Summer Rules

It's been a while, maybe I can get back on the blogging wagon this summer. But in the meantime here is a file I made to hopefully set us up for a peaceful, stress-free summer! Feel free to download and use.

A Bittersweet Farewell to Summer Vacation

I know this is out of order from the other posts, but the photos on my phone really capture what the month of August was for us: laid back (sounds better than lazy). We were laid back about chores, about  staying caught up with school stuff, about going places, about limiting TV watching and video game playing. We did have time to get rooms cleaned and organized including clothes and closets that we were actually prepped and ready for school about 2 weeks early which was a very nice feeling. I miss the girls now that they are back at school, but I welcome the house that stays clean, routine, going to bed early, eating dinner at a decent hour, the TV and video games being off, less dishes and a whole bunch of other things that actually don't matter that much in the grand scheme of things but definitely make me as a mom less stressed.

Hanging out at the library... I have turned over a new leaf. Twice in a row now I have returned the books in on time. Feeling pretty proud! 

I found about ten of these on my phone from Annalisa. She loves the princess pets app.

Late nights at the pool with friends.

A sweet letter Isabella wrote to Camilla.

Late nights playing video games with friends.

Last but not least the hugest stack of dishes we have ever had (at least they are rinsed) and Isabella in the background still playing video games.

First Day of School

Yesterday was the first day of school. I was kind of lonely all by myself all day. I really enjoyed having the girls home during the summer. Though towards the end, I was getting tired of the TV and video games on all day but was too lazy to do anything about it.

This year instead of cramming to do some first day of school pictures the morning of, I decided to do it a few days before, especially since we frequently run late and it takes me a long time to get my settings right. It turned out to be a good thing too, because the first day of school was especially rainy. Summer is over, school has begun!

Oh my! Isabella, in her last year of elementary school

I can't believe this is Isabella's last year of elementary school. I can't believe that next year she will be in middle school. I can't believe that she is only a few inches shorter than me. I can't believe that boys already are asking her to be their girlfriend (scary!). Everyday I am so impressed by her. She is so smart, so beautiful, and so kind. I am impressed by her understanding of the world we live in, and isn't intimidated by it. She is strong and sensitive. I am also impressed by her love for animals. I am impressed by her confidence and independence. It's weird how my perception of each of my girls is so influenced by their birth order. Isabella being the oldest, I am excited and eager for her to get older and for her to experience life and to see her reach her potential.

Daisy, the 4th Grader

Daisy has become so much more mature and helpful these last few months. She has such a good memory and wants to share every fun detail from her day with me. She has really enjoyed doing hip hop dance over the summer and is excited to get back into cheer this year. I can't believe she is already in 4th grade. How did that happen? The middle child, I think, seems to grow up sometimes without us noticing. She handles being the middle child very well. She is such a good big sister and a good little sister too.

Annalisa's First Day of 1st Grade

Annalisa is becoming more and more grown up. Even though she still hasn't lost any teeth yet, preserving her precious babyness. But I know it won't be long now. The girls joke that I jinxed her when a few years ago I told Anna she wasn't allowed to lose any teeth because then she wouldn't be a baby anymore. But the fact remains that she is still growing up despite my efforts and she is going into 1st grade. She has been excited all summer for school to start. In fact the first week of summer she said she was ready for 1st grade. Her older sisters excitedly explained to her exactly how long almost 3 months is. Anna was disappointed but quickly adjusted to sleeping in and watching TV. Her first day of school outfit, of course, is a dress. She loves dresses and skirts, being very much a girly girl.

San Diego 2013: Part 5

Sunday: We said goodbye to the Shavers and then went to church. One of the speakers, a soon to be missionary, fainted in the middle of his farewell talk. Poor guy! So that was eventful. We missed Jonah and Eli and the twins and Noelle a lot. There were even some tears. Grandma and Grandpa made hamburgers and hot dogs for dinner. We had a fun game of reverse charades after.

Monday: We went back to Torrey Pines North with Julianna, Allan, and Andrew. Mom and Aaron met us after work. It was the most beautiful day of the week, sunny and warm. After the beach we showered and went to Fillipi's for dinner. Then we watched Dark Skies and watched Aaron and Dad argue about aliens after.

Tuesday: We went to the airport and flew home :(

Highlights of the trip: animated political debates (we can't help it), watching Dad play charades, the family football game, watching a whole lot of Jim Gaffigan, the kids making up this super elaborate complicated animal game. All in all it was nothing but fun!!

WE MISSED YOU, CAMILLA!!!