Oops, She Did It Again

The youngest is getting blamed for much these days, and rightfully so.  She's hidden the remote, my book, along with other toys that we know about.  "Sarah had it" is the phrase often heard around the house.  My cousin posted on Facebook about her misplaced keys found in her son's toy schoolbus.  I topped her story by telling how Sarah hid my wedding ring and my watch in Addy's toybin.

Come bathtime, she begins her crying episodes because she knows bedtime is soon to come.  However, when she has played her heart out at the pool, belly-flopping back and forth, she's been known to fall asleep at dinner.

Tonight, we went for a walk after dinner.  Addy rode her bike, and Austin pushed Sarah (a mere few feet and then he got tired).

Once in the woods, Austin and I had some fun, while the others walked on.

 

 I love it when he'll reach for my hand to hold as we walk.  I took the picture with my camera and my mind to remember these moments.

 He loves cheesing it up for the cameras, with his two thumbs up.

Our latest "family" pastime is the playing of Angry Birds.  Yes, it's true.  Addicting:)

Next week will be more "Firsts" for Sarah.  Vacation Bible School, pediatrician appointment (we've gone to an adoption clinic thus far), and a hometown family cookout.

I will be working on my new computer.  This computer has been on life support since we were in Ukraine.  Last week, I thought it took its final breath, but Andy worked his engineer magic and had it working so I could check email, internet, and blog.  But, my new computer arrived today. 

I am so excited.

My dear friend, Jenni, came over brought me this topper.  She saw it and knew it was all about me.

It says it all, doesn't it?

 

Embrace Life,

Give Thanks,

Be Amazed.

Happy Weekend!

Summer Lovin

I was listening to Frank Sinatra's "Come Fly With Me" and "Summer Wind" this morning. (Can I say how much I love Pandora Music!!!)  While we aren't flying on a jet plane, and a summer breeze may flow by in the twilight hours,  the blue skies and billowy clouds were calling for a mid-morning outdoor celebration.  So, we obliged with a bike ride to the park, which was perfect.  Minus the sidewalk construction and the humidity which hit fast and hard.  But, we pressed on, amidst the trickling sweat beads and sunscreen dripping in our eyes.

  I looked over and there was Austin, swinging from one bar to the other, like he had monkey genes.  I remember when he couldn't hang from one bar. 

Addy was enjoying her own climbing adventures, but kept coming back to the tire swing.

Sarah had to join her whenever she was on the swing.

The sisters make the perfect summer frame.

My heart would go pitter patter, whenever Sarah would "step" her foot into the open air to "pretend" like she was going to jump.  She's like that, you know.  Let's see how freaked out my mama can get.

 We topped off the day with outdoor dining for dinner.

Addy taught Sarah the fistbump handshake with a pizzaz ending.

Sometimes she'll be very demonstrative in telling you her opinion, in her toddler language.  I may not understand, but I know she means business!

A day isn't complete without some outdoor playset time, and capturing these simple moments of love.

Then, Andy took the kids on a walk around the neighborhood, and I stayed behind with my comforts.

Yes, I know what they say about Diet Coke, but some vices are hard to give up.  There's nothing like a good book and a drink, outside while the sun is saying goodnight.

 Having fun in the summer.  It doesn't get much better.

What's your perfect summer song?

The Final Days of Summer

  It's almost back to school, and our summer fun is winding down.  I spent the last two days at a workshop, while the kids enjoyed time with their friends and Grandma.  We've had so much rain these last few days that they haven't been to the pool lately.  We've lots to do, including reading and finishing the Summer Brain Games from school.  Incentive: after school movie party and coupon for the Book Fair.  Even Mama's going to get in on that reward.

    Addyson lost her two front teeth over a period of two weeks.  After the first tooth came out (Thanks, Austin:), her second tooth started wiggling.  It came out at the pool, along with gushes of blood.  My neighbor Melissa (nurse)said that it happens with most front teeth.  Anyway, her talking is too cute and she looks oh so very ornery!!!  On Tuesday,  they both went to our dear friends, The Morans, for the day.  Addyson and Avery have been together since preschool, and their other good friend Jordyn lives two doors down.  They looked forward to it for days.  About a half hour before I came to pick them up, she began sobbing that she didn't want to leave.  She was sad and tearful.  When we got home, she went to her room to read, and continued crying.  She felt a little warm, so I got out the thermometer.  Her temp was 101.   Her throat hurt and she didn't eat.  The next day, she complained of headaches, sore throat, and was very quiet.  It was until after they went to bed that Andy reminded me what the dentist said in May...her molars are coming in, her two front teeth are trying to push through, and she may be grumpy/complain of headaches.  Since both kids are out of teething phase, I forgot it sometimes leads to fevers.  I'm definitely in the running for Mother of the Year Award!!!!

    Austin is his easy going self.  Miss Imogen(Avery's mom) said she could just eat him up he's so sweet.  He knows how to charm everyone!!!  He continues to love the slide and diving board at the pool, though we've restricted backwards jumping until next year.  He wasn't jumping far enough off the board, and his arm scrapped the edge.  It's not called road rash, perhaps diving board burn...:)!!!

    Both kids are ready to go back to school to see their friends.  Austin is looking forward to going to latchkey with Addy, and being at school every day.  Addy is looking more grown up daily.  Her passion for reading is exciting.  She's read so many Junie B. Jones and Puppy Place books this summer.  She's found her reading place:  her room.  She says, "Austin, I need some time to read by myself so could you play in your room?"

    Wednesday was family moving night at church...Veggitales.  Andy opted out, but the kids enjoyed it.  He's taking them to the annual Archer Back to School Campout this weekend.  It's a surprise! We've had a marvelous time, focusing on what matters and slowing down.    I am not looking forward to setting an alarm again!  Keep Smiling!!


P.S.  The basement is still not finished.  It's the project that never ends.  I am ready to have my house back!!!