've ever been to.  If you get a chance to go there - you can't beat the selection or the prices (and they have an amazing food court as well).

Love you, girl!