Good Day

Yesterday I didn't have any daycare kids. No diapers to change, bums to wipe, extra mouths to feed, naps to work around, or extra messes to clean up. I was able to take the kids to swim team instead of relying on my sweet friend Kathryn. We spent the morning at swim team ( I even got a run in while they were swimming), came home to eat lunch, and then spent the afternoon at the YMCA with neighbors.  It was great to have 3 of my kids swimming and only have to keep an eye on Halle. It felt so nice to be free! I felt relaxed, stress free and rejuvenated by the end of the day. It was a much needed break for both me and the kids. I really wish I could do it more often. Halle was pretty funny. I had her in her life jacket thing so she could float and swim around. She got pretty brave and would "swim" where ever she wanted to go. Then she tried to float on her back and move her arms around saying "look I can do the back stroke." then she moved on to butterfly. The kids got a kick out of it.

I try not to complain to much about Aaron being gone all the time and my need to work. We are managing and making it work, but the truth is most days are HARD and stressful for me. Most nights I go to bed not wanting to see kids for a while, but know they are all going to come back in the morning. Some times that's a bit overwhelming. I have to keep telling myself "only a few more years!" It least I know there's an end date.

Once again, we are managing. I have wonderful friends like Kathryn who are willing to lighten my load and take my kids to swim team, because otherwise I couldn't get them there. I have the sweetest visiting teacher who shows up unexpected with popsicles for everyone. The Lord is good to me. He has always put people in my path to help when my family is so far away and my husband is missing in action.

I am grateful for days like yesterday where I had a time to relax and enjoy my own kids. Those are special moments for me. Weekends seem so busy trying to catch up on everything I couldn't get done during the week that I don't seem to take the time to relax and enjoy. So yesterday was much needed!

Swimming Again

With our big move last summer, the kids didn't get to join swim team. They made it very clear that they missed it and we HAD to do it this summer. We found one close by that was reasonable to join and we got a few neighbors/ward members to join with us.

Hamilton Elks Swim and Dive Team

Caite and Chloe getting excited to swim.

Caite 25 meter freestyle (she's also great at backstroke and butterfly)

and a BIG smile for her BIG WIN 1st place!

Hayden getting ready

taking a little break before his big finish.

his BIG finish. The DQ didn't seem to bother him (see above picture), in his mind he came in 3rd. and that's all that matters. He's come a long way the past few weeks!

Isaac, not wanting his picture taken. I was timing when he swam so I didn't get pictures this time around, but he did great! He is also practicing with the dive team, but not going to compete this year.

As always, we are proud of our swimmers. They are working hard and getting faster every day. I love the discipline swimming gives our kids. I love the balance between individual and team work. It's a good thing for our kids.

Grandma and Grandpa in Kirtland, Ohio

My mom and dad took a Church History tour starting in New York and ending in Kirtland. We had to take advantage of them being in the same state. Kirtland is only 4 hours from our house, so we got to spend the day with them!

So EXCITED to see Grandma and Grandpa

Kirtland Temple

Newell K. Whitney store. Where Joseph Smith lived for a short time. Also inside is the School of Prophets, the first Missionary Training Center.

Caite and Hayden reading over inventory. How much did a broom cost back then? I think about 25 cents.

The Whitney's House. I loved the bright yellow. Back then, yellow way the most expensive color of paint. This showed that the Whitney's had money. They were VERY generous and important in Early Church history.



Saw Mill. When Missionaries went to Kirtland, Thousands of people were baptized and many more moved from New York. Building houses was a necessity. They also cut wood to build the first LDS temple here.

Caite happy to be with Grandma

Hayden and Halle didn't let go of Grandpa's hand for a long time.

taking a break after a long tour of Kirtland

 It was fun to spend the day with Mom and Dad. A 4 hour drive sure beats a 24 hour drive. And even though it was only one day, it was worth every minute of it. We were thrilled to see them!



The Hair Cut

BEFORE

AFTER

After fighting with him for months about getting a hair cut, Isaac finally decided it was time.

Thank Heavens!

Memorial Day

I've had this huge desire to go a beach lately, which seems funny to me. After living on 4 different islands in my adult life, I've had my fill of  beaches. However, my kids have not. After talking to Ardene and the Allens we found a great beach alternative just 35 minutes away...Ceasar Creek State Park.  We had a wonderful time! The kids played and played and played and I tried my best to soak up the sun and engage in relaxing conversation with the Daems and Allens.

The sand wasn't white and the water wasn't blue, but it was a beach non the less and it was just what we needed.

our sun bathing beauty.

For those who know me, know how this picture makes me cringe! Yes, I did let my kids cover themselves with dirt/sand. I was cringing the whole time. Fortunately it didn't last long and they were back in the water.

What a fun day! We will most definitely be back.

Pre-school

 This year for Halle's first year of pre-school, I was invited to join a co-op with other mom's from Church. There were seven kids and seven moms. It was fabulous being able to rotate homes every week. It meant I only had to teach one week out of seven. The kids were all darling and couldn't have gotten along better. It was a wonderful experience for myself and Halle. I was surprised how much she learned. Each mom did a fantastic job with her lessons. I was very impressed with the creativity of these great ladies.

The last day we all went to the Wilson's and had a little party. My daycare kids thought it was great because they were able to join in on the fun that day.

This Cute Boy

Just turned 7!

All Hayden wanted to do was have a bunch of buddies over to play football and eat pizza.

 No action shots of football. I was busy trying to keep competitive boys from fighting over their own made up rules. Who would have thought 7 year olds were so competitive?!

We are super blessed to have Hayden as part of our family. He is very loving, kind, smiley, smart,  helpful, and tries very hard to make good choices. We are very proud of him.