June 20

Caleb and Daisy started VBS, Round 2 today, this time at a smaller church, closer to home. After we dropped them off, Lily asked if we could go to a park. How could I say no?

We picked a shady one with a toddler playground, and we ended up being the only people there! 

He may not be walking yet, but Eli can handle a playground like nobody's business! (As long as the playground doesn't have a rubberized surface that's been heated by the sun. Those playgrounds leave him in tears, because the ground is too hot for his little hands and knees.)

Can you tell that Lily was excited about the playground? Her face is too funny!

Eli and Lily moved on to the swings and were so engaged with their swinging that I gave them both a few big pushes and sat down on a bench. Eli would have none of it - he insisted on sitting on the bench with me. Funny boy! So of course we took a selfie.

Then we went home and had snacks and played with toys on the front porch. It was so simple and easy and lovely! Soon enough it was time to pick up the big kids. As I got their lunch ready, I noticed that Eli had scooted over to Caleb on the bench, and was snuggling up with him. Then Lily noticed, and she scooted over to snuggle up to Caleb, too. Then Caleb noticed that I noticed, and said, "Mommy! Get your camera!"

Kid knows me too well.

Then Daisy noticed that a picture was happening, and ran around so that she could be in the picture, too.

These kids can bicker like the best of them, but they love each other so much!

Then the mailman came bearing a package for me - my most recent wrap purchase! I got a stellar deal on a wrap that I'm hoping will be perfect for carrying toddlers on hot summer days.

Also, it's kind of lovely.

It's a Didymos Shades of Blue wrap, which is a cotton/linen/hemp blend. I'm so excited, and the kids were, too. The girls both argued about whose turn it was to go up next!

I thought the day couldn't get any better, and then naptime involved all four children napping at the same time, for over two hours. 

Amazing.

Then it was time for Caleb's second swim meet. It was his first away meet, but luckily it was at a pool in an adjacent neighborhood. He swam the 25 meter freestyle, the 100 meter freestyle relay, and the 25 meter back stroke

Getting ready for his first race!

We still need to work on his breathing.

Also, see how his long hair is kind of covering his goggles? Today I talked to him about that, and asked him if he wanted me to cut his hair so he could see better. He said no, so we brainstormed other solutions. Eventually, we came up with the idea of a swim cap. I asked him if he minded being one of the only boys who wore a swim cap, and he said, "Well, Grandpa used to wear a swim cap, and he's a boy!"

So we bought him a team swim cap. And then I happened to mention to our sweet neighbor, whose son is a few years older than Caleb and also on the swim team, that Caleb really wanted the team swim trunks, but I haven't been able to take him someplace to try them on and purchase them. She ran out to her car and came back with a pair that her son had outgrown. They fit Caleb perfectly!

This boy was so, so happy.

Doesn't he look like a serious swimmer now?

Go get 'em, Caleb!

And go get 'em, Old Farm Cows!

It was so hot out that I ended up taking the little three home after Caleb's first race, but Chris texted me this video of Caleb swimming the back stroke.

Way to go, Caleb!

June 19

I totally failed to plan anything special for Father's Day for Chris. 

No gifts.

No cards.

No special meals.

I dropped the ball.

I didn't even let him sleep in; I ended up staying up past 1:00 this morning editing pictures, and forgot to get up with Eli so he didn't have to.

But I did remember that Daisy made him a card that looked like a necktie at preschool, so we got that out and gave it to him. And that reminded Caleb of a card he saw at Target, and I helped Caleb make one of his own for Chris. (The card is shaped like a tie and says, "For Father's Day, I got you a TIE." On the inside it says, "Fighter" with a picture of a TIE fighter from Star Wars. It was awesome.) And then Lily wanted to make Daddy a tie, so he helped her cut one out. Then she demanded that he draw a house on it, which he did. Then we taped it to his shirt, and Lily was as pleased as can be.

Doesn't he look nice in his tie?

Caleb realized how awesome Daddy's tie was, and decided he wanted to match. 

I mean, really. Are they cute, or what?

And then I was sitting at my computer editing photos, when I heard giggling. I am now trained to grab my camera whenever I suspect mischief is afoot, and my instinct was correct.

Chris was doing push-ups with his daughters on his back, and Eli was watching and giggling, toy truck in hand.

