Humphrey’s Peak

I had a fantastic Saturday. Luke has been working long days the last several weeks. That leaves me home alone with the kids for long hours. That leads to me feeling just a tad overwhelmed and lacking in energy. I love these kids, but it requires all my energy to keep them  happy, clean, and mentally and physically stimulated.

My older brother invited me to hike AZ’s highest peak with him and his buddies. 9.6 miles round trek. We hit the road to Flagstaff at 5 a.m., reached the summit at 11 a.m., practically jogged back down (those boys book it!), and after a traditional stop at IHOP for their Colorado omelet and blueberry pancakes (ok, I chose a burger and fries), I was dropped back off at home at 5 p.m. I kissed my kids and hubby, said hi to the babysitter, jumped in the shower, and Luke and I took off on our date before it was even 6. We haven’t been out alone in months.

This was just the break from my regular routine that I needed. I’m ready to conquer another week. I probably could have done without a lot of the male bonding talk that happened on the hike, but all can be forgiven (and hopefully forgotten) since they let me tag along.

Dancers

Our girls started a jazz/tap/tumble dance class together. I’m so excited for them and so pleased that they get to be in the same class.

Miles and Masie have been involved in gymnastics for a few months, but Lyla is still too young to join. She’s gotten use to just watching her older siblings, but I know she’s itching to start herself. Masie loves “nastics,” but she struggles with following her coaches instruction. She prefers to wander, move the equipment around, and climb where she’s not supposed to be. We talk every week about her listening and following skills. I’d begun to think that she just wouldn’t have it in her to be a good listener.

Well, she knows how to listen and follow instruction when she wants. She did every toe tap, every bunny hop, sat still when asked, and twirled at every command her first dance class. My jaw was open with awe her entire 45 minutes of showing off. My girl was the leader of the bunch doing exactly as the teacher asked. Surprise! Surprise!

Lyla enjoyed it, but she mostly stood wide eyed, hands clasped as the other girls worked the room. She was more excited about wearing tap and ballet shoes. About halfway through she gave a little hop and a huge grin. Then she got really upset at Masie when Masie wanted Lyla to sit by her, but Lyla wanted to find her own stool. She was excited to get her turn tumbling. She brightened when the teacher did hand and head actions, but still mostly stood watching. When the class ended, she clapped, yelled “YAY!”, and then started running and prancing around the room. Give her a few more sessions and she’ll get the hang of it.

I have only a small window in the door to the studio to take photos through, so a flash doesn’t work. I had my ISO all the way up to compensate thus some grainy photos.

Right at the start, Masie followed along.

See little Lyla still not sure what she’s supposed to be doing.

Come on Lyla, you can touch the floor.

Notice Masie’s perfect little toe point.

The boys have to tag along and sit in the hallway with me. Miles was awesome sharing my Nook with our new friends. Lars was pretty happy to chew on my cell and run around eating snacks.

Masie then Lyla preforming back somersaults.

Masie asks every day if it’s dance class today. I’m excited for next week to see what progress Lyla will make.

It’s good to be 3

We’re officially partied out!

Masie has been ready for her big day for almost 2 months. She’s been talking about “July e-yeventh” (read as July 11th) for weeks. I was very happy to put her to bed the night before her birthday telling her, “Do you know what tomorrow is?”

She knew, “My birfday!”

We had a small party at home after swim lessons and her dinner of choice. Apples and Subway.

We let all the kids just dig into the cake. What a mess! Our kids really only like a bite or 2 and then they’re done.

Nana (Luke’s mom) gave Masie a great book. Nana was able to record herself reading the pages. Every time Masie opens the princess book she hears Nana reading it to her. Very fun idea for relatives that live far away.

Masie loves to comb hair, but her and Lyla’s curly locks make it difficult. She’s loving this doll and it’s saving my own head from her rough brushing.

We love ya Masie-girl!!

Proud to be an American

I’m also proud of my family… and my cake.

Our awesome neighbor Bob organized a parade in the morning for us and the kids. He’s the one in the tall red and blue hat. We love him and he always gives special attention to our kids. I hope you have patriotic and friendly neighbors like we’ve got.

Lyla and Teagan… don’t they look like the All American best buddies?

(We let the kids ride without helmets since we were moving at a snail’s pace.)

We even had our own drummer “boy.”

Masie took her drumming very seriously.

Fireworks are illegal, even sparklers, in Chandler, so we had to make do with poppers. POP!

All 4 kids took 3 hour naps in the afternoon before our backyard party began. We had to wake everyone up! They had warn themselves out over the previous 3 days spent camping at Fool Hollow Lake.

I was sure my cake would crumble as soon as we cut into it. It turned out beautifully! And was really yum. I totally copied this blogger. Fun, huh?

It was a fairly quiet 4th of July for us. Most of my family that usually celebrates with us was out of town. We were fortunate enough to get my brother Richard and his wife Jena over to enjoy the pool and my cake.