Day 1 with Ariana

This week we are so blessed to have my sweet niece Ariana over to help us. She is my sister Amy's oldest daughter and the oldest grandchild of my parents. Ari and I have always had a really close bond. I've adored her since the day she was born.  We've had alot of fun memories together growing up. I was 11 when she was born so I got to do alot of playing with her as a child. My sister sweetly let her come and help me out with the boys for a while so that way they could have little more normalcy by staying at home. I can't tell you just how fabulous it's been! The boys needed this time at home and Ari is making it so fun. They absolutely LOVE her, especially Trayvn. He just bosses her around and she just does what he says. They are so cute to watch together.
Today started off a little rough for Trayvn. Ari took the boys for a walk first thing this morning. On the way back Trayvn put his little thumb somewhere it shouldn't on the stroller and it got smashed. It swelled up so big that is made the skin crack. The poor boy was so sad and sweet Ari just loved and loved him. She got a bandaid and fixed him right up.

After the thumb drama it was time for a nap. Trayvn goes down for naps so easy. Rhev on the other hand, has very different opinions of "nap time". He fought nap time for hours. He just wanted to play. Even with all the Rhev nap time drama, Ari didn't judge me or Rhev. She just loved him anyways.

In between Rhev's interruptions during nap time, Ari came in on my bed with me and made bows and watched a movie.  She's got quite the skills. It was really nice to have someone to talk to and keep me company.

After naps, it was snack time. The snack of choice (picked by Ari)... PICKLES

I had no idea Trayvn like pickles so much. He looked like he was in pain with every bite, but he still devoured the whole thing.

Later in the evening when Tyce got home (and after Rhev finally took a nap) we all went outside to play. Tyce let Rhev build a fire and burn some boxes.

While we were sitting enjoying the fire, Tyce showed up with his gun. He thought it would be fun to do a little target practicing and get his gun sighted in. Of course that turned into shooting lessons for Ari and Rhev. Neither one had ever shot a gun before.

First up was the shooting lessons. Tyce had everyone full attention.

The Lessons must have been good because Ari did great and was a great shot!

 Rhev was lucky his dad is such a patient man. He couldn't quite get the whole "look down the barrel" idea. I think most of the shots Rhev took were with his eyes closed.

Trayvn wasn't so sure about the gun. He didn't want to shoot it, so I got lots of cuddle time while I kept him safe from the scary gun noises :)

After shooting Ari was such a good sport and went with the boys to the top of the dirt mound to play "King of the Mountain"

Which turned into keeping Trayvn from falling off the mountain :)

 After king of the mountain, it was "slide down the mountain" :) I had 3 very very dirty bums.

 He couldn't have been happier!

Once again there is Trayvn and his Ari tail :)

This next set of pictures makes me laugh. You can see just how Trayvn bosses Ari. Rhev was running the water and created a puddle of mud next to the hydrant. Tryavn had a little plastic truck he was playing with. After a couple minutes he threw it in the mud. Immediately he looked up at Ari with a look of "come on slave, pick it up". So what did she do? She picked it up of course.

Trayvn has her completely wrapped around his little finger!

Soon Tyce yelled out it was time to come in for bed. The boys had to get one last adventure in. Trayvn chose the slid.

Rhev chose to jump on the tramp into Daddy's arms.

And go down the slide :)

 Once in the house, and pajama's were on, we said prayers and went to bed. It had been such a full day and I'm sure Ari was exhausted from the busy day. Rhev however was a bundle of energy. He decided he needed to sleep downstairs next to Ari in his sleeping bag. 

I think, however, it turned into Rhev talking for hours and Ari just being patient and listening. She read him stories and was just so sweet to him.

 It was a great way to end a great day! I'm so glad Ari is here to help!