SUMMER!!! and a Father's Day Preview

For our family

SUMMER 

HAS

BEGUN!

Today is the LAST DAY of SCHOOL!!

The kids got out early

Madison went straight to a swim party

Brooke brought a friend over

Tonight we might go to the movies

and 

tomorrow

we 

go 

to 

the

BEACH!!!

add on since Lisa requested a picture: 

FATHER'S DAY

arrived early at our house.  

We have been needing a new grill

and John had his eye on one

so I surprised him . . . 

When he got home from work, it was

completely set up and hooked to the gas line

and 

ready 

to 

go! 

We had amazing grilled mahi mahi

for dinner tonight!

We didn't make it to the movie tonight.  Instead, in full summer tradition, the kids are still outside playing

and our neighbor friend Hannah (my 5th child) will be sleeping over.

Swimming Lessons

For the past month, we have been going to swimming lessons nearly every day. 

Christian has been somewhat afraid of the water and had no desire to attempt swimming at all. 

He was totally content sitting on the step playing, or floating around with water wings.  He was pretty easy to watch since he never tried anything dare-devilish, unlike Ashlyn, who will RUN and JUMP into the deep-end.

At the beginning of Christian's lessons, he didn't even want to put his face in the water. 

He had to learn the very basics, even of blowing bubbles. 

By the the end of the two-week session, he was totally swimming.

Now he can use his arms and even jump off the diving board. 

He loves swimming and now wants to be in the water all the time. 

Ashlyn uses any opportunity she can get to be in the water.  She has no fear.  It is really scary and I can't take my eyes off her for a second!  In that regard, I'm glad we don't have a pool. 

She cracks me up how she wanted to wear Brooke's goggles.

"Oh how I wish it could be ME in that water!  I have to wait and watch every day.  Life is so unfair."

Christian in his little swim class at Erin Chapple's.  She is an amazing teacher! 

Here is a short video of him "getting it".  It's so cute and fun to see the progression in such a short period of time.  It cracks me up how his teacher still wants to call him "John" (she has known John forever). 

Now we are at swim lessons for 90 minutes every day for this 2-week session since they have back-to-back lessons.  Ashlyn loves it on the days she gets to swim in the spa while the lessons are going on in the big pool.   Madison is doing great polishing up her skills.  She's ready for the swim team!  Brooke is learning to dive, and many of the necessary strokes. 

A Super (busy) Saturday

Saturday is a Special Day - 

It's the day to pack in everything we can.

I started out the morning with an awesome boxing class.

A great way to get invigorated! 

Then after chores and getting everyone ready for the day, John took Christian to two back-to-back birthday parties  (he was in heaven!) and 

Madison, Brooke and I headed out to the valley for the annual Ho'olualea Hawaiian Festival. 

Amber and Danika were dancing in it.  

We had a great time watching the show, seeing family and friends, enjoying the cuisine,  and checking out all the carnival attractions.

If you haven't ever seen the website"engrish.com" you should check it out.  It's hilarious.

I bought the kids this little Japanese treat. The cookie sticks had trivial facts imprinted and I about died when I saw this.  Notice anything peculiar?  I think I should submit it to engrish!

Danika (1st on left) and Amber (4th) doing a fabulous job dancing! 

They were great!!

After the festival, we went over to Dre's (my sister Andrea) apartment.  We've never seen her new digs since she's been married.  We missed Adam since he was working.  She made wonderful smoothies for us, then we headed home to get to our annual Maple Family Days Carnival!  

The girls were invited to ride in Brianna and Heather's float for the Maple Parade.  It was so cute!  I'm glad the Millers took the time to create a fun float.  I didn't get around to it!

As soon as we arrived at the carnival, Madison as attacked by a swarm of boys (it's happening already!!) wanting to 'play tag' and also put her in "jail".  You had to pay 3 tickets to put someone in jail, then someone had to pay 3 tickets to get them out.  After a couple of times, daddy got involved and scared all those boys away.  I bet it won't be the first time he'll have to intervene!  Oh My! I don't think I'll ever be ready for that . . . nor will he.  We're happy with her staying 9 forever!

