Summer Swim Lessons

We just wrapped up our first week of summer swim lessons for the biggest little Webster. Week 1 went well for Baron in the pool, Maverick was ridiculously awesome sitting quietly in the stroller (probably thinking to himself that if he was quiet enough I wouldn't make him get in) but for Elliott, it was pure torture. The first day she just didn't understand why she didn't get to participate and when I told her she had to be 3 for these swim lessons, she looked at me like I was the worst mom ever and continued to take her shirt off......while loudly insisting "Elliott's turn" and with Maverick looking on like he wanted to give her a "pull yourself together man" shake. A small wrestling match ensued (shirt stayed on = small victory for me) and by the end of this week, she was no longer taking clothes off or yelling. Baron did well in the pool and I was relieved he didn't freak out and cry wanting to get out since this is only his second time with lessons. Let's hope next week goes smoothly.

 

 

Summer Fun

It was another action packed weekend around here and while the twins keep me running, it has been fun getting outside or out & about this summer. While it is still crazy and chaotic most of the time, we are enjoying more and more "freedom" as a family now that we have a 3 year old and a pair of 2 year olds!

 

Thursday: We spend most of the day outside enjoying the beautiful, warm summer weather in our new POOL! The kids love it.....well Mav is still a little hesitant.....and it's big enough that Grant and I can get in and lounge if so desired. The only draw back to the pool would have to be that by evening time I have a house full of wet towels and a patio full of clothes/swimsuits tossed about. Eh....what are you going to do ;)

 

Couldn't even wait until morning to fill up!

Spectators drying out  

Friday: Nana Laurie and Papa Randy (my mom and stepdad) made a quick stop in town for a family wedding on Randy's side. Since they live out of state, we usually only get to see them once a year and this was a huge treat since we just saw them in May. We were able to spend about 4 hours together on Friday evening and the kids got to sit on the motorcycles.

Saturday: We loaded up the car and headed East to celebrate Addyson's 1st birthday (Dan & Elizabeth's little girl). The car ride over went smooth (2+ hours) and we had a good time partying it up with the birthday girl. There were horses and cows and slip n slides....oh my! The kids were asleep in record time once we were on the road home so we opted to stop and see Dan/Elizabeth's new place. Unfortunately, we ended up staying a tad too long and the kids woke up just as we were getting back on the road. I believe my darling husbands exact words were "surely they will fall back asleep". Yeah, no. They were awake and grumpy the whole ride home (remember 2+ hours).

 

 

 

Sunday: A much needed day of rest at home. Running a few errands, visiting Honey and playing in the pool.

 

 

The Power of a Flower

Waking up to these beauties is a great start to any day!

 

(Thanks awesome mom-in-law)

House Update: Hardwood Floors

We have been remodeling/updating our home since we moved in many moons ago and while the process has slowed drastically the past four years, we still have the desire to make this house everything we previously envisioned.  One of the biggest, most dramatic (think instant gratification) and cleanest changes we have made recently has been having our hardwood floors refinished in the living room and dining room. Our floors were in bad shape. I don't believe they have ever been refinished since they were installed in the early 60's and have seen carpet, countless kids, toys and pets. We opted to finally make this change even though we have kids, toys and pets because we were ready for that oh so clean feeling and really, when you have kids/toys/pets, is there ever a good time??

 

Prior to the refinish, I would sweep & mop and sweep & mop but the floors would never really feel clean since they were so beat up.

(And this is a fairly good area....Yikes, right?!)

Now....it's amazing. So clean! I love how light the natural wood is and am so pleased we went with a clear finish.

Brothers & Sisters

4 together last night ~ missing #5

 

A recent photo of little brother with sister on her visit to Cali!

BBQ & Family on the 4th of July!

The 4th of July has come and gone which has me scratching my head since I have been looking forward to it for quite some time and now it's just...done. It's a stark reminder how fast life seems to be passing me by but I will take it as I am having too much fun and will continue down that path ;)

 

We stayed home and prepped for a BBQ at our place with included Honey, Tia, Trav/Katie/Brady, Dale/Sheri and Nate/Nicole/Reid/Reece. The weather was fantastic, warm with a breeze, and Grant's BBQ outstanding. We dined on ribs, smoked chicken, baked beans (Nancy), potato salad (Sheri), green salad (Trav), cobbler (Nicole) and drinks (Tia). The kids really enjoyed Reid & Reece and played hard. It was good food and great company to celebrate our country's independence day.

 

*Side note ~ Baron is still NOT a fan of fireworks. We had really big/loud ones going off over our house and he was less than pleased. "I don't like fireworks Mommy" was what we were hearing as we put him to bed. An hour later (and me snuggling him) he finally fell asleep. The twins we have yet to see if they will share his dislike since they were sound asleep from their day of play.

 

*2nd side note - I realized much to late that I had forgotten to take a single photo...all...day...long. And I am not happy about it.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday Dad/Papa! Lots of love from us!