T-Ball

 We decided to try t-ball this year and see if the girls like it. Red Fish loves playing every sport she has tried.  She likes doing most things- I don't think there is an activity she has tried that she doesn't enjoy.  It is almost a problem because we haven't been able to cross anything off the list of things she would like to be able to do.

 New Fish is decidedly NOT interested in t-ball.  She tolerates it. She enjoys teasing the boys on the team and has totally given up wearing her cap.  It didn't adjust small enough for her head. She wants to take dance classes.

A Good Weekend

 We had been looking forward to a weekend of boating at the Lake House but the boat didn't cooperate with our plans.  The weekend became a string of swimming, hiking, making homemade ice cream, barbecuing, watching movies, long walks and making friendship bracelets out of embroidery thread. That is not a bad way to spend a weekend.

The Swingset

 Two Fish just finished building an awesome swing set in our backyard.  It was a massive project but I think it was worth is.  (Of course, I think it is worth is because I didn't have to put it together.) The girls are completely enamoured with their new "club house" and swings.  The neighborhood kids are out there playing like crazy.  It is exactly what I have always wanted for the kids.

We even read our bedtime stories out in the club house while Two Fish was away at Google IO- this is our blurry selfie we sent to him.

Quick Trip To See The Great Grandparents

The girls and I braved a quick road trip without Two Fish.  We went to visit my grandparents and spend a couple of days at their house. It was a very fast trip but we had such a good time and made memories with their great grandparents.

Playing Chinese Checkers with Grandma

Baking Banana Bread with Bockum

We had a picnic at the splash pad and spent an hour in the Children's Musuem.  Then we went swimming at Aunt K's house and played on the diving board. We ate our meals outside.  My grandparents have an amazing gift for creating a massive Thanksgiving style meal out of thin air.  I really wish I had inherited that gift- it would make dinner time at our house a lot easier.

Swimming Lessons

Red Fish is signed up for a couple weeks of swimming lessons this summer just to work on her strokes a little bit.  New Fish swims in the pool and waits for Red Fish.  It is definitely a summer of swimming but I have few pictures because I'm usually too busy in the water trying to keep track of my little fish children.  Most days they don't even put on clothes- they just wear their bathing suits.  Maybe I shouldn't have bothered buying them a summer wardrobe?

Art Group 2014- Week Two

 Today, we did coil pots made with sculpey clay.  We have a big project coming up that uses sculpey so the kids needed a chance to practice working with it and rolling snakes and balls out of the clay.  Traditionally we have made pinch pots so this was a good way to stretch the kids a little and try something new.  The sculpey is awesome because I can bake it in my oven.

Father's Day

  
 There is no question about how we feel about Two Fish.  I am definitely raising two Daddy's girls. Two Fish was greeted with an early breakfast before church and a handmade crown because New Fish always says that Daddy is the king at our castle.

 After church we had a bittersweet evening with the O side of our family.  Three of the little cousins and Aunt L and Uncle J are moving cross country.  We were happy to be together and very sad to say goodbye. I am definitely the annoying aunt who makes everyone gather for a picture.  I'm okay with being that annoying aunt because I love pictures, even pictures of bored teenage boys. I don't really care if they smile as long as they are in the picture.  I am hopeful that someday they will be glad they all have pictures with their cousins.

 After we left, both of my girls broke down crying.  They are really going to miss their cousins, especially RiRi. It was a very sad drive home.

Meant To Be Sisters

The girls both have their own room.  They don't need to share a bed. There have been many nights over the last 4+ years that I have found these two mysteriously together in the morning. (Right before this photo they both had an arm around each other but they moved right as I tried to take a picture.) There is no doubt in my mind that these two were meant to be sisters.  They needed each other. They wouldn't be the same people without each other. How lucky am I to be along for the ride?

Art Group 2014- Week One

 For art group this week we tested out different watercolor techniques.  I had eight papers labeled and ready for the kids to try each technique and then they created a large painting using some of the things they had learned.  Some of the techniques we tested were 1. Dropping alcohol onto the paint. 2. Wet on wet 3. Watercolor resist using oil pastels. 4. Using white school glue as a masking agent. 5. Sprinkling salt on the paint. 6. Splattering using eye droppers and bingo bottles.

This year we had boards cut for the kids to use as tables for their projects.  It makes a huge difference. As always we used Colorations liquid watercolor in ice cube trays. I'm excited to try some more difficult projects with the kids this year and see their creativity shine through.

My kids are convinced that clothing is not necessary during the summer.  They pretty much wear bathing suits the majority of the time. We need more bathing suits.

Preschool Program

 New Fish is a born performer.  She loves to have an audience and the preschool program was no exception.  She loved being on stage and singing all of her little songs. It was fun to watch her enjoy herself so much. I'm so glad she is finally out of school for the summer!

New Fish and her teacher Miss A

Hiking

We are trying to go on weekly hikes this summer. It's hot but we ignore the heat. It feels good to be outside and enjoy being together. I can't think of anything better.

Party hats are always welcome around here.

Slip And Slide

Piano Recital

Our Summer Plans Are Set

There is a new children's museum near us and I forsee many trips there this summer. We went for an hour today and it was not nearly long enough to satisfy the minions.

Camping In The Backyard

Red Fish wanted to sleep in the backyard after the last day of school.  Good thing she has a fun Dad who was willing to set up the tent and sleep outside.

Kindergarten Graduation

 I went to a little program at the school to watch Red Fish graduate from kindergarten.  They sang patriotic songs and gave out little awards and diplomas.  I am going to really miss this time in our lives when my babies spent most of their time at home.  It is going to be a rough adjustment to having Red Fish go to school all day next year.  I was okay with kindergarten.  I am not okay with first grade.

 Red Fish had a fabulous school year.  She adored school and her teacher.  She made wonderful friends and she excels at her school work. She is a fabulous kid.

Red Fish and her fabulous teacher Mrs. B

Family Dinner

 Just a small peak at a family birthday dinner. Happy kids.

Thing 2 and I rocking our jumpsuits.