James turns 6…

"My policy on cake is pro having it and pro eating it."
-Boris Johnson

In the moments where the kids are getting along, they’re good about finding things to do together.  It’s mostly swimming and playing in the backyard, but occasionally they will do things more creative in nature.  This includes face painting, although we’re not quite sure what they were going for on some of their faces.

Instead of a party, James wanted to go on a trip this year for his birthday.  He had so much fun the last time we went to Albuquerque that he wanted to go back.  So bags were packed and away we went.  We re-visited Explora, played in parks, swam in an indoor pool, and all in all had a fun time.

We made it back in time to open presents, enjoy a homemade cake from our resident baker, and play outside with his new bike.  Not a bad way to turn 6 over a weekend.  Happy birthday buddy, we love you!

Father’s Day 2018…

"It was your fault Daddy, but you're still a good Daddy."
-Isla

When PePa came over he had a surprise announcement for the kids.  Something was in our front yard.  As it turns out, that something was a turtle.  It hung out under one of our bushes for awhile and we thought it was going to lay eggs.  It didn’t and we eventually took it back to the pond.

Our house made two big acquisitions this week.  First, James found a pile of books he likes from a friend looking to pass them on.  We also caved in and bought a new pool after all the cheaper inflatable pools kept getting holes in them.  Now our back porch is taken up by a pool.  The kids are having a lot of fun in it though, so I suppose losing the porch space is worth it.

James tested successfully for his next belt, the time orange.  Unlike last time, each kid had to get up by themselves in front of the entire class to perform their forms.  Also unlike last time, the celebration was at Chuck E. Cheese and they filled up the entire birthday party area.  It was nuts, but James was proud of the extra work he put into learning the forms so he could get his new belt.  We’re proud too.

This was Father’s Day weekend and the kids were able to celebrate all the Dads in town.  From swimming, to breakfast, to fajita dinners the kids ran from place to place handing out homemade cards and gifts.  Happy Father’s Day dads!

Summer has begun…

"Having children is like having a bowling alley installed in your brain."
-Martin Mull

The kids wanted to make their own lunch one day this week.  We must be doing something right, because instead of sweets they packed the tray full of fruit, meats, and cheeses with a little juice to drink.  They ate better than we did, that’s for sure.

When the kids get bored they can make up some interesting games.  We walked into the living room to see a game in progress where the entire goal was for Ashlyn to hit James in the face with a large inflated ball.  And this was James’ idea.  I have no words to explain this.

Luckily they also come up with activities that are, to say it gently, not as stupid.  One activity this week was making volcanoes out of household products.

Mommy took the kids bowling this week to get them out of the house.  They had a fun time bowling, and even more fun playing the games.  Apparently the kids scored big.  James got two jackpots and Ashlyn found a game that was not charging tokens to play.  She won over six candy bars before she stopped playing it.

A tea party and the last day of 2nd grade…

"Rusty is benext us." (Isla’s way of saying between and next to us)
-Isla

Isla found a box of Mommy’s clothes from when she was a kid and thought it would be fun to put on one of her dresses.  Not to be left out, Ashlyn then put on a dress and declared it was time for a tea party.  Sensing a way to get snacks and juice, James ran upstairs and came back down with jeans and a button up shirt on.  Why can’t they get dressed that quickly when we need them to?

This week marked the last day of school for Ashlyn.  She brought some flowers for her teacher (her idea) and at school was nominated the most likely to grow up and become a teacher.  Afterwards the kids were treated with ice cream to celebrate.  Congrats Ashlyn on finishing up another year.  Onward to 3rd grade, and to Kindergarten for James!

For the first day of summer the kids were given the choice of where to go.  They all chose swimming so Mommy packed up the van and took them to a nearby swimming place.  The kids had a good time and were a little less crazy when they got back to the house.

Only three more months of summer to find ways to entertain them!