Maple Awards Assembly

The last Friday of every month is our school's Awards Assembly.

This is Madison's last for 3rd grade. 

She received the award for People Respecting Others

For showing respect, kindness, consideration and good sportsmanship for her fellow students and teachers.

And got a certificate to In N Out Burger

Brooke with Mrs. Zdenek

The girls have absolutely loved their teachers and had a phenomenal year! 

It went by too fast! 

Backyard Fun

I love the feel of summer approaching.  

I love how the backyard is getting used everyday. 

I love how we can eat dinner out on the patio.  

I love how the kids can go out and play (and not be in the house!)

I love the cute little bunny that visits our yard every day.  He's so tiny.

I don't love how the bunnies think my yard is a salad bar.

I love how the kids play together.

I love watching one of them take the initiative to swing with Ashlyn.

I love how Ashlyn cracks me up!

I love how she grabbed the broom and said "I vacuum!"

I loved having Madison home from school one day last week for a 'sick day'.

I love how she felt better soon and we could enjoy the day.

I love how she interacts with Ashlyn.

Don't sweep her up!

A Week in Review

John hired a bunch of Youth to 'act' for an upcoming

video commercial that will be on YouTube. 

They had a great time destroying equipment, acting crazy, and eating pizza.

It only took about 1/2 hour and they left with $30 cash, dinner, and a t-shirt!  Not bad!  He's got a lot of editing to do!  I'll post it when it's ready.

Brooke was in the "Peter Rabbit" play.  It was so totally darling.  She was one of the readers and did quite an excellent job.  She has such the personality for stage and speaks so clearly - she was in her element and loved it.

I'm feeling a little bit stressed . . . my next editing project is due this week (picture below - it's a lot of paper!  The first little stack on top took me 2 hours on Saturday) and I have to prepare a talk to give in Sacrament meeting.  Let's hope Ashlyn sleeps so I can steal a few minutes to work! 

On Saturday night, I took Madison and Brooke to see the production of "Narnia: The Musical" which our friends were in.  It was a cute rendition and I loved how our little 10-year old friends developed a cockney accent for the parts of  Mr. and Mrs. Beaver.  

Looking forward to seeing the movie "Prince Caspian" but Madison has to finish the book first - that's the deal!  She's almost done so we may make it there this weekend.

Mother's Day Weekend

Mother's Day Weekend started on FRIDAY afternoon with the annual Father and Son Camp Out!

John was so excited about taking Christian to this for the first time that he planned to come home from work early.  Christian could barely contain his enthusiasm and I had to create a calendar for him this last week so he could count down the days.   He knew that after his nap on Friday, he would go camping.  So, at 9:00 a.m. he asked to take his nap.  My sister Andrea was over with the kids she nannies for a playdate and at 10:30 he wanted to go take a nap.  

When naptime finally arrived, he went willingly and awoke at about 1:30 (a bit too early).  After about a 1/2 hour, he looked up at me and said so seriously, "Mama, I guess Daddy forgot."  Nearly broke my heart!  He is so adorable.  

John took a few pictures and in each one Christian is 

wearing this cheesy, super-excited grin.   

At the breakfast

Throwing rocks in the stream and learning how to fish.

They made it home in time for the last track meet (and the longest).  Saturday night we went on a hot date to chaperone the Stake Dance!  That brought back memories.

On Sunday, I was spoiled with breakfast in bead (orange-cinnamon french toast, and my favorite scrambled eggs) and loads of wonderful homemade cards.

Church was fabulous and even my class cooperated nicely.  

Andrea and Adam and my  mom and dad came for dinner John made another tantalizing meal:  grilled tri-tip and salmon, cooked to perfection and Andrea made a scrumptious salad.  

John outdid himself playing chef, maid, mom, and dad all day.  

Happy Mother's Day Mom!