The moment Chris collapsed on the ground to rest, Eli "drove" that truck over to Daddy and put it in Chris' mouth. These people are too funny!

We also managed to throw together a last-minute family get-together at the neighborhood pool. Jenny and Ryan had to work, but Chris' parents, my parents, and Emily and her crew were all able to come. It was a perfect evening!

Eli found this inflatable duck and was in heaven.

Max is an awesome swimmer! He handled the deep end with ease, and was so confident going off the diving board that Caleb was even inspired to give it his first try in several years.

Jace tried the diving board, too, but it took him several attempts before he had the courage to actually jump. And that's Billy, waiting for him in the water.

Caleb's second dive!

I would like to take this moment to take credit for Caleb's first dive. I could see him watching Max jump, so I asked him if he wanted to go off the diving board with me. I fully expected him to say no, so I was shocked when he actually agreed! Caleb went first, and I followed him. I was so proud! Later, he told me, "You know, Mommy, MOST moms don't go off the diving board!" I think he was a bit impressed by me, too.

Chris and his dad. I'm kicking myself now for not getting a picture of Chris and Dan with all of the kids, and one of Chris and Dan and Caleb, who are all firstborn males. Next time.

Emily was kind enough to relieve me of all of my parental responsibilities and handle Eli in the water. It was such a nice break for me, and Eli loved her for it!

Oh my goodness. Isn't Jace hilarious?

Billy and his boys. I should have taken this picture before they swam, because they kind of look like castaways, or the Swiss Family Robinson.

My favorite part of the evening was watching all of the family splash and play in the water. Here, Dad was showing Jace how he could squirt water with his hands. You can see Emily and Eli, and Daisy in the background. If you squint, you can see Chris' head by the deep end ropes, Caleb on the diving board, and even Max's little head behind the chairs and the life guard stand. 

Daisy was so proud as she showed us her kickboarding skills!

This morning, I realized that I didn't have any recent pictures of me with my dad. Tonight, I thankfully remembered to rectify that. 

I love this picture of Emily and me with Dad! It's too bad Jenny wasn't there to be in the picture, too.

And then Lily saw that Emily and I were taking a picture with Grandpa, and she had to be in it, too. 

Isn't she the cutest thing ever? She loves her Grandpa.

The day wasn't complete until I got a picture of Chris with all four of his kiddos, though. It was past bedtime and Daisy was being grouchy and uncooperative, but I made the picture happen, anyway. 

Happy Father's Day to my fabulous husband.  When I married him almost 14 years ago, I knew he would one day be a great Daddy. Still, I am continually surprised by just how good he really is. I am a better mom because of him, and our kiddos are blessed to have him as their father. 

Happy Father's Day, Chris!

June 17

I got out of bed this morning to find this:

Caleb was reading one of our new library books to his sisters. Even Eli was trying to get in on the reading action; do you see him sitting at their feet?

This makes my heart so happy. Most mornings I wake up to shrieking or fighting, but this morning was peaceful and calm. I love that Caleb is so generous with his siblings, and I cherish the relationships that are growing among the four of them.

Soon enough, it was time to hustle and bustle off to swim team, then a trip to Costco, where we tried something new - eating lunch there. I wouldn't call it a success, but it wasn't an outright failure, either. Caleb got a hot dog, and three bites in, started shrieking because his tooth was bleeding. He is preparing to lose one of his bottom teeth, and apparently the process is exceptionally painful. Or he's being dramatic. Whatever.

Anyway, four kids eating pizza and hot dogs at Costco during lunch time is really hectic, and I doubt we will be repeating it. But at least we tried.

After much debate, the kids decided that tonight should remain Friday Movie Night. Now that it's summer, they get to choose between family movie or family swim. They picked out the Minions movie at the library yesterday, so they were excited to watch that tonight. It was a bad idea, though, because Daisy thought it was too scary. 

After the movie, it was so nice outside that we pushed bedtime back and played.

Chris and Caleb played badminton, while I pursued artistic endeavors.

I'm pretty pleased with my handiwork!

I love how the kids are all doing something different here. Story of my life.

Then I showed the girls how we can trace people's bodies with chalk, and they were so excited.

This is Lily, looking at the Lily chalk drawing. Can you tell that Daisy helped her decorate it? I did the face and hair, but Daisy definitely added the high heels.

