Last day of Swim Lessons!

The children (minus Anastasia) had their last day of swim lessons yesterday. They all made some really great improvements, and I was very proud. We are missing our usual photos with Daddy because he was out of town and missed it. :( Everyone had a great time, though, and we even swam with friends at a different pool afterward.

Mariana's teacher had so many positive things to say, and she was so excited to pass her level.

This guy was so brave, once he was placed with the right teacher! He had a male teacher at first and had the same aversion to shirtless male teachers that his big sister had at this age! So funny!

 

It's the little things

I came down from a quick rest and some bathroom cleaning upstairs this afternoon to find this...

Big sister reading a book to little sister. So sweet. These are the little moments that make it all so worthwhile!

Land of Lakes Choir

Our parish hosted the Land of Lakes Choirboys, and we had the privilege of having two of them stay at our house. Allia and Mariana were able to participate in a workshop with them and sing two songs with them at their concert too. It was such a blessing. These boys are amazing, both musically and personably. The two that stayed with us fit right into the family. We only wish they could have stayed longer (and that Stephen could join when he is old enough)!

Our parish choir mixed in with the boys

Just before we sent them off to their next destination this morning (Donovan on the left and Joey on the right). We were obviously heading to swim lessons right after our goodbyes!

Fun times!

The Homeschooled family

Our homeschooled boy from Land of Lakes Choir that is staying with us showed us this video. Pretty funny.

Baby Shower!

We had a shower to help Uncle Matt and Tia Nana prepare for our little nephew who will be arriving at the end of the summer. I had lots of eager helpers decorating cupcakes...so I allowed them to decorate their own with the leftover stuff. They had a great time, and we harnessed that energy to help clean the house!

Getting the table ready for our "Under the Sea" shower

Time to chat

A fun game...we had the guys all chug a drink of their choice from a baby bottle to see who was fastest...

And the winner is...

Uncle Matt...by half an ounce! It was quite entertaining to watch!

And another favorite game...pass the paci. It was girls against guys, and the guys won. I wonder why? See the babies in tow. I think the gals should have had a head start or something!

 The winning team - they do all work together regularly!

And finally the gifts

Littlest pianist

Anastasia surprised me by playing gently and actually made up some beautiful baby music!

Swim Lessons

We started swim lessons today. It is Stephen's first year to be old enough. He did great! We went to the pool yesterday afternoon to practice a bit so he would know what to expect. He was dunking himself under and doing ice cream scoops like a champ! The girls all did great too. Fun times!

He was looking forward to the froggy slide for weeks!

Sweet little spectator

 Heading for the deep end

Explorer

Anastasia is such an explorer! And now she has that lovely skill of being able to take caps off markers. Yikes. I really have my hands full with this cute girl!

VBS Week

Wow...we have been busy with all sorts of summer fun. This week is VBS, and Stephen actually went today. The girls have had tons of fun, but he was not convinced and has been coming home with me. I was actually a little sad to leave him today...it was rather flattering that he would rather spend the morning with me than play games, do crafts, sing songs, etc. with his friends at VBS. We will see how it goes!

I have also been doing some major reorganizing and prioritizing in our school room in addition to the girls starting gymnastics and of course trips to the pool. Happy Summer!

Big Rig Day

We made it to big rig day at the library. We missed last year due to swim lessons and baby sister. The children enjoyed it despite the heat. Mariana was really interested in the police motorcycle.

Stephen was excited to get inside the big digger.

And Gloria in the shovel

Waiting with our friends for the helicopter

A quick peek inside...we were one of the last ones to see it before they had to pack up and go. We were able to see them take off. What an exhilarating experience! Stephen was in awe. He loooves helicopters!

Last Soccer Game!

Allia played her last soccer game today, and her team won. They went out with a bang, all playing really well even though they were short 2 players. It was a great game!

Here is her team photo (missing one girl, Kaitlyn)

Back: Coach Brianna, Madi, Cassie, Allia, Coach Katie; Front: Tori, Emily