too close to home :(

I've been trying to decide whether or not to post this for several days... I finally came to the decision that my brother and his co-workers are amongst the unsung heros and that I want people to think about what it takes to keep America safe. I brag on my husband a lot and now is the perfect time to tell everyone how proud I am of my brother. He is very calm and has awesome instincts. I cannot imagine tracking footprints in complete darkness, not knowing who they lead to or what their intentions are... So D, this one is for you, I am incredibly proud of you and thankful for what you do!

I'm sure a lot of you know that my brother is a Border Patrol Agent. On Thursday night they lost Agent Rosas, he was shot and killed by illegals. My brother happened to be working that night less than a mile away and was one of several called to help when Agent Rosas could no longer be reached on his radio. This incident has really hit a little too close to home. I'm so thankful that D's guardian angel was watching over him.

My heart goes out to Agent Rosas' family along with all of his co-workers. I just cannot imagine. It's unfortunate it takes acts like this to make me think about about all the unsung heroes that risk their lives day after day to keep us safe. I really appreciate your selfless service, thank you!

Thank God that the suspects are now in custody. Now let's just hope our government will make an example out of those low-lifes.

Cullen's 1st fish

Cullen the fisherman

one of the dozen fish he caught
(just his size!)

the brave boy even threw them back himself

Yay! Another one. :)

Finn thought it was pretty cool too.

Finn and Grandma fed the ducks and geese
while Papa and Cullen fished.

watching the geese

Papa wanted to take Cullen fishing again. They went last fall, but didn't get a single bite. This time Cullen caught a dozen or more! They would barely put the line in and they would have another fish. Cullen loved it! He didn't want to leave. The next morning the first thing he said was- "Papa, ya think ya wanna go fishing again?" :)

park & impromptu parade

train ride at the park

relaxing on the train ride

waiting for the parade to start

candy!

riding the waffle block train

We remembered about the Fiesta Mexicana Parade right before it started, so we hurried downtown. It was very last minute and Cullen was representing in his Irish shirt. lol. Cullen was in his element. He was "campaigning" to strangers around us to wave too, so they would throw more candy. Funny thing is, everyone helped him. One woman even left her chair to walk up to the front with him and waved to get him more candy. Finn was cute, waving back to the people in the parade.

aunts, uncles, & cousins... oh my!

Finn, Cullen, & cousin Clare
(impossible to get a shot of all 3 looking at the camera!)

with Churchill and Grandpa and Grandma McCaffery

with CoCo and Josh

watching some fireworks with Uncle D

dancing with Uncle D

Where is dad when you need him??
(the Dubai cousins dressed Cullen up)

Cousins. Just missing Austin and the twins.
(Looks like I'm going double the boy count on my own!) ;)

Finn with one of many babyhogs. :)

Ray and Cullen played hard!
I wonder who was more worn out...

lightning bugs & watergun fights

cooling off after a LONG drive
]

tracking down a lightning bug

proud of his bugs

watching him light up

watergun fight with Andrew and Ryleigh

soaked

No shooting adults!

The boys and I went back for a week long trip to Kansas. Sean couldn't come at the last minute because of work stuff. We were able to see a lot of family when we were back.

4th of July

sparklers

Tyler, Cullen, Finn, & Grayson

Daddy helping to light an M80
Just kidding! It's a smoke bomb.

The little (and big) boys watching the firetruck

Grayson and Cullen with Matt

We had a great 4th, albeit a little cold (it was in the mid 50's, can you believe it?)! Cullen was really into the fireworks (as expected). Even Finn enjoyed them, he especially loved the snappers. Finn would crack up with those huge belly laughs while watching Cullen snap them. :) We did have our first minor firework injury... Cullen burnt his hand with the sparkler and has got a small blister to prove it.