Swimming Lessons

Swimming lessons were a huge hit this year!!! It probably had something to do with the bath water pool! There were mornings I was wishing I could hop on in! Katie had no fear this year. A very stark contrast to last year when she wouldn't even put her face in the water. This year was all about jumping off the side, putting her head under, the dead man's float and eventually the diving board. I absolutely loved hearing her say, "mom watch me." It was as though I had arrived as a mom. I remember yelling those same things at my own mother and her clapping, jumping up and down, etc. Now it's my turn to make her think and feel like she is the best and the greatest. Oh, how I love summer.

Father's Day

Happy late father's day to my sweet husband.

I just wanted to illustrate what a "normal" evening looks like at our house. This picture couldn't be more accurate for the time being. Todd walks in the door and the kids are literally screaming and mauling him!!! He can't even get out of his scrubs. They just can't get enough of him. He is a wonderful father. He works and average of 15 hours a day right now and is still able to play with them. He may fall asleep from time to time during stories, but he's there with them. Of course, sleep can't last long with Joey crawling all over him! I'm grateful for this man. He works so hard for our family in so many ways. Our children are very blessed to have him~as am I.....



Katie was absolutely thrilled to make daddy a special sign and decorate with balloons. Holidays are so much more fun with her.




























And a fabulous celebration for my own father. A wonderful man who I am beyond lucky to call my father. I feel very blessed to have both of these men in my life.

Oregon

We had a fabulous trip to Oregon last week. The kids did pretty well on the 12 hour drive-mostly thanks to the DVD player. Seriously, how did we travel without those things back in the day???
Our adventure was filled with kite flying and park days, rafting with the kids, more big people rafting, forging creeks in kayaks that didn't have enough water, getting rained on three times, a hike to near Crater lake, cabaret theater oh and did I mention getting rained on three times. All in all is was a great trip.

Warning: We are in desperate need of a new point and shoot camera. It's hard to believe our 6 year old camera is so archaic. We thought we were the cutting edge with our 3.5 megapixel digital camera. Not so much!

Miss Kate & saying "Yes!"

My little princess! It's hard to believe a year of preschool is behind us. It seems like it was only yesterday I was holding this brand new baby and thinking I had all the time in the world with her.
I've been reflecting on some things lately and most of my reflecting has come around to me realizing how quickly time passes and how I feel I need to hold on for dear life to every day. And that has me noticing how often, in my attempts to control my life I say "no," to my children. "No, you can't wear that to the store." "No, we don't have time for one more book." "No, you can't....whatever" You get my drift.
I know that sometimes "no's" are important and that children need boundaries, but I've decided to say "yes" whenever I can. Whenever it's just about time, appearances or a little extra work maybe I can just let go and enjoy a little more. So wish me luck. I'm sure I'll be counting to ten a few more times this week and getting a few more stares at the store and feeling a little more happy about it all!

Growing

This little guy is just growing too fast for words. We laugh daily at his little vocabulary, his fears and his little sense of humor. Love this boy!