Summer Fun

Last weekend the WHOLE crew went and watched Toy Story 3! Brayden has been talking about this movie for MONTHS. Can you believe how much merchandise is out there for this flick? I was actually very excited to see this one. We caught up and watched Toy Story 1 and 2 before we went. I have to say, they've grown on me over the years. B just thinks they're
hil-ar-i-ous! We were all impressed with the 3rd one too. Sandy, Kent, Kelly, Sarah, Owen, Uncle Pete, Ally, Ellie, Dani, Keegan and Brayden.

After the movie we got to party with Ally to celebrate her 4th B-day! SUPER ALLY!

Ellie and Dani waiting and waiting for their piece of cake!

Water slide and chocolate cake, can it get any better than this?

It's all over.....

My MIL retired! Tomorrow is her last day at her school and she's free! Yay, I am so excited for her! Uncle Pete, Sandy's big-bro all the way from FL!

Van Hees family: Noah, Hunter, Scott and Shelby

Auntie Jan and my mom

YAY Sandy!

Bubble mania

And a Happy Father's Day to Kent!

Swimming lessons

We started Summer vacation with a bang! It has been a fun, whirlwind of a week! I have a new work schedule and the kids are ALL doing swimming lessons! The girls go at 9am and Brayden goes at 4pm. Not the best schedule, but it's what would work. Brayden is going to VBS (vacation bible school) next week in the mornings, so we had to do afternoon swimming. I think it's a little ridiculous how busy a five year old can be. :) This is his only thing for the summer (that I know of). Anyway, it has worked out well, between me, Auntie Sarah and Auntie Helen everyone has made it to swimming class! Ready and waiting! The first day Danielle sat and watched for the first half, then she just jumped right in and joined her sister. (It's only the two of them, you can't beat a private lesson!) They both LOVE the water, which is a huge relief. They both love it so much in fact, they have no fear, which is really scary for me, considering they don't know the dangers of the water......

Ellie floating on her back.

Dani kicking away.
At the end of the lesson they get to jump into the pool and the teacher catches them! On the third day, Dani was feeling quite confident apparently. Ellie jumped in first and the teacher caught her, and then Dani just went for it. She jumped in without any hesitation. The problem was the teacher wasn't ready, and didn't quite know what to do.....she put Ellie back up on the side and then grabbed Dani, who was sinking fast! In that split second where she hesitated, I was up off the bench heading over. It was weird (and scary) that she decided to put Ellie back before she reached down for Dani (who was right next to her). I don't know, maybe it's my motherly instincts, but I would have gone right for her......I know they know what they're doing and I do trust the teachers, but on the other hand, they are all high schoolers....kind of scary when you really think about it.

Brayden and cousin Ally listening intently to their teacher. Don't they look great? Hopefully this behavior will last through next week! I couldn't get a good pic. of them, they were in a weird spot in the pool. :(

Funny story about Brayden though.....while they were in their afternoon class, I decided I would swim too. The big pool is right next to the pool they have lessons in. I was swimming my laps IN the water, and I could still hear my son answering the teacher's questions. ;) For those of you who have been around us, you know how loud Brayden talks! Well, in the pool area EVERYTHING echos! I could also hear the teacher saying, "SSHHH!" I thought, 'good luck, I've been trying that for years!" :)

Random Picture

Dan Dan being the little mommy. She got inside the baby cradle and rocked her baby.

***Err, I forgot the best part about Dani's story.....after the teacher saved her from drowning, she came up to the surface as proud as can be, with a HUGE grin and yelled, "I did it MOMMY!"

Work & Play

We have been quite busy lately, here is a quick update, with more to come! A few weeks ago Kent underwent the task of sanding and staining the whole front porch. Not so fun, I didn't even pretend to help. ;) However, Brayden was right next to Kent the whole time sanding away. He lasted a LOT longer than I expected. He loves to help and be a busy bee.


I didn't get a pic. of the finished product, but it looks great!

Keegan, Owen,Dani, Ally, Ellie and Brayden

All the chillin's checking out Auntie and Uncle's hot tub. They were all lined up so nicely, I thought I would get a quick pic. of all their cute bums, but I wasn't fast enough!

Last week we had quite the adventure! Brayden went to a play with Grandma Phillips and Ally. Kent and the girls and I went on a bike ride with some friends. These friends are wonderful.....they make our lives seem so easy. They have a six year old daughter and girl triplets who are 4! They pulled up to our house and unloaded all of their gear for our ride. I just laughed out loud! I chatted with Shannon (the mom) while Chris (the dad) was getting everything set up. Suddenly I realized, 'you have 4 kids, how are you all going to ride? Lindsey is too big for the trailer. Have no fear, they had it all situated.......

