Piano Camp

Emily's piano teacher had a piano camp for her 4 students a few weeks ago. I'm a little behind posting. My Stepmom Suzy texted today to ask if I was busy or having too much fun to blog. How about busy having too much fun! In any case, piano camp was a huge hit! The girls all had a great time.

The composed their own music during camp. Mrs. Stacy put it in a program on the computer that plays the notes they made up. This was Emily's. She called it Summertime.


They did all sorts of fun activities and the last was decorating a piano cake. The Mom's got to come help with that part.

Here are all the girls. One just quit taking lessons and the other just started. Mrs. Stacy is a busy lady.

I'm so proud that Emily still wants to play piano and enjoys it. I know we all wish we would've stuck with it as a kid and I'm so happy she is having fun and learning something that she will have with her for the rest of her life.

Fire

We hear of tornadoes in Oklahoma or storms back East and we are thankful that we live in a very mother nature friendly state. We don't have to worry about hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes. What we do have to worry about is caused by man and spreads with the drought that our state has been in for...well, forever. Fire.

Today our neighboring town is on fire. It's about 15 miles from us, so we are fine. Our good friends however were forced to evacuate this afternoon. These are the people who we go to their house for Halloween and they have a haunted forest in their backyard. The haunted forest is in jeopardy of burning down. Luckily, no structures have burned, but there is zero percent containment. I feel for my friends and can't imagine what it's like when 911 calls you. That's how they were notified. A reverse 911 call to get your valuables, keepsakes, family and pets in the car and get out praying for the best.

On a lighter note, we went to the pool tonight like we do every night. The kids were in awe of the sky. The sun looked bright red and you could look right at it with all the smoke in front of it.

Ben said the most awesome thing. "Is this the end of the world? If it is, I can only say, I have no regrets."

That kid is the best. I wish we could all live like him.

Father's

I know everybody says they have the greatest Dad in the world, but I seriously do. Hard working, devoted, loving, knows just about everything. That's my Dad, and I couldn't be more grateful. We are on our way to visit him (and my wonderful stepmom) in a month. We are looking forward to more memories like this.

With such a great role model on what a Dad should be, it's no wonder that I picked David. I knew he would be a great Dad, but he amazes me in all that he is. He gives and gives and when he's exhausted at the end of the day, he falls asleep with Noah in his arms. It's Noah's favorite way to sleep. He loves his Dad.

Emily is convinced she will marry him one day. I love that and we intend to let her believe it as long as she can.

She even made him a heart pancake on Father's Day.

The picture I took of David and Ben didn't turn out good, so I'm not posting it. But, they went to see Superman on Saturday. They see every superhero movie together. But, I know that Ben thinks the best superhero is his Dad.

We ended up at the pool for Father's Day. I think I have a picture of David and the kids at the pool every year. I'll have to put them together one day.


These kids are blessed beyond measure to have David and their Papa in their life. I know they are too young to appreciate all that they have, but one day they will know, and they will be grateful.

42

My sweet husband turned 42 today.

Emily just came up and asked if she could help me write the blog. I said sure. So this is what she said as I typed:
My Dad is awesome. He likes to watch Walking Dead. hehehe, I'm just joking. We had steaks for dinner. (Would that be okay or no? Do you not want me to write that?) hehehehe What the heck? hehehehe

Okay, that didn't last long. She's off to play with Noah.

Back to my sweet husband...

While David was at work, the kids and I made him a cake.


Luckily, it called for 3 eggs, so each kid could dump one in.


They were so eager to help. I thought they just wanted to do something nice for their Dad. But, I think they just wanted to lick the spatulas, beater and bowl.


Then, it came time to decorate it. Emily made a comment that this must be a special cake since it has 2 layers. I think I'm guilty of just using the easy 13x9 too often. The kids all put on sprinkles. And I swear Noah's toe only went into the frosting once!


And they picked out the candles. David is 24 apparently. He'll like that.


We were going to go out to eat, but with David having to work and what not, we just decided to stay home. I got David the thickest ribeye from Safeway. It was a thing of beauty. I made baked potatoes, salad and some sourdough bread. It was delicious and much better than anything we'd get at a restaurant.

The kids couldn't wait for him to open gifts. Emily wrapped all his presents for him.


I got him a new collection of ringer tees from Old Navy. His summertime staple but in a size smaller since he's lost so much weight.


Then, e went to the pool like we do every night and tried to get Noah to do a swim lesson. He was terrified at first. He went from his floaties to the noodle pretzel. Then, he took that off and I don't know what happened. He was doing great. No fear what so ever. That can be good and bad.





We came home and had cake. The kids put in the candles.


I snapped a few pictures.


And I told the kids to smile nice. This is their response. Um, no thanks.


We sang happy birthday.


And they all made a wish and blew out the candles.


It was a quiet, relaxing evening at home with the family. And that's just what David likes best. We truly are so lucky to have him as a dad and husband. Happy Birthday babe.

Noodle Pretzel

By the end of last summer, Noah could swim 10-15 feet without floaties. This summer, he is terrified at the idea of even taking them off. To help him get used to swimming again with no floaties, we gave him the pool noodle. Then, David got clever and tied it around him and he's closely supervised. So far so good.

Lazy Days

We have plenty on our agenda this summer. Piano lessons on Monday. Movies on Wednesday's. Friday playing tennis and swimming. But in between those moments, we have lots of down time. I'm making the kids do worksheets to keep their brains sharp. Emily loves them for the most part. Ben agonizes over them and it takes him 2 hours to complete a sheet. He's smart as a whip and could finish it in 2 minutes, but he'd rather watch Finding Bigfoot.

Sometimes we get bored and dress up Noah in Hello Kitty which is always amusing.


My Mom has also moved out. She's back in Phoenix at my sister's house helping her out right now. She comes to everyones rescue when needed. It was nice having her here and I know my sister needs her help now.

I stripped her bed and got it ready for Pam who is coming to visit tomorrow. Emily and Noah took it upon themselves to do some gymnastics on the bed. It was really cute. They've all been playing well together and not fighting much. I haven't even started drinking yet. I may just make it through the summer.

Friday Fun Day

Sometimes I feel like staying home with three kids is hard. Really hard. I start recalculating our expenses to see if I can afford a nanny. Then, I realize I am the nanny and decide I better do something to tire these kids out.

Enter Friday Fun Day. My friend Dakri and I are still trying to get in 3 workouts a week with the kids out of school. We decided to incorporate them in our Friday tennis. We brought rackets for everyone, basketballs, hula hoops, etc and let the kids loose. Yes, that's Noah climbing the fence. Whatever works.  Emily made 5 baskets!

Ben and Josh threw some squish ball back and forth.

The boys practiced basketball.  Well, I think Noah just complained about not being able to dribble.

We also all played tennis at some point. I brought my iphone and docking station and put on some music. It was a nice Friday morning.

Then, we rewarded ourselves with a few hours at the pool.

It's these moments that I realize I have it pretty darn good.