And Miss Daisy was pleased as can be with her chalk Daisy.

While the girls decorated their chalk people, I went back to work on my project. 

Isn't it fun?

Lily insisted that Chris trace my body. Then she stood like a little dictator and told him exactly what he needed to do to make it look like me.

Disclaimer: While the chalk me appears to be wearing transparent pants, there is no such thing in my real-life wardrobe.

And Daisy just kept staring at her Daisy. She was mad that I gave the girl curly hair, though.

Look at Eli's colorful bottom! Can you tell that he crawled in the middle of my chalk project and sat down?

There. Happy with a stick. Sticks are good for that.

June 16

Today was so simple. 

Swim team practice (with a special visit from Maggie!).

A trip to the library.

Playing in the sprinkler.

Another visit to the pool.

I love easy summer days!

I think we checked out nearly 20 books, and Caleb spent all afternoon with his nose in a book. I love that he loves reading, and that he is such a capable reader!

Daisy waited and waited for Caleb to be done reading so that he could play in the sprinkler with her. Finally, I gave her a job to do so that she would just go play - I asked her to water my plants, using the sprinkler.

She did a very nice job!

Then she tried to set up the water slide, but after her first trip down the slide, she ran in screaming. The slide was so hot it had burned her bottom. I laughed - it is hot outside - and told her to cool her cheeks in the baby pool full of water.

It wasn't until we were getting ready for kickboard practice hours later that I realized she actually had burned her bottom. Like, a giant red spot with blisters on it. Poor girl! I had no idea that was even possible!

At the end of kickboard practice, Daisy and two other confident swimmers got to practice swimming the length of the pool with their kickboards and a helper. Daisy headed off to the deep end looking confident, but by the time it was her turn I could see a wild look in her eye. She was like a cornered animal, and she was looking for escape. Luckily, she pulled herself together and did it.

Several things about this video:

1. Her goggles and erect posture make her look like a little old lady, driving a car. It is hilarious.

2. She seems to get more terrified the farther she goes. About halfway through, she started groaning in terror.

3. I love the way she clings to the wall at the end like a drowned animal!

June 15

Did you notice that I'm all caught up on blogging? Because I am. This is me, caught up on the blog. La la la! Hopefully I won't get so far behind again!

Today was day three of hot, hot, HOT temps. We took Caleb to swim practice this morning, and it was miserable. The fact that the cool, refreshing pool was right there and we couldn't get in just added insult to injury.

Hot and miserable.

The pool wasn't open yet, so the water sprayers weren't turned on. Eli didn't mind, though, and he rode the sprayer like a pony.

Silly face.

These sisters are usually indifferent to each other or fighting, so it was nice to see this sweet moment! Luckily, we drove to swim team, so at least we didn't have to walk home. Instead, we hopped in the van (which needs an AC boost - boo!) and drove to Target. I don't often visit Target with all four kids, but they were great shoppers.

We came home in time for lunch, naps, and special time with Grandmother. After dinner, we went back up to the pool for a family swim, and GREAT Aunt Maggie, who is in town, visited us.

This child is too cute for words.

And this child is such a confident swimmer!

June 14

My only pictures for the day are from swim practice this morning.

Look at poor Daisy's legs! She has an assortment of scrapes, bruises, bug bites, and scabs that make it look like she's been abused. At first I was shocked, but then I realized that these legs are something to celebrate. They are the sign of a summer spent playing outside, exploring in the woods, riding her bike, running (and sometimes falling). I am proud of these legs, and I am proud of the confidence and courage she is developing! 

Watching Caleb swim!

And then Eli was adorable. Here are some sweet videos for you. The first is of him playing with his toy car:

The next was taken right after this one ended, of him practicing his standing. 

He is standing more and more, and taking steps on his own. He's still not a walker, but he is getting closer every day! Maybe by the time he hits 17 months? Definitely by 18 months.

Oh, and one non-swim team photo. After dinner tonight, Chris took the kids up to the pool for Daisy's kickboard practice. Lily refused to even take one bite of dinner, though, so she didn't get to go. Instead, she put on her jammies and we read book after book after book, then called Grandma. My mom surprised us by offering to come over, so Lily and I sat on the porch swing and waited for her to arrive.

Waiting for Grandma!

Smooch!