The Final Detail

We did this about 2 months ago, but I forgot to share it with you all. I know you've been waiting on pins and needles, so I won't make you wait any longer. Here it is, the final detail to our the kids' Star Wars bathroom:

The kids seem to really like having their names on the wall, and I really like that they have a specific place to hang their towels. It also makes it a lot easier to see who left their towel on the floor. Can't get anything passed mommy now! MuHAHAHA!

On an unrelated note, summer has begun and we are loving it. It is not too hot up here (yet), but we've still been having fun cooling off with massive water gun fights in the backyard. It's usually Parents vs. Kids, and let me tell ya, we have no mercy baby. I'm talking sniper in the treehouse, secondary weapons, the whole 9 yards. It's a blast.

Besides our water gun battles, it's going to be a pretty relaxing summer around here. We have no major vacation plans, but I'm looking forward to a looser schedule and lots of family time. We might even tackle another project or two around the house... if I can break away from the otter pops and slip 'n slide long enough.

Note to Self

Never - ever! - let a 3 year old play with your keys anywhere in the remote vicinity of a drain.

Thank goodness for a quick thinking custodian and a powerful magnet. My keys still smell like standing water, but at least I have them back! (And the clicker still works!)

My name is Dexter and I was so upset about dropping the keys that I gave myself a nose bleed - again.

(This picture was taken at Yosemite and has absolutely no correlation to the subject at hand, except to say that I guess he could have dropped the keys in a much worse location.)

I Have One Thing To Say

NURSERY!

Have a blast, son. If you need me, you can find me in Sunday School! (shock!)

Yosemite

Jay and I decided it was time to break the kids (and me) into camping. I didn't want to go completely insane, so we opted for a quick 1 night, 2 day camping trip to Yosemite, instead of a week-long excursion.

Turns out it's just as much work to plan/pack/set-up for one night as it is for 7. Still, it was a good thing we kept the trip short, because I was ultra-stressed with Calvin. Let's just say that toddlers and campfires are not the most relaxing combination in the world. Not to mention I felt his nightly scream-till-I-fall-asleep ritual was slightly disruptive to our camping neighbors. (Jay insists no one was bothered, but I don't believe it.)

Dexter did pretty well, and with the exception of some minor spills on their bikes that turned into the-boy-who-cried-wolf screamfests, the girls did great as well. And we didn't even get attacked by a bear!

Check out the boys. And seriously, how hot do I look in a bike helmet?

I admit I haven't been many places in this wide world, but Yosemite must rank pretty high on the "Most Beautiful Places On Earth" list. It is simply gorgeous. We camped at the base of Glacier Point, and were surrounded by amazing trees and wildlife. The waterfalls were raging, and the views of El Capitan and Half Dome were fantastic. I can't believe Jay climbed that thing. Amazing. I get a panic attack just thinking about it, and yet I'm slightly jealous. Maybe I'll conquer my fear of it one day....

Overall it was a great experience, but I think we'll wait until next year to attempt camping with the little ones again. A little backyard camping will have to suffice for the summer. As long as there are smores, I think we'll all be happy.

The Smile Says It All

Happy 6th Birthday, Beatrice Betsy!

May you always look back on this day and remember that dreams can come true! :)

(Is it just me or does it look like Cal is about to interview her with his sippy cup?)

It's Another Floor to Sweep, But I'm OK With It

In between bouts of rainy weather, Jay and I tackled another project around the house. Actually, this time it was a backyard project, and it was a ton of fun.

Here's the before:

(basically some useless space next to the deck)

And here's the after:

A treehouse, complete with slide! The kids are in heaven (and I kinda like it, too). There's nothing like laying in the treehouse, listening to the birds chirping, and staring up at this:

Jay designed and built the entire thing. I supervised. Actually, I helped quite a bit, mostly in the painting department, although I did have a few turns at the chop saw. (There is photographic proof, but I'll spare you.)

The kids are loving it! Now with outside toys, a trampoline, a hill, bikes, and a treehouse, they have no excuse to come inside on sunny days. Well, except to get a drink of water, and Jay took care of that, too:

He created homemade water fountain. He is one clever guy, I tell ya. When he told me he wanted to make a water fountain, I admit I was a little skeptical. But not only did he pull it off, he made it completely adorable. I think the kids aren't the only ones who will stay outdoors all summer!

Some more pictures, if you're so inclined:

Another Momentous Occasion

Dexter ...

... adores his sisters and will do anything to get their attention, which usually includes following them around, crying, begging them to go on the trampoline with him, or throwing toys at them if necessary.

... talks back a bit, but it's so cute that I have a hard time taking it seriously. I know, I know, it's a bad habit to get into. But when I'm telling him to do something and he yells with all the feeling he can muster, "Mom, you no bossing me!," it really is quite comical. Unless I'm in a rush to get the girls to school and he's refusing to put on his shoes, or some other typical drama, then it's not that comical at all.

... loves trains, Star Wars, riding his tricycle (or "scooter," as he calls it), and eating snacks. He also has a slight obsession with gum.

... always asks for "Papa come back," in his nightly prayers, and nearly fell off the dining room chair when we told him that Papa was indeed coming to visit in May. He was so excited that his prayers were being answered!

... is talkative, observant and very sweet. Oh, and he's a music lover. Jessie's Girl is his current favorite. (That's my boy!)

... is growing up.

Happy 3rd Birthday, buddy. We love you!

He was so excited for the cake, but mainly because he wanted the Thomas train that was riding the icing rails.

Opening a present from Nana. Can you sense a theme?

A train table! (Gotta love Craigslist!)

Pioneer Dresses Are Really Quite Versatile

A few weeks ago, Natalie needed to do a report and presentation on a historical figure for school. She chose Florence Nightengale.

What a cutie!

She already knew a little bit about The Lady With The Lamp because of a book we have, but she loved learning more. She did a fantastic job with her presentation (she has Jay's memorization skills), and was one of five kids asked to do their presentation for the Principal! Natalie was very excited.

The costume consisted of a Princess Leila dress, a Laura Ingalls apron and bonnet (turned backward), a homemade sash and ruffly cuffs, and of course, the all important lamp, which we found at Goodwill for 3 bucks.

I think I'm going to make the kids dress up like historical figures once a week, it's just so cute. What do you think? Cal as George Washington?