Little moments

We have been quite busy with summer fun, but here are a few moments from the last week...

She ate the whole ear of corn by herself!

Anastasia fun

We enjoyed a visit from Pawpaw and Manah this weekend. Anastasia was so much more open with them than last time! She and Manah were buddies of course.

Here they are having a little snack together

And of course reading books, which Anastasia and Stephen have both been wanting to do a lot lately (don't worry, Stephen got more than his fair share too)!

She is our youngest child to figure out jumping. The others were all 2 before they could get their feet off the ground (or trampoline), but this girl has it all figured out!

She has started saying, "No, no, guys." when she gets on the trampoline to let everyone else know it is her turn. But Allia hopped on with her anyway.

Gymnastics Girls

The girls decided to try gymnastics this summer. I have been sooo proud of them, especially the older ones. It is not easy to enter into something when most of your peers in the class have much more experience than you. They have worked hard and made excellent progress. Since Manah and Pawpaw are here for the weekend, I took advantage of my hands-free time and took some photos of them.

One of Allia's favorite activities is the balance beam

Gloria looooves handstands and is quite good at them for her age!

Mariana working on the bars. It is tough!

Gloria's absolute favorite activity...jumping into "the pit." She looks so tiny!

Allia has had to work really hard on the floor skills since her body is not used to backbends, cartwheels, etc. She has done great, and this coach has been very helpful and patient.

 Mariana really enjoys balance beam too...this picture was hazy, but I couldn't leave it out!

They only have a few more lessons, but I am hoping we can keep practicing what they have learned at home...maybe as part of PE!

Happy Girls

The older girls received these dresses in the mail from Manah and were so excited. I am so glad my girls love to wear dresses...I just wish I could wear them more. But it just isn't so practical when you are the mommy of active toddlers. :)

 Speaking of active toddlers, Lita gave Anastasia this doll, and she calls it "Mimi." It is so cute. She really likes it!

Rainy Day!

We had a wonderfully rainy, cool morning. So we took advantage and went on a puddle walk to the park. It started with rain boots and jackets, but they were quickly abandoned. What fun...and what a blessing after several days of 100 + temps!

CC trip

Our 4th of July trip to visit family turned into a trip to bid farewell to our Lala. We had the blessing of attending her Memorial mass and rosary and saw lots of family while there!

Anastasia loved playing on Lito and Lita's back porch (aka luxury outdoor garden)!

Lita's crazy headbands the girls wore to the fireworks (they all had something to wear, but only these two were allowed to stay up for fireworks).

Anastasia sporting Stephen's new fishing hat

 Lito took Austin and all of the children, minus Anastasia, out on his boat for a fishing trip. They had a wonderful time and caught two fish before they were approached by dolphins multiple times. The children were thrilled by this, even though it meant all the fish were chased away!

Soccer practice with Uncle Trevor...we got to have lunch out with Tia Becky and visit their newly renovated house. They did a great job!

Daddy Ipad time!

And of course, we went to the beach. Surprisingly, Anastasia wasn't a bit scared! She went straight for the water and even let Daddy take her out in the big waves!

 Jumping waves together...so sweet!

Mariana wanted a picture with Lita. Sweet girl.

Rest in Peace, Lala.

Austin's grandmother, lovingly known as Lala, passed away on Monday. Please pray for the repose of her soul and for those left behind. We will miss you, Lala!

Couldn't resist

Stephen asked to paint Friday afternoon after I had finished cleaning the downstairs. I couldn't resist, but stationed him on the shady back porch at the picnic table. Happy guy. :) He was quickly followed by all of his older sisters!