Just keep swimming . . .

I wish I had the energy to scrapbook these before I post them. But clearly, as they've been in my camera for a week, I don't. So, I present to you. . .

Swimming Lessons!

Aidan is really picking it up.

Chandler is in his first session ever. What could be more fun?

Ethan and Emilee hang out waiting for Ethan's turn.

Joy!

Slugs in the sun after their lessons. Even though the water is 86 degrees, they still get out shivering!!! Chandler sometimes lays there for 20 minutes or more before getting up. I honestly think it may be the longest he's ever voluntarily held still. :)

Emilee runs around the deck trying to steal peoples pretzels.

Ethan's turn!

He gets to go in the deep end.

More cuteness . . .

Dive!

Lots of fun in the sun! It must be summer time!

the Portland Rose Gardens

Today we headed off on an adventure to the Portland Rose Test Gardens.

While there, we discovered who the queen is this year. It was nice to have this confirmed. . .

We saw lots of pretty things. . .

We had lots of fun!

We tried to get a good picture of all the cousins, I think this one was one of the best (they're all looking!)
Then we had a picnic lunch and headed home. It was a fun summer field trip!

There are Wilde Indians in my backyard!

8 x 10 foot long PVC pipes

+

18 Yards of Canvas

+

a 50% off coupon at Joann's

+

a little rope

+

about 3 hours of Zig Zag on the sewing machine (if I never zig or zag again it's okay with me!)

=

A Summer Time Hideaway

HOW!

Let the adventures begin!!!

the Graduate

Yesterday was Aidan's "celebration of learning." A "non-graduation" ceremony where the kids sing some cute songs and they get to show what they learned during the year. It was so cute. Aidan did his best to not smile EVER during the songs, and tried to look disgruntled every time I pointed the camera at him, but I did catch this one happy face. . .

Mrs. Dalton was such a fantastic teddy bear of a teacher. She plays the Ukulele and smiles constantly and I think she's wonderful. Unfortunately, this is her last year at our school due to budget cuts. I can't believe they are letting her go!
Congratulations Aidan! You were a fantastic kindergartner, and I know first grade is going to be even more fun!

It's Racing Day!

It's racing day, it's racing day! (backyardigans anyone?) Today was my first tri of the season, and it was lots of fun! Here are more pictures than you ever wanted to see of me and my brother in law Spencer at the race:

This is me thinking, "Where is my family? I hope they made it!"

And, they were standing right in front of me!

Swim take off!

heading up to transition

and off on the bike!

Here is Spencer (farthest left) getting ready to take off on the swim

and the bike!

I'm back!

and off again. . .

Just keep running, just keep running, just keep running . . .

This is Ethan right after I high fived him on my way by. Apparently I knocked him right over! Poor kid!

Spencer is back!

We did it! It was a great race! Thanks Spencer for doing this one with me!

Publish Post

My times were as follows. . .

Swim 1/2 mile: 16:14

Bike12 miles: 42 minutes

Run 5k: 32 minutes

Talent Show!

Today Ethan participated in his school talent show. He worked very hard on this, tried out, went to call backs, and then rehearsals. He did fantastically! Here's the whole act for your listening and viewing pleasure. Way to go Ethan!

Hawks

Last night, I saw the boys sneaking around after their baths. I was pretty pooped, and giving Em a bottle, so I let them sneak. Then, they came bursting around the corner like this.

It's Mohawk Time!

Mohawks require lots of super karate poses

Keep it up guys, it keeps getting better!

Yea, that was it! A few minutes later, they came in laughing their heads off because one more person had received a mini-hawk. (it kind of fell before the picture)

We all had a good chuckle.

Small one. . .

I love you!

And your teensy piggies too!

our man cub

Ethan is a lucky boy. His mom is the wolf den leader for our ward, which means that he is in her den! And, even though he's still 7, he got to start cub scouts 2 months early because there is only one other boy right now. He needed a buddy. So Ethan got to join up, and you've never seen a more enthusiastic little cub. . .
He earned his Bobcat rank in the first two weeks, and is already working towards several other awards, including the "leave no trace" award. Today at pack meeting he participated in the flag ceremony and said the opening prayer. Way to go scout!

Receiving his patch, and preparing to "pin" the mama.

It took him a while to figure out how to get it on there, but he got it.

Then he got to lead the pack in a cheer. He pulled the "bullfighter" cheer out of the basket and we all did a big "ole'!"

Great job little cub!

it's the bomb!

About every 3 weeks, I make a run to Trader Joe's, just for this:
"Yogurt Bomb" supplies. That is, a supply of yogurt for our little Emilee. This is the good stuff. Only 4 oz each. 150 calories. 6 grams of fat. Above and beyond what most "normal" yogurt has. Take a lick and go up a pant size. Just what she needs. But, she doesn't like to eat so much. So, we make a special little concoction for this little girl. . .

I start like this. 3 yogi's, 3 bottles, and about 5 oz of whole milk in each one. I've been known to add a shot of cream, but I try to save that for special occasions.

Oh, here it comes! The binky just hit the floor in anticipation. . .

Now scoop that yogi into the whole milk, and shake. . .

Gimme Gimme!! Yum yum!

250 calories a piece, 3 times a day between meals. Mmmm. . .

There are legends about "yogurt bombs" that my mother mixed up for my little brother with rice, egg yolks and Vienna sausages in them. ~gag~ I don't think I'll ever go that far, but I am glad that we found this little solution!