Tumbling class

I signed the girls up for dance over the weekend as a last minute thing and they started today. I actually thought it was ballet since that's what they've done before but it's actually tumbling. Still don't regret signing them up, just a little surprised. It was too good a price to pass and Avery's been asking to take dance again. She and Elliot were at a different studio last summer but we stopped a month into school because we were too busy, with the promise to start up again this summer.

With Elliot in band this was the perfect thing for the girls to be a part of and feel special. I can't help but be super proud of them.

Zara learned to do a straddle summer salt and Avery perfected her cartwheel.

Even Rupert had some fun. :)

A day with the Mckay boys

My good friends Brooke and Daniel McKay are finishing up a trip in Peru (so jealous!) and today was my day to watch their four boys. They're even spending the night tonight. Brooke was so awesome to help watch my kids during our trip to England last year with Rupert so I'm glad to return the favor. Brooke is also the Primary President so we work together at church.

I took the kids over to church in scooters and bikes to play frisbee and games and we saw there was irrigation. The kids insisted on only getting their feet wet, but you know how it went. :)

I came across some free printable the kids really loved.  We printed off four: monsters,  houses (my favorite!),  robots, and faces (the kid's favorite!).  I just found another faces one I want to print next time.  It's always fun seeing what the kids come up with.

^^ This was too cute.  ^^ Benson and Miles cuddling and sharing a book. :). I'm not going to lie, watching 8 kids wasn't a breeze. I have a lot more respect for Brooke now. Four boys!! Even though one of the boys cut one of the girl's hair, and I got a tube of paint thrown at my face, there were more poopy diapers than I'm used to changing, I got asked if I was pregnant (I'm not), and some kids didn't like my food, etc... We had a lot of fun and made some memories. It was worth it!

Curly Sue

The other day I took the boys to Marshalls with me to go shoe shopping for Elliot. I forgot how much I love that store! I ended up finding these cool sponge curler rods for the girl's hair for $5. We've done rag curls before but this was even easier.

I just used some soft hold mousse to help the curl last all day. They looked even better after they settled a bit. I used them in Avery's hair first the other day and you can see the result here.  I like that the girls don't complain the next morning about the curlers hurting their head when they sleep like some other curlers we've used.

^^ Mother/daughter mirror selfie! Even the top of Rupert's head made an appearance! :) Don't you just love finding a new favorite product?!  These curls are perfect for Sunday.

Skateland

We have a behavior chart for Elliot and Avery where they can earn a check mark towards different things and Elliot earned a trip to Skateland! On entering Andrew made it clear that he can't skate. I thought he was just being funny but turns out he can't. And neither could any of the kids!

I used to roller skate all the time as a kid and thought everyone could. Today I learned it's a skill to be practiced just like skiing or wake boarding. In the end we all had a good time, except Zara. She said she'll come back when she's older. :) Now the older two want their own skates so they can practice at home.

Twinning girls

This morning the girls played in the sprinklers with cousins at their Aunt Julie's  house during Elliot's band practice. This meant I got some time at Target with just Rupert! I got him that new red water bottle on sale today and he loves it! Trying to keep the kids hydrated!! Recently Rupert has gotten really possessive about things he likes. If he thinks you want to take his special thing he says "no" and  holds it close to his body away from you. The other day he did that with a fly swatter. :) 

I signed up Elliot and Avery for the Library summer reading program. I wish I had done it sooner because it really motivates them to read! They want to earn points to get prizes! Right now Avery is reading a Geronimo Stanton book and Elliot is reading Secret Garden.

For swimming today Zara chose Mesa High pool! I think this one was my favorite so far because the kids played so well. Elliot jumped off he diving board a few times, everyone went on the lazy river except Zara and the kid area was a blast! Can't wait to come back.

Michael's had a bead sale so I snagged these candy colored rock beads and made the girls matching necklaces. They were excited to wear their matching swimsuits as well. :)

Tonight my mom came over and watched the kids so Andrew and I could do a session at the temple. I've been going to the temple twice a week for a couple months and it's been a big blessing. I love living so close to the temple.

Candy bars and fears

^^ Just like yesterday we took a picture outside of Elliot's summer band class! I'm used to running errands with Zara and Rupert, but it's been nice having Avery as well! They were such a good sport shopping at Sprouts during band but I think the strawberry sale helped. :)

This is the first summer we have a family swim pass which includes entrance into 9 different school pools. We threw all the pool names into a jar on pieces of paper that the kids take turns drawing each time we go swimming. Yesterday Elliot drew out "Fremont", today Avery drew out "Kino". Both pools have big slides Elliot and Avery could go on. They were both too scared yesterday so I offered to give them a candy bar if they overcame their fear and went down the water slide. It worked! The funny thing is, as soon as they went down once that's all they wanted to do! Elliot even earned an extra candy bar but jumping off the small diving board in the deep area. So proud!

^^ This cracks me up because it's over 100 degrees outside but as soon as the kids get out of the water they shiver. :)

Summer begins!

My word of the year is "record". Part of that was blogging more often, and so far I have failed. To jump start me back into blogging I'm going to post every day for the months of June and July. Each day will probably be much of the same thing but I don't want to forget my kids at this age and the fun we're having!

We're going to miss Mrs. Halsted, Elliot's 3rd grade teacher!

Avery had Mrs. Bigelow for 1st grade and she was great! I helped with Avery's end of the year party and those kids were wild! Everyone seemed ready for a break! :)

On Saturday we rented a clarinet for Elliot! Picking an instrument is a big deal for our family because we stick with it all through elementary, junior high, and high school. Elliot said he likes the look of the clarinet. Grandpa already taught him how to play Hot Cross Buns!

He said he's special because out of the five beginning clarinet players he's the only boy. :)

We have to entertain ourselves while waiting for Elliot to finish band so we can swim! Today we swam at my sister Nora's pool and Fremont pool.

I can tell we're going to have a lot of fun this summer!