Just messing around. Who would have thought it?

If I could write a note back to myself 5 years ago (when I first bought studio lights) it might include this: "Don't worry. One day, not only will she stay in one place but she'll like it. A lot. And it won't even involve candy. "

Turns out there is a huge difference between a 2 year and a 7 year old, especially when it involves Mama's make up. Huh!

Scavenger Hunt

the 4th... from my camera

Not all were taken by me ... there was a fair bit of camera swapping going on. Now if we can just get the Ashley version we'll be set. Especially since I do believe she has the best ones,all 5 kids in the hammock!

Before and After

I can not believe that with all the drama this cut produced that I didn't post before and after pictures right away. Buh-bye hair. And I can say with out any sorrow that we love it. No muss no fuss and especially no nasty matted tangles. Now if I could get her over the "hollow eyed, I just had double ear infections that almost burst my eardrums but didn't tell anybody my ears were hurting until I started crying in my sleep and oh by the way maybe I have conjunctivitis too" look. Then we'll be golden.

I can't decide.

Further proof of just how uneventful our summer has been. I have more pictures of leaves in the summer folder than I do of kids (and not a lot either). Or is just more evidence for the neighbors "strange lady" file? These involved no dignity, my driveway, the rain and more than one neighbor driving slowly by wondering what I was doing sprawling on the ground.

The begining.

Summer started with an amazing VBS program at Church. The big girls had a wonderful time - it was nice to see them asking to go to church instead of whining about it.

Then we headed to Piedmont for a visit with Grandma and Grandpa who were down from IL.

 

Is there some rule that says a Mimi's house = junk food?

We make our own fun in the woods. Obviously.

So where was Evie? This was the start of our bad time summer. She was in bed with a very high fever ... soon to turn into a stomach virus.  See the exciting things I have to document this summer?

Delayed much?

Goodness, this have been a messed up summer which has led to some major blog delays. There has been somebody sick just about the entire time. And we had some majorly stressful weeks where we thought Nathan was going to lose his job (again) and we're still not sure it's a very secure.  So forgive me for posting pictures that are 2 months old. This was Juliana "helping" me clean out the fridge.

I'm lame. But my sil has her act togather!

You can see some 4th pictures here  at Charlotte Days, her blog.

The Rosie Show

Little Gym Homeschool Class

We love, love this place! E's teacher was simply amazing with those kids, you could practically watch them bloom right in front of your eyes.

Schooly Stuff

International Day at our co-op. We did Slovakia. Papa's family is from there and Nathan's family is from Hungary so we able to include the region while learning. I was very hesitant  because I didn't think the girls would get anything out of it but I was wrong. I did have to dig up the info myself but they were really interested and engaged. We made apricot/nut rolls, watched some Pocahontas in Slovak, tried to do some folk dances and talked about flags, coat of arms and Saints. They did a wonderful job and we were very proud of them.

Sunday afternoon down by the creek.

Finding crawdads with Daddy. Throwing Rocks. Pockets of glorious sunlight filtering through the trees.Racing like a horse. Sailing boats. Trying to catch the baby fish. I'm going to remember those bits instead of the heat, the bugs, the snake and juliana falling face first into the water while nobody was watching(for that split second we turned away - it was fine and indeed not a big deal). Good times followed by tasty burgers and delicious squash brought over by a sweet neighbor.

Slow service.

I wasn't quite fast enough getting Juliana into her seat. Good thing she has sisters to help her out.

Give. Me. MORE.

Pay close attention to the hands. We have a little friend that used to sign "please". And while he may have been signing a polite word  it was quite evident that what he was really saying was more along the lines of "more. NOW". It was amazingly cute and cracked up any adult that happend to catch it. Jules has figured out her own signs and this one is along the same lines. Only she's not quite as good natured about it. Look at that face, she's not even pretending to be polite! You can  tell she's saying "Just give me the cookie dangit!". Because eating 3 animal crackers at once just isn't enough.

Easy Street

Big girls went to the grands for awhile. I wish I could send a note back to my self and baby Evie about how easy life is with just one and to just enjoy it.
We spent the weekend cleaning out our garage. Two solid days and I'm sure any normal person would pop their head in and wonder just what in tarnation we had done. Since, you know, it's a 2 car garage and you still couldn't fit a cooper in there. Maybe a smart car. Maybe.  But it's major progress for us and it's all about perception, right?
Isn't she adorable on Rosie's old scooter? She climbs up and very carefully positions both  feet just so. Then she looks around expectantly for someone to push her. It must be nice to have everyone at your beck and call.