What we've been up to

Travis is out of town (actually, he's out of the country!). He sent us pictures from his plane before he left. I think I should start traveling Business Class! A seat that fully reclines? And not sharing your row with anyone else? A few hours to read a book or watch TV or take a nap? Someone to bring you drinks and food, and better yet, not expect you to do the dishes? Ummm, yes please!

 Megan went took advantage of the empty school parking lot and went bike riding with a friend. It was hot and muggy, but the girls had a lot of fun.

We had Meet the Teacher night at school. Both kids are really excited for school to start next week. I'm a tiny bit excited too. I meant to get pictures, but things were a little crazy with the three kids.

We hosted the girls play group. What was I thinking trying to make clothespin mermaids with 5 girls? It was fun, but slightly insane at the same time. You can see our finished mermaid creations HERE. All in all, I think they turned out pretty cute, don't you?

Megan lost ANOTHER tooth! She's missing 3 on top. I'm beginning to wonder how she'll chew anything if this continues!

Jared and I played a LOT of Lego Star Wars. He told me, "You don't play as good as daddy. It's not your talent. Maybe you could practice while I go to school." Yup buddy. That's what I'm going to do while you are at school...Finally we had to import some help. We called his 10 year old cousin Josh for some hints, and a friend from church came over to play with him as well.

Megan and I finished up the last little bit of school shopping and got her hair cut. She needed a new pair of shoes. I broke my own rule and let her buy a bright pink and silver pair that light up (gasp!). Usually I pick pretty boring practical and versatile shoes for the kids, but she fell in love with these and I didn't have the energy to go to another store.

We talked on Google Chat to Travis every second that we could. The time difference makes it a little challenging, but it's working out. We miss him, but he'll be home before too long.

We only went swimming once this week. It was fun to hang out poolside with friends, in the sunshine.

What we've been up to

The summer is winding down. Only a little more than a week before Megan and Jared will both be in school full time. I have mixed feelings. Part of me is SO excited for them to go to school. Poor Kate gets dragged all over town. It seems like every time she falls asleep, we wake her up to buckle her into the car seat. I am struggling to get things done - I have a class that I've been trying to get finished all summer. If I could just have a few hours of uninterrupted work, I could finish it. Things like that will be so much easier when they are in school. The routine will be a lot more consistent.

On the other hand, I have really enjoyed this summer. We haven't done anything major, mostly we've just stayed home and spent time together, but the Megan and Jared have become such good friends. They love to play together. And they both adore Kate. It's been fun to help them learn how to take care of her, how to play with her, etc. As much as I have complained, this really has been a fun summer.

This week, we have gone swimming a lot (like always!). We've also gone to the splash pad. Megan and Jared complain that they are too old to have fun at the splash pad, but they always have a blast when we go. And I enjoy it too - it's nice to sit in the shade and talk to the other moms, without worrying about the kids in the pool.

Megan has been learning to cook this summer. She can make a mean salad, without any help. And she's been helping Travis make a lot of other things as well. Sunday afternoon they made a three layer chocolate cake. It was fabulous. (I ate waaaaay too much.)

 

Since it's been so hot, we aren't spending much time outside unless we're at the pool. Instead, we've played a lot of xbox and computer games, and a lot of board games. Including Extreme Jenga. (Jared makes up the rules as he goes along.)

What we've been up to

We haven't done anything super exciting or outrageous this summer, but sometimes the simple things bring the most joy.

On Friday, we went to lunch at Pappas Burgers with Travis.

We've gone swimming. A Lot. Just cuz, for play group, for swim lessons. We are all getting water logged. We've all got raisin toes. Swimming completely wears Kate out.

We've played with friends at their houses and our house and at the pool and at the park. We love our friends.

I taught my first class at Scrap Girls, after taking most of the summer off. It was great to get back to doing what I love. (and I am LOVING the new class format. It's wonderful!)

Supplies listed HERE

Travis and I had a movie date and watched the Princess Bride. It's been a long time since we snuggled up together to watch an old favorite. Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles...

I don't think life gets any better than this.

What we've been up to

We recently started an allowance program with the kids. We started a checklist with jobs they were expected to do each day at the same time. Let's just say that my house hasn't been this clean in a looooong time.

We've been playing with LOTS of friends this summer. We have someone over just about every day. Friends make the long summer days go by faster.

We take a lot of naps. As often as possible, for as long as possible (okay, so just Kate and Mom take naps. Megan and Jared read or do puzzles or something else quiet).

Mostly we are working hard at relaxing and at enjoying these long, hot summer days. And trying to not wish the summer away....And we are looking forward to the school year.

What we've been up to

 Kate is growing and growing and growing. She's got little rolls on her legs and arms. It's so cute! She is eating a LOT! It's great to see her healthy appetite, especially because it helps her sleep more at night. She is starting to be awake a lot more during the day, which is really fun. She is smiling and cooing and starting to laugh. It's pretty cute.

The kids (especially Jared) have been anxious for her to start being more interest in toys and playing. Jared will pile toys around her, trying to catch her attention. So far she hasn't been interested, but I can tell that she is getting closer. She loves to kick her legs and she is starting to try to reach for things. If you put something in her hand, she will hold on to it with all her might.

Megan LOVES being a big sister. I think every newborn should come with an almost-eight-year-old girl who loves playing "mommy". She feeds her and burps her and rocks her. She's learning to change her clothes and diapers.

Jared is trying so hard to find ways to play with the baby, but mostly he plays near the baby. It's pretty cute to hear him talk to her, calling her Princess Leia as he waves his light saber around, fighting off imaginary bad guys.

What we've been up to

Katelyn is growing and growing. I had to put away most of the 0 - 3 month clothes because she is so tall! She is still such a happy baby, as long as you aren't too slow getting her food. Then she lets you know exactly how she feels. She is sleeping consistently from about 10 until 5 or 6, so I really have no room to complain.

Jared is working to adjust to a lot of changes. Preschool being over means he's spending a lot more time at home. Not only that, he is having to contend for attention from both of his sisters. It's been a lot of changes in a short amount of time, but he is doing great. He loves to feed and hold Kate and to play with Megan. He's been spending more time on the computer, especially at www.starfall.com and he's getting to be a good little reader. He has decided that he is ready to have his training wheels taken off his bike, so that will be our adventure next week.

 I am really enjoying having Megan home this summer. She is such a big help with Katelyn. She feeds her, burps her, rocks her. She picks out her clothes every day (sometimes multiple times a day), and she insists on folding all of Katelyn's laundry when she folds her own. She loves being a big sister. When she isn't helping with the baby, she is playing barbies and devouring chapter books.

I am adjusting to having three kids. In some ways, it's easier having Megan and Jared home for the summer. Like I said before, Megan (and Jared, to some extent) is a huge help with the baby. And it's really nice to not have to get up so early to get Megan ready for the bus. We've been taking the mornings nice and slow. It's been great. We've had a little trouble finding ways to balance the older kids' desire for friends and fun activities (they always want to be DOING something or GOING somewhere) with the baby and my desire to stay home and take it easy. But we are finding ways to make it work.