Summer Already?

No, not really, but when our weather warms up to anything above 50 the kids ask constantly for 2 things: to eat dinner outside and to do something 'watery'.  They ask every day, many times a day.  We have occasional days in the 50's as early as February, so you can imagine how tired I get of hearing these questions!  On Friday it hit 80 (no that isn't usual nor did it stay for longer then a day).  My rule is the same as the one I remember growing up, no swimming until it's 80 degrees!  Random side note, I remember when I was young we wanted to go swimming so bad and it wasn't warm enough.  We found the end of my Dad's electronic temperature gage and 'warmed it up' ourselves.  We still didn't get to go swimming even though it said 80!
Anyway, since it was 80, the kids got their swim suits on and the hose out and after lots of screaming and crying decided that maybe the river water coming out of the hose was a bit chilly even if it was warm outside.  Another load of laundry for 10 minutes of 'fun'! 
Today was really nice weather, in the 60's, perfect to be outside.  While I napped Mike took the kids to the store to buy all the fixin's for an outside dinner.  It was really nice.  The kids enjoyed their popsicles after dinner while we had FHE (a day late) outside.  What a lovely evening!  

Freddy

Several weeks ago when Madeline and went outside to get the kids from the bus a bird flew off the porch.  Madeline said  "Oh look there is Freddy, he is my pet bird and I named him Freddy".  I told her that was great. When we came back with the kids she told them all about Freddy and Anna Elise told her to make sure Freddy didn't poop on us!  Days later Madeline and I  were looking out the back window and she got very excited - there were several birds hopping along eating seeds on the grass, "Look Mom, there is Freddy, he is the bird in the middle hopping on the grass!".  The next week we were just pulling out in the car when a bird flew by, "Look Mom there is Freddy, he wants to come too!".  This morning as we left for church the discussion turned to Freddy again.  He seemed to be following us as he was seen in every yard we passed!  Calvin and Anna Elise got in the discussion.  They finally convinced Madeline that it was actually two birds, so now we have Freddy and Steven.  There was lots of discussion on gender.  Madeline calls the birds 'he' and they have boy names but for some reason she thought they were girls.  She was a bit upset.  For a while one of the birds was Jessica.  We'll see what she says the next time we see a bird outside!   
(Does she remind you of one of my 'little' sisters?)

The beat of our own drums!

We've been doing some painting at home and at one of our rentals.  Mike cleaned out all the paint buckets from our shed and on Saturday they were all sitting on our front lawn.  Calvin discovered when he hit them with a stick they all made a different sound.  This is what evolved.  

Notice Calvin's hip move while he beats on Lilah's bucket =)

Sleeping Lilah

I know, lots of Lilah posts, but that is who takes most of my time and energy lately.  I hope to get her under control before the baby comes - but I have a feeling that will make her worse!  Her newest tactic is not taking a nap.  On days when I don't feel like dealing with getting her down (because I can, it's just a lot of work) or if we are busy and we don't bother to fit in this is what happens. 

(if you can't tell she is sound a sleep in all three pictures)

I think it's so funny that she always tells me she is not tired but she so obviously is!  She is almost two and half and probably is growing out of her nap - she sleeps better at night when she doesn't take one, but she obviously isn't completely done with them yet!

The rest of us are doing well.  Mike is very busy with his business which I tell myself over and over is a good thing.  The kids are doing well and enjoying warmer weather and playing outside.  As for me - I'm working on not complaining and just telling people I am 'fine' when they ask.  So I don't have much to say other then I'm 'fine' =).  Which really I am, there isn't anything that anybody can do to help - I just have to get through 2 more months and I can do that (right?)

Whimsical Maddie

 

 All of my girls love to dress up, but none are quite as determined or creative as Madeline.  She, like a typical girl her age, wears dress ups all day.  I've quit fighting her and simple tell her to put pants on with whatever she has on so we can go out.  Here she is with a new leotard from Grammy, her jeans I made her put on, a necklace, and her homemade headband.  We were on our way to a BBQ.  She was so proud of her headband that she made all by herself.  You can't see most of them, but she clipped our hairbows and flowers all the way around the headband (most of them are on the bottom).  She has worn it everywhere for days, but I wouldn't let her wear it to church.

 

 Here she is with another leotard, her black pants that she always pulls up to make into 'shorts', her hat and a purse she stole from Lilah.

The other day she was wearing her watch as an anklet, she wears skirts as hats, blankets as dresses, and will wear anyone's shoes!