This week (as in 5/20/20 when I'm writing this...not when I'm writing about) an emphasis on keeping family records was taught as part of our CFM (Come, Follow Me) scripture studies. Nothing like a not-so-subtle reminder to get me back on track for keeping our family record. Maybe I can eventually get caught up again. It's so much easier to remember the details when it's not a year late.
July started out with swimming lessons for Lizzie and Maggie. Lizzie was super excited to be participating this year. It was the first time she was tall enough to do a class on her own (the mommy and me classes don't work for me since I've got a passel of other young ones to keep track of) and she couldn't have been more ready.
She took to the water like a little fish and has been hesitant to wear her floaties ever since. Every once in a while she will wear them (if it's been a long time in between our outings to the pool), but only for the beginning and then she's begging to have them off again. I love that my kids love the water and are more than willing to learn water safety (not just splashing around) while still having fun.
The 4th of July is always a party! Celebrating the freedoms we enjoy while eating yummy food, playing games and watching things explode (a.k.a. fireworks) is something we look forward to each summer.
This grin just sums it all up.
This is how we do the beach. I've heard that one day it will be different. One day, the kids won't just become the sand. Not sure if I believe that particular rumor just yet...
In the meantime, we'll keep taking pictures of our cute sand babies.
Just relaxing in the pools. What could be better?
Good times!
Elizabeth learned to listen the hard way one day at swim lessons. She was playing on the bleachers during Maggie's lesson time and decided that Mom saying "no running" was just ridiculous. Now she understands that there is a reason for rules. Poor little one!
Lucky for her, the cut wasn't bleeding (pretty amazing since it was a head wound!!) and she was still able to participate in her lesson that day.
All dressed up for a morning at the park.
They definitely get their fashion sense (or lack thereof) from me. Haha!
Sleepovers with cousins always involve some type of shenanigans. Warm showers and robes after playtime at the pool was a must.
And, of course, it wouldn't be complete without picture proof.
Oliver got to participate in Summer School this year. He was thrilled to be included. The other kids didn't share his enthusiasm, but his excitement was pretty contagious.
Coloring is the best!
Except for maybe magnets. And tangrams. And laundry. Just kidding about the laundry.
Having fun with patterns (recognition for the youngers and creating their own for the olders) is always a successful "school" activity.
We joined Bryan at his office for some reason (it wasn't lunch because I remember we went up in the morning...maybe he forgot his laptop at home or something like that?) and found a park to play at to extend our trip. **I really don't like driving so far just to turn around and drive back home.**
Some of the kids might have looked homeless (I mean, I didn't really plan what we would do and didn't bother to make sure they were dressed and groomed before leaving), but oh well. They had fun and why stress over things like that?!
Another cousin sleepover meant we had extras for summer school. Little did they know what they were in for when the agreed to stay with us. (Insert evil chuckle here)
Math problems for the big kids took a turn for the silly when we discovered that 9,000,000 x 11,111 = Giraffe. Who knew?!
Letter practice for the littles turned into who could write the longest "word". Great work Miss Liz.
Artwork was the task of drawing a favorite pokemon character.
Pretty talented little artists!
More time at the pool! Shocker. These boys have such a special bond. It makes this momma heart so happy to see them love one another.
Coloring isn't complete without some type of treat. We decided on rainbow candied popcorn this time around.
Everyone got to pick a color and help mix them. We learned that purple popcorn (at least this color of purple) isn't as appetizing as red. Green isn't as appealing as blue. Or maybe the different popcorn colors just got eaten by whoever chose the color and some kids ate more popcorn than others? Good thing it all tastes the same amount of yummy!
Abby got invited to go beach camping with cousins and discovered her love for surfing.
According to the adults, she is a natural. They spent most of every day in the water honing their skills and just having fun together. Super cool experience for her!
I can't believe they actually talked me into making slime. This stuff is right at the top of my WHY WAS THIS INVENTED?! list. The things you do for those you love.
Different colors of glitter glue made this experiment fun to do and our inexperience was such that it didn't turn out quite so slimy...more like a molding substance. Not sure if we'll repeat the experiment to try and get more accurate results. It's all part of the learning process, right? Sometimes things just don't work.
Last, but not least, was our sugar crystal candy experiment. We all decided that we don't have the patience for this to be a regular thing.
I don't even have a picture of the final product, so I can't truly remember how they turned out.
July was full of new experiences and experiments. Some will definitely be done again. Others were good to just do once. That's why we keep records, right? To learn from our experiences?
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