Flag Day and a birthday too

Knox started his soccer "camp" today. He's going for 3 days-- for one hour each day. That's it and that's enough. He had fun, but did get a little upset when it seemed as if he wasn't going to get to " kick it in the goal!" He was frustrated with all the fun ball handling games and drills. But he still wants to go back tomorrow. His friend Taylor is there also with him, so that makes it more fun for him.

We ran a few errands, had lunch and enjoyed quiet naptime. After nap , was the highlight of their day ( maybe) -- but it was the most important part of mine. We stopped at Sonic for Happy Hour ( 3 cherry limeades and 1 strawberry lemonade!) and then headed down the road to the cemetery to visit Grandma Becky.

Today is Flag Day, but also my mom's birthday. She was born 61 years ago. We took her a few flowers that we had picked ourselves. We sang Happy Birthday and then Shelby said, "are they having cake in Heaven?"
Of course! Then that statement sparked Knox to blow out imaginary candles...and then the girls followed.
It was a very touching moment ( see the pic below). And then that was it! They wanted to walk around and look at the other names and flowers at nearby gravesites...and then they wanted to rest on the Disciples monument.We placed a flower on Nanny's grave as well. It was a good visit...a special time.

On the way home we listened to CCR and cranked it up loud in honor of Grandma Becky. We know she is smiling at Jerzy girl singing Susie Q and Shelbs rocking Proud Mary.
Love you and miss you too much Mom!Happy Birthday .

The picture of Knox...I don't know what my favorite thing is in it, but I think the  quirkiness and sweetness of it is what makes it a special picture.

Day 5

Friday! Daddy decided to work from home today. That was an exciting surprise for the kids this morning.

He was able to join us at swimming lessons. The kids all did great on the last day. The words "diving board" scared Knox today for some reason, so he watched everyone else go off. The girls' jumped off just fine and with a push from Miss Chelsea they swam back to the side. They were wiped out and took great naps.

They needed that rest because they spent a couple hours this evening with all their cousins at Nana's and Papa's having a pizza party and playing outside. Momma & Daddy enjoyed a nice dinner out with Uncle Chris & Aunt Angie.




Knox with his good friend Taylor waiting for lesson to start...and with his teacher Mr Jon ...and hanging out on the wall while Taylor has her turn. They were so patient and silly with each other.

Jerzy fixing her hair after taking her turn in the water. Then going off the diving board. The male in the water is her teacher this year. However, she only wanted her teacher from last year ( female) to "catch" her.

Shelby tries to talk Chelsea into pushing/pulling her back the wall. Chelsea didn't give in -- she made Shelby swim. Lessons were over-- they were all smiles.

Day 4

During our Playdough/coloring time Knox decided he could work better with his shades on, upside down of course.

All 3 kids went off the diving board.Knox needed a little more help- notice his sisters encouraging him from the side. Their teachers are fabulous.They know some of them from last year as well and that helps my girls especially feel more comfortable.

Another cooler day today. Thank you Lord. This being home together all day, all 4 four us, is getting a little easier. At swim lessons everyone jumped off the diving board!! And Shelby and Jerzy are swimming a little bit further....and Knox is still having the time of his life splashing and getting pushed/pulled around the water by his teacher. One more day of lessons, then it's up to Momma and Daddy to get them in the water to keep practicing.

We had another surprise lunch date today. Knox's buddy from school and swim lessons invited us to join them for lunch at Chick fil A ( actually her mother invited us) . The kids were so excited. We all met another friend ( from Shelby's class) with her mom as well. It was lots of fun. It was our first trip to the new Chick fil A in Allen. And just like every other CfA at lunchtime it was a zoo! But the kids had a blast. We may be making that trip again!

We had more bike time ...some water gun time...and finally some Playdough time. And Momma got some good cleaning in as well. The only downers to the day-- Shelby scraped her hands and knees a couple times while riding her scooter ( she was trying to get ahead of Knox!) and Jerzy got conked in the head with a softball by Knox. He said he was trying to throw it to her and she wasn't paying attention! : ) And oh yeah-- Daddy chipped a tooth ( one he had broken and repaired years ago) at work and had to make a stop at the dentist on the way home. He's good as new again.

Tomorrow's Friday already....wow! Have a great weekend!

Day 3

Today was a great day for many reasons. We had no priorities or committments other than swim lessons. The weather was awesome. I'm very thankful for the rain which brought cooler weather. We were able to spend quite a bit of time outside in the morning and afternoon.

Nana surprised the kids by joining us at swim lessons. And then taking us out to lunch!! It was a nice treat in the middle of the day. The kids were able to nap with the windows open while it rained. After naps, they watched a Hannah Montana episode ( or 2). And then it was bike time outside!!And hula hoop time...chalk time...and let's see how many leaves we can pull off the front tree...

Day 2

Out and about early....donuts for breakfast and a few errands.
Then fun-filled swim lessons.
A nap for everyone except a little 4 year old whose mind just can't slow down.
Movie time ( Toy Story 2!)  complete with popcorn and M&Ms.
A little football tossing in the yard for Bubba-- it wasn't too hot for once.

Momma got some alone time too with a run in the morning and then Pampered Chef party at Aunt Angie's, where she was able to get some new stoneware plus new utensils for Daddy to use for making his "Big Country breakfasts."

Day 1 of Summer

Laundry, dishes and more laundry
Successful and fun swim lessons
Nap for everyone
TV and computer time
"Water chalk" time on the patio
Making brownies
Seeing rabbits, cranes, turtles and other animal friends outside
 A time-out for everyone early in the day, then no more the rest of the day!
4..5..6? Band Aids given out
4 books read out loud
9 outfit changes ( 8 just btwn Jerzy and Shelby) -- which of course will contribute to more laundry in the coming days....

I am blessed. Here's to a great 2nd day of summer!!

Snow Day!

As everyone knows by now, we got several inches of snow this week. It was beautiful and exciting. The kids loved it! We hurried home Thursday after school to play outside and then played outside a few more times on Friday and today. We were lucky to have some hand-me-down ski bibs that kept everyone dry & warm.