Summer is in full swing around these parts. That means freedom, fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants, play, get creative and have fun. That is precisely what we've been doing.
Warning: long post!
But I've been accused recently of slacking and shirking my blogging duties, so here ya' go!
We are so proud of Brooke for choosing (being coerced?) to perform in the school talent show. She did a fabulous job playing "Pizza Man" on the piano.
June 5
My little guy graduates Pre-K!
His school does a really cute graduation ceremony where they sing all the songs they've learned all throughout the year and show their kindergarten-readiness. He also got to announce one of the 'acts' and have a solo in one of the small-group songs.
This picture is him on the stand after receiving his diploma and announcing to the audience that he will be attending "Maple Elementary!"
We love Mrs. Davis (aka Ms Pat)
The LAST Day of school.
I can't believe Brookie is going in 3rd grade and Madison 5th. This is her last year of elementary school! I swear we were just walking her into the kindergarten gate a few months ago.
There was an [monthly] awards assembly the last day and they both received an award! I love it when that happens - when they are both chosen at the same time. It makes it easier to attend . . . you know - kill two birds type of thing. Way to go Maddy and Brooke -
PRO -People Respecting Others!
Teaser: We are completely remodeling our master bath. It is LONG overdue.
One evening John took out a closet and let the kids have at it with a sledge hammer. They thought tearing out a wall was really cool. More on this to come - hopefully sooner than later. For now, this is where I plug in my blow dryer and flat iron - hanging midair. It's quite lovely.
Ashlyn had her first dental appointment and did so well! She scored an A+ and loved dressing up in their princess clothes and checking out all the cool apparatuses. Way to go Ash!
My wonderful Grandma Carol came down for a visit from Michigan and we were so glad that we have been off school so we could spend time with her! The first day we went to lunch at Daglas - the old famous Valley hamburger stand, then saw "Up" and walked the Northridge Mall. I hadn't been there in years! Then we went to dinner and didn't get home until 10:00pm. The kids were tired, but so glad to see her and had so much fun. The next time we got to see her was her last day. We went to my parents' house (where she'd been staying) and visited, then went to lunch at Red Robin before she had to leave for the airport. It was a tearful good-bye! We love you Grandma Carol!
We are holding up our tradition of going to the beach at least once a week. Summer started off to be quite cool, so beach and pool haven't even sounded that inviting. Friday the 19th was supposed to be the warmest, so we planned to go then. It did end up being quite warm, but the beach had a different idea. The haze never did burn off but the kids didn't mind one bit. They Boogie Boarded, played and frolicked until it was past time to go home.
My friend Stephanie and her daughter, Monroe came with us and my friends Amanda and Melissa joined us with their kids. It's always fun with lots of friends to play with.
Zuma 14
Ashlyn and one of her besties, Patricia.
Youth Conference!
John had to be in Dallas all week, leaving Sunday after church. He came home Thursday evening and then met at the church at 7:30 Friday morning for Youth Conference. He chaperoned, and we were a host home, having 7 boys, plus his co-chaperone sleeping at our house. They were a great group and had a lot of fun.
On Saturday afternoon, the activity was several slides, rock climbing/bungee jumping, obstacle course and dunk tank at the park. I took the kids over to check it out and once all the youth were gone, we got the slides to ourselves!
Kim is in town from Tokyo and she brought Lisa's kids to join in the fun.
That was the best entertainment. They were thoroughly entertained and exhausted and it was no effort on our part!
Afterwards, we treated the kids to Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt. YUM!
The girls' table . . .
The boys' table . . .
Monday, June 22
Madison starts QUILT CAMP.
My friend LaNae holds a week-long quilt camp at her house from 9:00 - noon. The girls learn to sew (and unjam bobbins) and make a beautiful, full-size quilt. We are looking forward to seeing the finished product on Friday.
I took Christian to the doctor because he's had cold-like symptoms for nearly a month and a voice that sounds severely pinched. His throat is swollen, he had a bad choking incident the day before and I am so glad that I was in the room with him! It was pretty scary. Turns out he has an abcess on his tonsil and is on a 10-day antibiotic regimen. Poor little guy.
After the doctor, we picked up Madison from quilt camp and went to see the horses which are just down the street. I had Tiffany (LaNae's daughter and one of Brooke's besties). When Tiffany and Brooke were in preschool and kindergarten, we used to switch off play dates and one of the things we'd do on the way to afternoon kindergarten was stop to see the horses. I'd drive by slowly in the car and the horses would lean their heads into the window. Tiffany remembers this and really wanted to see the horses again. 
This time I let them out of the car. They could have stayed there all day.
Talk about cheap entertainment.
I love seeing how the siblings are kind to one another, especially when they don't know anyone is watching.
Tennis Anyone?
We started tennis lessons with some friends, Iayn and Adin, and the kids loved it. Last week they got to do a free trial session and Ashlyn wanted to do it, so I had her try this week. She lasted about 20 minutes. At least she didn't run around the court repeatedly! (nor did she whack anyone with her racket, so we'll call it a success).
She was pretty darn cute out there. Brooke has a 3rd-degree burn on her finger, so holding a racket is not that fun right now. Hopefully she'll feel better next time and want to join in the lessons.
More summer fun to come!
