School's Out for Summer

 Today was our first official day of summer vacation!

We started the day with haircuts for everyone.

Then we headed out to Krispy Kreme so the big kids could redeem their report card A's for free donuts.

Between the two of them, there were plenty of donuts for everyone!

 Next we had to hit the splash pad so it would really feel like summer vacation

 Since we no longer have a newborn or a napper, I decided we need to physically wear everyone out everyday.  To that end, I've created "Mom's Summer Camp". If you'd like to see what's in store for us this summer, just check out the page I've added on the sidebar.  I'll also hopefully be posting pics of all our adventures.

Here's to a fun summer!

Camping

 This weekend was the ward Father/Son campout so the boys took off Friday evening for a night of fun, fire, and s'mores.  

Leah and Eli were a little disappointed to be left behind, so they went outside to watch the birds and squirrels for awhile.  I think they were glad to be able to come in when the mosquitos showed up to the party.

When the boys came home on Saturday, all they could talk about was the tarantula that Dad found - definitely the highlight of the trip... that and the s'mores :)

The tradition continues

 I was about 8 years old when my mom taught me how to cross-stitch... and it didn't take long for me to be hooked.  I think it's a great way to introduce kids to fabric arts because it's a relatively easy way to learn to use a needle and can be as simple or as complex as  you want.

 I got Leah started during General Conference this year so she would have something to keep her busy while sitting in one place and listening to the speakers.  Her first project was this little ladybug - a great simple pattern to help teach the different stitches.

Then she moved on to a bookmark pattern that she could give to one of her favorite teachers - we found this cute bumblebee fabric to match and I helped a little on the sewing.  She was so excited to give it to her teacher!  And she's already started a new one for another teacher.

 Today was Family Fun and Fitness Day at the elementary school so Peter, Eli and I joined the big kids for a morning of fun exercise.

 Leah did a great job for her team in tug-of-war

and in the sack races - it helped that she was paired with one of her best friends, Anika.

 Lincoln was more interested in dancing to the music they had broadcasting across the fields.  I didn't mind - I love to watch this kid dance... he totally gets in the groove.

And I finally found a way to keep my little explorer from climbing fences and walking on the wrong side of the bridges - it's actually very impressive to see how long he can hang there.

Room Service

 We spent the weekend moving furniture around in our bedrooms as we prepare to move our baby out of his crib sometime in the next few months.

Ahhh... the end of an era, luckily we have a new nephew on the way who can put it to good use :)

 

 We started  by moving the bunk beds into the boys room and upgrading Peter from a toddler bed to a "real" bed.

 

 Then we moved the double bed that Andrew and I have been using into Leah's room.  For the time being, the crib is still there, but it will probably be gone by the end of the summer.   And as you can see, Leah's room is still sporting pale walls - she has been promised a room makeover for her 9th birthday so we are gathering ideas and paint swatches.

Finally, we took advantage of the bare room to paint our walls a lovely warm golden color before moving in our new queen size bed - I can't believe we waited so long to paint!  It makes such a huge difference in how the room looks... now we just need to rehang our pictures and pretty up the windows a little :)