My load that I haul around. ;) 70+ pounds.

This pic. does NOT do them justice. Chris had Lindsey on a tandem bike behind him, then a trailer behind her! Shannon had ONE girl (the smallest one) behind her! :) We were a full on circus cruising down the road! PLUS I bit it hard in a major intersection. SURPRISE!

I finally got a new bike for my sprint race, and I got the fancy clip in shoes (which I love), and it was the second time I had ridden with them....long story short, I couldn't get my feet out in time before I slowly fell to the side, while screaming, "OOHHHH SHHIIITTT!" (Did I mention one of these girls in the trailer is a client of mine)? Impressive, I know. I had a few black marks up and down my legs, but I was good to go after I regained any composure that I had left. Needless to say, this little bike ride turned into an all night event! ;)

Let me introduce you to....... The SUPER PHILLIPS KIDS~ Ever since my friend, Meghan, made a cape for her son, I have been on the look out for some "super capes." It just so happens that my neighbor that lives three houses down, makes these! You can choose your own color and letter (of course). They are too adorable, Brayden and Dani LOVE them, Ellie not so much yet. B wears his EVERYWHERE!

Flying around the yard!

Quote of the day....

Tonight after dinner from the mouth of one of my darling three year olds,

"Ellie is SSOOO irritating!"

I'm pretty sure Dani didn't pick this one up from me, I usually say "annoying." :)
Dani tried to explain that she learned this from a movie, when someone was waking up.....I'm not sure what she's talking about. I feel like a bad mom not knowing what she was watching. I guess I'm going to have to lay down the law with these baby-sitters. ;)

Double Trouble

Unfortunately I don't have a picture to go with this post. If pulling out my camera wouldn't totally deter from my angry/time-out Mom face I would have snapped a few.....As I was finishing up the dinner dishes it became very quiet. Kent had just left with Brayden to get hair cuts, and the girls were no where to be seen. I walked down the hallway and I could hear car doors slamming in the garage. I thought that was weird since I was sure Kent was long gone already. I walked downstairs (just yesterday I took the child lock off the door leading into the garage), I opened the door to find two little girls having the time of their lives in Dad's car. I wanted to laugh out loud, but I bit my tongue and just watched. At least three minutes passed before they even looked up to notice me. Even though it is dangerous and oh so naughty, it was hilarious watching them and listening to them figure out the inner workings of the car.

Dani, "Look I just pull this thing and it will open. You try over there."

Ellie, "I can't get my open, can I try yours? Let me get on your side."

When they finally looked up and saw me, they slowly got out of the car.

Dani, "Ok, mom we will get out of Dad's car."

I didn't say a word, they got out and headed straight up to their room. That's where they are right now, I think I will sneak up and see what mischief they are getting into now. Perhaps standing on their kitchen to get a view of the backyard, or taking every single thing out of their closet so they can play 'house' in it? You just never know.....

Out and About

Like everyone else we have been suffering through a wet, rainy June. On the few nice days, we did get out of the house and head to the parks. While my Mom was here last week, we visited the fire station. Kind of random, but B's school went while we were out of town on vacation. He was so disappointed that he missed it. Ms. Jenny told me to just stop by and they would show us around. The fire station down the road has two small trucks and one big one, with two men on duty. It's a small station, and the guys there were so willing to show my kids around! It was very nice of them. They took the time to show them all of the trucks, tools, lights, uniforms..... the kids just listened in awe. They even showed us around the living quarters. It was a very informative stop and the girls got to see what a fireman looks like/sounds like in full gear. They were terrified and didn't want to be near them. It was great to expose them to the air tank/mask so they know what it sounds like. This is the only pic. I got. B got to sit up in the truck by himself!

One of the days that my Mom was here was sunny! We headed downtown and visited Riverfront Park and REI. The famous Big Red Wagon:

Kent, Brayden, Mom and Dani. Ellie proudly scaling the blocks. (yes she dressed herself).

Dani and Brayden

"E" for Ellie
We also got the bikes with training wheels (from last years garage sales) out for the girls!
They did amazingly well! Ellie now has road rash on her shoulder, knees and elbows. She is a little too daring and likes to go fast. Dani keeps saying, "Slow down Ellie, like this. Go slow, so you don't get owies!" Dani takes her sweet time and is very safe! :)

Ellie trying to gain the best angle on the corner.

Dani loving the Dora bike, taking it smooth and easy!