Going Under!

Hey, mom!  Want to see something I learned in swim lessons this week?

Watch me jump up in the air and take a deep deep breath...

and then watch closely as I go under!!!!

So proud of my little bug.  I'm super excited that she found the nerve to do it after only 4 days of lessons.

 Soon she'll be swimming all over the place like her big sis! 

Shopaholics

Yesterday I decided to attempt to accomplish some back-to-school shopping with both kids in tow.  I'm happy to report that it went wonderfully.

Our trip began with a visit to Nordstrom to snag some snazzy Twinkle Toe shoes at a great sale price following a tip off from Caroline.  Seeing the Moore kids and their freshly turned thirty mama (ah, I love it...)  was an added bonus!

Then we headed of to Children's Place to score some goodies for Lauryl, but of course Ms. Kendyl spotten a few things she needed too;-)  Lauryl's most coveted purchase was a sparkly pink belt that she just had to have.

Then it was into the mall for an urgent potty break per Ms. Lauryl and a much needed shopping intermission at Auntie Anne's.

Following our break it was off to Justice where I got to watch my 6 year old turn into a little fashionista and proclaim "I thought I was gonna pick out my own clothes" after I turned down the hundredth Cyndi Lauper-esque outfit and steered her towards something I'd actually let her wear in public on a day other than Halloween! I did let her get one 80s throwback outfit to get out of the store without a fit. If anyone sees a really tan 6yo in a bright neon dress with a black beaded necklace and neon pink jelly shoes paired with a HUGE smile, chances are that she belongs to me. I'm guessing that dress will be worn out over the course of the next month!

The girls were delighted with their loot and very excited to lay it all out for daddy when he got home.  I was excited that I remembered coupons for both stores and scored some pretty good deals!

While Mommy is Away, the Kids Will Play!

Work has taken me away from the kiddos this week and while I've missed them like crazy, they have stayed plenty busy!

First, they got to spend the day on Rob's parents boat on Alum Creek. Check out their beverage of choice;-)

Next, our fabulous sitter made their day and took them out for ice cream after being trapped inside on a rainy day!

Lastly, my friend (Caroline) took Kendyl and her BFF (Madison) to their second cheer class.  Cheer is the activity of choice for the girls this year and it looks like it will be a high flying, fun time for them:-)  Madison is holding Kendyl's left foot, and Kendyl is the one up top!  Rob about had a heart attack when he saw this;-)

I'm looking forward to getting home tonight and seeing my girls and their tired daddy!  They had quite a week:-)

Pool Time!

I adore summer. There is nothing better than a day spent hanging out at the pool with my kiddos. Even better than a day at the pool with my kiddos alone, is a day with daddy:-) I have to face it, dads are WAY more fun at the pool then moms (especially moms that are afraid to hoist kids on her shoulders and throw them in the air for fear of negatively impacting the results of her previous back surgery). So, daddy-included pool days are an extra-special favorite of mine.

See the serious air this kid is getting courtesy of dad?

Ms. Kendyl requires a little less throwing because she likes her thrills from the waterslide!

Ignore the fact that her eyes are shut and focus on the slides in this one 

(notice more throwing of LB in the background):

I also love pics of my girlies with wet hair and sun-drenched smiling faces:

Lastly, I love having someone with us so I can actually be in a few pics with the kids instead of behind the lens.  I'd like to have proof that I actually was at the pool with them when we look at pictures when they're older and they forget how much we always did together!

I hope everyone is enjoying summer as much as we are!

Moore Fun!

Recently I watched my friend, Caroline's, kids so she could catch some Zzzzzzzz's after working the night shift.  I decided that it was way too nice to stay cooped up inside, so I packed up the cooler and the 4 kids and we headed to the pool at my mom's athletic club for some fun in the sun.  It was a fabulous afternoon and I think the kids had a TON of fun (I know my mom had a blast!).

The girls didn't waste any time getting in

Nathan and Lauryl enjoyed chilling in their floaties

The whole gang took a break to recuperate and eat some lunch

 But, it was short lived and they were back in the water in no time!!

Lauryl worked on her back float

Nathan stayed well hydrated and we made MANY trips to the potty;-)

Madison enjoyed hanging out with a noodle

which, of course, means Kendyl did too!

We haven't spent much time together this summer so far, so this was a great time for all and they really enjoyed being together and playing.  It was especially nice that the pool was basically deserted and they didn't have any other friends vying for their attention.

The whole sun-drenched gang

4th of July Festivities

 I was sooooo excited to wake up and see sunshine and blue skies!  The years when we have to tote umbrellas, take warm clothes, and watch the sky to decide if we think parades and fireworks will go off as planned aren't nearly as fun as a perfect sunshine-filled day!

As soon as the girls woke up, we got in the spirit by giving them festive pedicures to show their patriotism;-)

We then headed out the door, met up with friends, and found the perfect spot along the parade route.

 The kids played games and collected LOTS of candy.

The dads in attendance were their usual cool selves;-)

Following the parade, Rob and I took the kids to the pool for a few hours and then went home and grilled burgers and dogs, traditional 4th of July fare.  Then we met up with our friends and headed off to watch fireworks at our new favorite spot.

The girls did sparklers to pass the time.

Then everyone settled down and enjoyed a fantastic show.  Well, everyone but Lauryl.  The poor little thing buried her little face in my chest and covered her ears and made me put my hands over hers in an effort to block out the noise.  Maybe in another year she'll grow to appreciate fireworks!