SIX YEARS And One Week

I can't believe the ladies have been 6 for over a week now! 

SIX!

I have so much to write about but today I'm happy be writing of success. Success in parenting, or torture had you come in on the end of this endeavor. 

Yes dear children, you will write a note to every. single. person. You will do it with a smile on your face. And because you are now SIX and capable of reading and thinking, you will be doing this independently! 

Bwhahaha! This is winning! This is raising gracious and grateful children. This is my personal attempt to make the world a better place. 

Yes Mom

No, you can't have a tree house. 

We don't have any trees!

Fear not! We can still build!!

You will help me build, but I will most definitely start those nails and spare my fingers! 

Awesome shapes!

Welcome to the land of the short mommy. 

Or at least this the end of 5 and the beginning of a new play space. You can hang out at all hours, taking cover from the sun or drying off from the pool. Thus far it's been a store, restaurant, tent, and house. I'm sad our solar lights didn't work, but I'm working with am.azon.  

Tonight they'd like to eat dinner out there.  I might actually get to speak to my husband, over dinner, about something meaningful! I love this little hut. It's open ended, not permanent, and was done on the cheap with little output. It had also motivated me to hack down the ivy [AGAIN] and paint the neighbor's garage. Yay for oops paint! $9 gallon to the rescue!! The back corner of the yard might not be to icky anymore! 

So hooray for sweat equity, using scrap material, and being a yes mom! 

July 4th, 2015

The fourth of July was rather low-key this year. Happy Independence Day! We made our way to the fair the day before, spending entirely too much money for a small town fair. The ladies had a great time on the rides and we added another fish to our tank, Oriole. The following morning was full of excitement waiting for the parade. One pup was thrilled to accompany us. 

K's first parade.

Thankfully it wasn't hot, although we did catch some drizzle at the end. 

Luckily the rain cleared out and we were able to go to the fireworks.

I'm a little in love with this picture. 

The ladies kept themselves busy waiting for sundown. They have a new fondness for batting and surprisingly have some eye-hand coordination! Softball next year anyone?? There were bubbles, snacks, and glow sticks to also help pass the time. The ladies were eager to remind us that chocolate covered treats are now expected for the fireworks. "It's a tradition!"

Sadly our evening ended with a fatality.

My shoes! My only shoes! 

The shoes that give me horrific tan lines every year.

The shoes that have been perfectly molded to my feet over these last 6 years.

The shoes that take me hiking and to the beach.

So after a few tears, and FOUR difference stores over two days I have found a suitable replacement. Fear not, the tan lines will remain. HA!

SBL: Hiking

I cannot stress how excited I am that there is no school. I love having these ladies home. Whether we are out and about or just playing in the pool out back, I absolutely love having them with us. I feel like school robs us! So to keep up with our SBL we finally found some nice weather to go for a hike. 

Crying pictures at every age. HA!

Despite this picture I assure you the trail was clear and easy, the weather not hot and humid, and the general mood was pretty awesome. Some of us just constantly clamor for food. Geeze!

We're fortunate to have many state parks near us to explore, and if I had my way we would explore them all. We can always count on coming to water, and water can encourage even the most obstinate child to soldier on. 

Waterfalls!

So worth hauling the big camera along! I even remember to slow it down and catch some magical falls.

Love these ladies!