July

Besides Masie’s birthday and the 4th, July was a slow month for us. A much needed break after a busy June and what would turn into a hectic August.

Luke treated me to a new phone. I said I never would, but I did. I caved in to the masses and chose an iPhone. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well it suits my needs. I rely on my cell for business, for pleasure, for photos and everything in between.

July was filled with play dates, the obvious swimming, napping, and just a touch of schooling.

Fun with the Posts!

A cute little helper.

Our 4th of July celebrations felt really small. We were missing many of our cousins, but we still had a great spread.

Miles tried everything to find a quiet place to read.

With nothing planned on a Friday, we didn’t leave the backyard.

My little brother Taylor returned from his mission in Brazil.

He only stuck around for a week before heading to BYU. GO COUGARS!

Masie has a new found love of shells.

Lars has no problem sharing his candy with me if it ends in a giggling kiss.

A little schooling for little Lyla.

After tiring of the “can I have a snack?” question. I created a free-for-all snack drawer for the kids. After some hoarding the first couple days, it really seemed to work. All healthy options.

Some fun with our friends the Taylors.

Masie scrubbing off her artwork from my table.

After swimming all morning, Lars can hardly stay awake through lunch.

Who leaves a ladder up for a 2 year old to climb! Lars was at the tippy-top when he saw me through the window. He hastily made his descent when I reached for my camera. (I knew he was safe!)

After almost 3 years, we removed the port-a-cot from our master closet. I can finally reach my clothes and shoes again! I still find myself keeping clothes in my master bedroom instead of putting them away though. What a bad habit.

I took these cuties to a Saturday matinee. (Our younger 2 won’t sit through a movie.)

We spent one weekend at the lake.

Nope, not drowning.

A bird pecked right through the package.

Yeah, right.

Another round of laughs with the Taylors.

They shouted, “Mom! Take a picture of us!” and promptly fell asleep!

Would you eat this? Delicious.

Play date with the Stanleys. Lars can’t decide if he’s one of the mermaids or the snackers.

Did I mention that our 3 turtles have vanished? We had 2 little ones and a medium sized one. First the biggest was gone, then the other 2 disappeared within the next week. We kept them in our garden boxes on the side of the house. Would it be a cat? Or birds? Or would someone steal them? We have no idea! This little thing is Grandma’s. The kids were excited that someone still had a turtle for them to play with.

Lars caught sleeping on me while I was working.

We had a couple of great dust storms.

Cute new outfits from Nanna.

Both Lyla and Masie moved up another level at swim lessons. Lyla is beginning to swim with arms and legs together. She is very graceful while she’s under the water.  Masie is now a porpoise.  We’re hoping she’ll move up one more class this next year. Then she can be on the summer swim team with Miles!

Masie listening for crickets and Lyla hoping they don’t attack her one evening when I took them for a short walk before bed.