The End (of School, that is...)

Oh, three day weekends go by way too quickly.  We did manage to get out and have some fun.  Usually, we get really caught up in our to-do list, and although we are often quite productive, we feel like we are missing something at the end of the day.  We were sure to schedule in some family time this weekend, and were so much happier.  Well, maybe that could be debatable...our kids were extra whiny, with an extra dose of tease.  But, we were grateful we did it anyway.  ;)

We got our first shaved ice of the season.  Actually, it was the first shaved ice in some 20 years for Nick and not much different for myself.  It may have been our kids first shaved ice ever.  Let's just say we hope it was our first shaved ice of the season as we hope to do it again soon.  So many delicious flavors to try!  And then we went to a Splash Pad, even though the sun was hiding and it was a bit chilly:

 The kids didn't seem to mind too much.  Lainey was so funny.  She just kept on moving, doing laps around the place, and not concerned a bit if a bucket of water happened to dump on her.

 My view these days:

There's that cute face, peeking out from under my huge belly.

Also over the weekend we enjoyed a few late evenings out in our backyard, roasted marshmallows and consumed s'mores, had good friends over for a barbecue, and had dinner at my two brother's homes two separate evenings.  Lots of time spent with cousins, friends, and family.  Could we ask for any more?  Thanks to all who fed us!  :)

Also, kudos to my awesome husband.  He took care of everything while I slept Saturday morning away (and into the afternoon) to make up for a long night awake with an awful migraine.  What a wonderful man that is mine.  

Ellie now has 1 1/2 days of school left.  This morning was the dance festival,and we almost made it all the way through before the rain clouds came rolling through.  Here she is doing the "Twist" with the other first-graders:

 That's her in the back row with her socks halfway to her knees.  ;)  She smiled the entire time and looked like she was having a blast.  Unfortunately, their field day wasn't exactly what they had expected with the downpour of rain.  Also, unfortunately, we had walked to the school and had to walk home in the said downpour.  Thankfully, they were able to move all the school activities indoors, and thankfully, we had our bike trailer made jogging stroller with us and could cover up the kids while we hustled home.  It was a good time, regardless of being wet.  

I'm so proud of my girl and the progress she has made this year.

Second grade, here we come!

Graduation and a Sandbox

Our Missy graduated from Pre-school last week.

 This year she has learned so much.  She has had awesome teachers, and made good friends.  Pre-school has been good to her. 

 She was so proud/nervous/excited that night.  She said her part very clearly.

 And sang the songs.

 She had this nervous smile the whole time.  Boy, she looks so grown up wearing a cap and gown.

 Seriously, look at that face!  All the photos I have of her getting her 'diploma' she has her eyes closed.  I think she was trying to block out the audience or something.  We are so proud of our girl.

 We were happy to have Grandma and Grandpa along for her special night.

Next up for our weekend:  building a sandbox.

 The kids had a great time helping to stain it.

 Everett found these and put them on, upside down.  Makes me laugh.

 And this morning, summer starts for me.  Maren is home, and we are enacting our summer chores.  Yippee!  She's already cleaned the bathroom for me, has done her 'school work' and is now cleaning her bedroom.  Ellie will start in another week and a half when school gets out for her.

And last, but certainly not least, this was just too good not to share:

Maren came home from church with this beauty.  It is her in the middle giving her Grandma and Grandpa B a hug.  I love that she's looking up at Grandpa.  I love the detail she put into their shirts.  I love that there is a barrette in her hair.  And I love the sun.  (Mom and Dad, your copy is in the mail.  We love you!)

Some of This

Just some random photos and thoughts.

 Lainey is messy, yes she is (and stinkin' adorable).

For Mother's Day we went to visit the best Mother I know - my own.  We had a visitor there, a cute baby bunny named "Fluffy":

 Lainey had to be kept at a distance because she just wanted to squeeze the pellets out of the guy.  Everett was hesitant and a bit nervous, but thought he was pretty hot stuff.  All my kids thought this little furball was pretty cool.

And, a note on Mother's Day.  I love being a mom.  I try every day to live up to be that mother I want to be, and it's a challenge, but I love it.  And, I didn't shed a single tear on Mother's day.  I'm impressed with myself, especially because I'm often a water pot with these pregnancy hormones a-flowin'.  Seriously, I'm not allowed to watch Mormon Ads right now because I'll be a boobin' mess in about 5 seconds flat.  I digress.  Mother's day was wonderful because I have a wonderful husband and wonderful children, and I have a wonderful mother and mother-in-law.  I am grateful.

 This girl always looks so sweet when she sleeps.  She and I went to a parent/teacher conference a few weeks ago and her pre-school teachers raved about how sweet, obedient and wonderful she is.  They want to keep her.  They want an entire class full of Marens.  She is a "dream child".  Her teacher asked me, "Seriously, are all your kids like this?"  Um, yes.  Yes.  Always obedient, always quiet, always sweet.  Always.  ;)  At least my kids know how to put on a good show when it really counts.

Just to prove that my kids are not always sweet (just in case I had you convinced that they were):

(Everett "in the corner" where he has spent quite a bit of time these last few days for calling his sisters names.)

Lainey likes to have her tummy "tickle tickle tickle"d.  She likes to find my belly button and tickle it too.  My belly button looks kind of funny these days.  :)

Break Time

I may be avoiding some things right now.  Like the three loads of laundry that need folded and put away.  Or the floor that needs various items picked up (my least favorite job these days with a baby taking up all the space in my middle) and swept.  Or the family room rug that needs a good vacuuming (which means more toys to be picked up and put away).  Not to say I haven't done anything today.  I cleaned out the kids rooms (by the way, I usually make the girls, and even the boy, pick up their bedrooms, but it felt SO good this morning to completely clean them out), put three loads of laundry in to be washed and dried, have done last nights dishes and cleaned the kitchen, put some beans in the pressure cooker for dinner, and not to mention chase kids, clean kids, feed kids, read to and with kids, and play with kids.  Whenever I come here, I see those photos of my kitchen, and as good as it looks, I'm getting kind of bored with it.  I was sure you were too.  You're welcome.  ;)

So, how about some chocolate chip cookies?

 I guess I should say 'the evidence of chocolate chip cookies'.  

Here's another cute photo:

Everett loves it when Lainey joins in on his games.

And, I'm super jealous of Maren right now:

Ok, break is over.  Back to it.