On the Farm

We had a fun time at Parky's the other day. It was perfect weather and we spent just the right amount of time there...enough to see and do a lot but not overdo it. I love when that happens! The girls were visited by some chickens--a little unsettling if that's never happened to you before. We saw some farm animals and then went out to the vegetable gardens where C tasted some sweet peas fresh from the vegetable beds. The girls helped to water the broccoli and onions and then we moved on to the bee hives before visiting the ducks at the pond. Lastly, C had spotted these little chickens when we arrived but she patiently waited to sit on one until just before we left. E and S talked to and "fed" their chickens (some mulch), too. I can't remember the last time we visited Parky's Farm--I think when the twins were babies. It was great to go back and be able to experience it all together this time.

Two Things

Corinne has taken an interest in watering the lawn and shrubs while Brett has been gone. It has become part of our after lunch routine to go out and turn on the water to get things going -- I'm sure this is music to Brett's ears! (We've got it covered.) And I took the girls out for Corinne's "half birthday". I gave her the choice to pick between fancy cupcakes and frozen yogurt. I was shocked she picked going out for cupcakes! We sang "happy half birthday to you" and that was that. We haven't ever celebrated C's half birthday before (though I'm pretty sure she would be entitled if anyone would, since her big day is december 26th). But it seemed like a good reason to get out of the house for a little "pick me up" during these long weeks.

Busy Week

 

We had a really fun week...and a really busy one, too. But that was my strategy for Aunt Marcey's week with us--a relief effort on her part while Brett is gone. So we packed it in. We swam four days, at three different pools! It was amazing to watch the transformation in the kids from the first swim day to the fourth. (Let's just remember that we did not get to a pool on any kind of frequent or even infrequent basis since the twins were born...just too tricky to do safely). Corinne went from wearing a swim vest and wanting to hold on to someone, to wearing a swim vest and swimming by herself, to swimming around in just a ring/inner tube kind of thing. The twins also went from being hesitant and sticking to the pool steps to wanting us to take them out for a "swim" on their tummies in the pool. So fun! And Aunt Marcey was a lot of fun to have around all week and, of course, a huge help. I got several projects done that have been on my to-do list, with her help and an extra set of hands. She was a great distraction for me and the kids and a trooper to hang in there with our non-stop schedule. Thankfully we got a little time to ourselves to get out for dinner one night. But I'm certain that we sent her back to NY completely exhausted! Ah, well. I'm also pretty sure she'll come back :)  Thanks for giving us a fantastic 9 days, Marce.

Block Party

We had our annual block party on Father's Day weekend. It was hot...perfect for face painting, water guns, balloon tosses, zoo animals, sack races, pie eating contests, kickball, a pinata, and of course lots of food. All with our wonderful neighbors! Ellen even got her face painted this year! And Corinne is showing her friend Lily how to swing for the pinata in that last picture :) We had so much fun! Need I say it was a much needed bath night and a very late night for the kids, Aunt Marcey, and I.

Long Distance

We're doing Father's Day long distance this year. Brett's Father's Day was last Saturday so we could celebrate him before he left for a couple weeks at trial out West. The girls signed and decorated a banner for Brett and we had a fun day together as a family. We went swimming for the first time this summer, played outside and took Brett out to dinner at IHOP. If you know Brett then you know it's his favorite: breakfast food! We miss him terribly, but we know he's working so hard for us and we can't wait to see him soon. Happy Father's Day, Daddy.

Here She Comes!

Corinne got a new bike over the weekend, graduating from the balance bike that Aunt Laura had gotten her in December. I must say, the reviews of the balance bike were all true: C went right to her regular bike 10 minutes after we got it home --we're talking without training wheels-- no problem! Amazing. She pedals by herself up and down the street and loves it. Her feet barely touch the ground...so stopping on her own is still a work in progress. Which is why we get a work out, too. Impressive nonetheless. All the older kids on our street who still have training wheels are kind of dumbfounded!

All Three

I think I found a park that I feel comfortable taking all three of the girls by myself. It's rare that we are at a park where I can see all the girls-- the entire time-- no matter where or what they choose to play on. But I took them to the park today and it went really well. I felt like I had a good handle on all of them even though Corinne chose to swing a lot of the time and Ellen and Sophie wanted to slide and play on the equipment. I was able to see both areas at once without any of the playground equipment or other kids obstructing my view! Hooray for that. I thought to myself, "I think we've got this!" It felt good. Everyone had fun and was sufficiently worn out when it was time to go (including me, from going back and forth between the twins and Corinne). Sophie is wearing purple, Ellen is in white.

Celebrations!

Laura and Marcey flew into town this past week/weekend so we could celebrate my dad, who turned 70!! We had a full schedule for several days in a row and the grand finale was a really great birthday  celebration on the river for my dad...no kids at that one (top picture--sorry about the alien eyes!) The kids especially enjoyed their time with their aunts and also the cookout with cake and ice cream we had for dad at our house. It was wonderful to celebrate dad, who we all love and appreciate. He is one of the most quietly strong people I know. Happy Birthday, Dad /Pop Pop! We love you.