You'd think vacations and holidays and play performances would be highlight enough but happily we were able to squeeze in even more late nights, park events and time spent with friends and family. First off, an evening at the park to celebrate Melanie's birthday! Jessica's chocolate cake and Brandy's cute decorations made it the perfect night!
Then another night in the park to say farewell to our friends, the Smiths.... moving to Portland!
And then yet another fun night at the park for FHE with the sisters. We had gathered in hopes of fellowshipping a family in need.... who didn't show up! So, instead we just ate pizza and enjoyed one another's company; and played soccer with the sisters!
It was Pete's 30th birthday and so we had a fun little surprise party at our house to celebrate! It was a very fun evening eating Mexican food and chatting away! Don't even get me started on how much we are going to miss this family once they move in October!
Celebrated Nora's third birthday at the pool. Anna is quite fond of Nora and her sister, Elizabeth. And Ev is quite fond of baby Millie!
We had a really fun day with Grandma! Visited the Disney and Lego stores and then had lunch out. Grandma was nice enough to then babysit while I went out on errands! I don't know that she'll ever offer to put together a lego set any time soon! Not easy, ha!
We enjoyed so much having the Calls out for a visit with their children... Mallory, Andrew and Dylan. So glad they are closer (now in AZ instead of Georgia!) We loved swimming in the pool, visiting Old Town and the Battalion, and going out on a date night sans kids!
Dane has been working harder than ever on his soccer skills and he's progressing so much each week. Man, I'm proud of that kid. He played in his first tournament ever (at Club level) and it was a bit intimidating for him! But he did his best and as always, it's such a blast to watch him out there on the field. Anna cheers so sweetly, "Go BOY!" That's her name for Grand and Dane. She just refers to them as "boy". Grant is deeply invested in the games as well and ofttimes will mimic what he hears Dad say, "Dane-- that's YOU!" when a ball comes his way. HA!
Dane's heart is so tender, love his sensitive little nature. But also love his scientifically minded intellect! He has a wonderful vocabulary and is always surprising me with his thought processes. For example, last week he said very matter of fact after I commented on all the bees by the running hose. "Mom, the bees are attracted to water. I assume this because I always see so many bees at the pool." Loved that he used those words! And his lego creations are just darling. I mean, come on....
Grant continues to be our energetic, sweet little man. But lately he's struggled with being separated from me! REALLY struggles! He won't go to primary, to vacation bible school, with a babysitter nothing! After many nights of prayer, lots of frustration, and lots of discussion between Blake and I, we finally came to the bottom of it after a sweet little confession on Grant's part.
You see...right as school was ending, I had left Anna and Ev in the car, windows rolled down, within my eye sight while I took the boys quickly into Subway. I could see them the entire time, yet I knew it wasn't the greatest choice! If you can believe it, a lady saw the girls in the car and called the police on me; Evelyn heard the lady give the police my license plate # and car description.... she was sobbing as I returned. She was so worried, and then Dane started to cry and Grant as well. Pretty soon the entire car was just basically bawling their eyes out (except me.... I was more irritated by the lady then anything else!) But even I was terrified that the police would give me a ticket! The kids were worried I'd be taken to jail for my poor choice. It was traumatic! But nothing came of it and we all got over it.... all except for Grant, that is! Hence the little confession! He had been harboring an intense fear that any time I left him, the police might snatch me up and put me in jail.
Poor thing! We are working through this, but it's been a challenging few months to say the least. I mean, Grant is my tough, brave boy! He has NEVER cared one wit if I left him. As a three year old, on his first day of preschool, the child tore out of the car and never even looked back! Just last week, he was stung by a bee and because of a fail on my part, slept with the stinger in his finger all night!! And yet even with a swollen finger and a days' worth of poison slowly making its way around....still managed to hold it together. We will get through this!
exhibit A: swollen middle finger
Evelyn has taken a break from knitting as of late. She's moved on people.... if you've kept up with my blog in any way, you should know that Evelyn (though skilled at many things) does not typically stay loyal to any one hobby. Ev has been very focused on her voice these days. She jus absolutely adores music. All kinds-- pop, broadway, choral, church... you name it. She practices constantly!
Evelyn has been so helpful with school out. When she is not stressed about school work and/or social pressures, her mood is quite mellow! Of course, Anna is her biggest fan! And I've enjoyed having this cute, fiery little red head at home. The other day, Ev and I discussed the fact that she is a natural born leader. And I gave her a piece of advice regarding that wonderful personality characteristic that is such a huge part of who she is! She is so very pleasant when she is doing what she wants to do, so funny, so charismatic, so great! But the minute she needs to do something that she maybe does not want to do, well then that's when there's going to be a big problem.
I gently advised that she recognize this fact. And understand that in life, though it's fantastic to be a leader, to be independent and to have a strong idea of what you want for yourself... you also MUST allow yourself to be guided by teachers, parents, church leaders, etc. And we talked about how your greatest strength can be your greatest weakness if you aren't careful! My greatest strength is my energy level and ability to get things done, care for people, and accomplish!!! And yet, that mentality and energy level is also my greatest weakness if I am letting "things to do" get in the way of "people to love". Not to mention it can cause anxiety and even insomnia when my brain won't shut down! I think the point stuck with her and I've been grateful to see that she's been more willing to bend a little, be more flexible.
This past month, Evelyn had the opportunity to attend a sewing camp which she enjoyed very much! She learned how to sew a wallet, purse, and tote. It was so cute and now on her wish list she'd like a sewing machine. "Just a sewing machine, mom! I'd use it all the time!" Just a sewing machine? Sheesh!
Anna has really grown the past few months! She is talking up a storm and boy.... is it ever the cutest thing. At night, before I fall asleep- I have to sneak back into the room to kiss her little cheek one last time before I fall asleep. She's seriously such a doll. Love that she loves to sing and loves music as much as Ev and I. Love that she dances and carries babies around with her constantly. And a "backpack" just like the big kids. Anna is the apple of everyone's eye. I don't think her "boys" have ever even been slightly upset with her. They follow her around pretending to be puppies so that she'll love them, kiss them and hug them. Anna can climb out of the crib now, so she sleeps in a toddler bed. She climbs out when she wakes up and calls out at the door "hello?" "hello?" SO cute. When she doesn't get what she wants, most of the time instead of a tantrum she says, "Awwww!" The last syllable of the word bends up... ha! Anna just adores Sophia the First and loves to wear these pajamas every day, all day! She STILL has a binky which she calls "bobby". Oops. Need to work on that! One morning last week she made my day when she saw my outfit by saying, " Oh mommy! I like you skirt!" Love that little girl!
