It's HOT!!!!!!!!!

It has been over 100 degrees here for the last three days, which is very hot for us. Yesterday we broke the record for the day and had the hottest day in July ever. Jen and I decided to take the kids to the pool for a little bit and then Aaron joined us and we had dinner. After dinner it was ice cream treats for all. Today is another scorcher so we are living in our air conditioned house. I'm feeling very cooped up for it being summer. I like to enjoy being outside but not in this weather.

We have started another round of swimming lessons and the kids are doing great. Colin was jumping into the pool without holding onto my hands and going under water. This is a huge improvement from just playing on the stairs. Lauren is continuing to get stronger and better. She is a very confident swimmer. Tomorrow is going to cool to the 90's and I'm very thankful.

Cute Story

I just wanted to share a cute story with everyone about Colin. When the kids are done with VBS they send home a CD with all the songs on it and we have been listening to it in the car everywhere we go (yes, I'm getting a little tired of the songs). Colin's favorite song is the louie song, which took me a bit to realize he meant the hallelujah song. For those of you who don't know it goes hallelu hallelu hallelu praisin the Lord but Colin sings it hallelu hallelu hallelu crazin the Lord. I love to listen to my three year old sings to Jesus.

On another note it is two weeks until Lindsey and David are getting married...WOW!!!!

Stuff

Doing some catching up from this past weekend. We had lunch with Mimi and Papa at their church. It was a nice lunch but the hit for the kids was the bounce house. They did lots of bouncing.

there was ice cream as dessert. A treat for my kids who don't have ice cream in the middle of the day.

Sunday was Lauren's half birthday. I don't know why but she thinks this is a cool thing so we always at least acknowledge the day. This year she got a donut with a candle.

Lauren has been attending Girl Scout camp this week and today was crazy day. She got crazy hair and her clothes were backwards. She is loving it and I'm enjoying a few hours of only one kid.

LOUD!!!

Last week Jen and I took the four kids to touch-a-truck. It's a free event that allows kids the opportunity to explore trucks and honk horns. The kids love it but after an hour in the noise and heat we were done.

Lauren started Girl Scout camp this week and is gone from 9-3. It's very weird to only have one child but a glimpse of what it will be like come September. Our summer has been very busy and wonderful. I hope everyone is enjoying this time.

Pool Time

We headed to the pool today with Jen and the kids. Aaron met us there with Subway dinner. It was so hot today and the pool felt so good.

Colin wanted to wear a life jacket today. I thought he looked so cute.

Colin loved the slide and went down lots.

Lauren is such a great swimmer that she can go down the slide by herself and swim to the side.

The big highlight was Lauren going off the diving board all by herself. We are VERY proud.

Water Activities

Last weekend was our church's annual camp out. We don't camp out (there is no running water, indoor plumbing, or electricity. Any questions why we don't camp) but do enjoy going for the day to enjoy ourselves. The kids love to play in the river and with their friends. It is very peaceful and lots of fun. It was very cold this year. The weather guessers had said 85 but it was closer to 65. We still had fun.

Colin had his first swimming lesson today and it went great. He loved it and is looking forward to Thursday. YEAH for no crying!!!!

This is Lauren from last night. She loves to swim.

Little Kate

Anna and Kate were here last week for a spur of the moment visit. It is always so nice to see them. My kids loved playing with Kate. Lauren even got to spend the night and thought that was very cool.

Lauren started another session of swimming lessons tonight. She did really good and learned to tread water. Colin will have his first lesson tomorrow. I'm pretty sure it will mainly be crying but he could surprise me. We shall see.

Is today the 4th or 11th????

We had bought fireworks to do on the 4th but then we ended up going to big fireworks and didn't have a chance to set the off that evening. The kids having been asking when we could do them so as a treat we set a few off tonight. They loved it and then it was off to bed.

My Little Man

Yesterday was Colin's first dentist appointment. I had been dreading this one. He isn't very easy going and doesn't really like to cooperate so you just never know. When we got there my dad was working on the roses so Lauren was able to stay with him and that worked out so nice. I tried to make everything sound like it was a cool tool that was being used and he liked that. He sat in the chair and let his teeth be counted and then the bottom cleaned. He did everything that was asked of him. I just took pictures and was being constantly shocked by his great behavior. What a wonderful surprise.

My father-in-law has a riding lawnmower that we call his tractor. The kids love to have rides in the trailer. Colin wants to help Papa plant things and mow. He is so boy, I just smile. I love these pictures.

Getting There.......

I am finally get a few more layouts done from the past three weeks. Summer is busier and it's hard to find time to be inside. Good news - the house is done. YEAH...well almost. We decided to save a little bit of money and Aaron will fix the damage that was done to the inside. It may be awhile before he can get to it but I'm living with it. Bad news - Colin had his first pooping accident tonight. I knew it would happen but still didn't like it. He got another cold shower and we talked about telling us. I know it is a process.

Some layouts from our week with Alyssa and Aubrey. We had such a wonderful time with the girls. They are amazing little girls. We look forward to next year.

Layouts from our Fourth of July. We had such a great fourth that I needed three layouts.

Getting Caught Up

I'm working on getting some layouts done from the past week. Last Thursday we had such a great day with Papa. It needed a layout.

My most exciting news is on Friday Colin started pooping in the toilet. For those of you who follow my blog you know this has been a trouble spot for him. After over a month of cold showers he just decided he was ready. Now it has been no big deal and no more cold showers. I always knew it would be when he was ready but I wasn't sure when that would be.

Happy 4th

Hope all of you have a wonderful 4th of July. We are heading to Mark and Jen's big church camp for food, swimming and lots of fun. Then back home for a big BBQ and then we are taking the kids to big fireworks. That will be a first for our kids. I'm very excited. I will get more pictures posted later. Have a safe day.

Where did June go???

I can't believe it's July. I knew the summer would fly but I was hoping not quite this fast. Yesterday my in-laws took the kids to lunch at the lake and then play time. I had almost 3 hours to myself. It was great. Unfortunately they forgot their camera and I forgot to send mine. Bummer. Thanks again guys for the break.

Today my dad came in for a picnic lunch at a park by one of our major rivers. It was VERY hot today so we played for a little bit and then headed down to the river. We found this great place that was very safe and had lots of rocks. The kids loved throwing rocks in the river. My dad and I enjoyed the view and the cooler temperature. It was a great day. Now the kids are in bed and probably asleep. It's been a full few days.

the highlight was throwing rocks. It was so beautiful in our little spot. We stayed for quite awhile.