Swimming Every Second

It's no surprise that we spend three hours every afternoon in our glorious pool.  Molly and I find the shade.

 We made pop-tarts.

 They did a really nice job.

 More water and shade on Tuesday.

 Maddie and Nick balance so well on their surf boards.

 We were fortunate to help a neighbor, and that same neighbor gave us $60 to DQ.  Our FHE treat included a small blizzard for every member of our family, and we had $3.09 to spare.  We were all tickled.

 Maddie ombred her nails.  I think they are so darling.

 Maisie is the best at imagination games.  She pulled the lego bin into the family room, and they went to town.  Literally, in their lego city.

 Austin came up with the brilliant idea to paint garden marking rocks for Grandpa's 75the birthday.

 Then Grandma made us a lovely keto feast, and feast we did.  Those delicious cupcakes were devoured.

 Grandpa sang to himself, it was so great.

Here are the rocks in action.

 Outside we lit sparklers and popped poppers.  Grandma always throws the best parties.

 We worked on this giant poster for hours.  I can't wait to see it finished.

 Saturday morning we hiked Thunder Mountain.  We started at 5:30 am and reached the summit at 7:00 am. The hike was four miles round trip, and it felt so good.

 Our view was glorious.

 These little ones always snuggle together during a movie.  <3 p="">

 Maddie wanted to take her apple seed and plant it.  She found that she needed to shock it in the fridge for two months.  Look!  It sprouted.

 Night swimming is always a family favorite.  Meg and Andy trap all the kids in one tube and keep them there.  Then they swing them off the steps as sacrifices.  Good times.

Everyday I have a progress report that each child must fill out.  Mostly we progress, but it's at a slow and steady pace.  Although summer speeds by, it seems like our progression is slow.  It's easy to think that the little bit of self discipline required to complete those progress reports is worth the hard battle I wage with the children to make it all happen.  Everyday I have two to three scholars that make me know that my pleas are worth it.

Memorable Memorial

We had visitors! YAY!  My family (17 people ages 11+) came to spend a quick weekend with us.  Can you guess what we did?  Yep.  We swam, hiked, ate, stayed up way too late, played outside games and inside games, worshiped and loved every minute.

There is nothing like a pool-side lunch. 

 Okay, maybe some back massages via the locals.

 The big boys threw a ball from person to person for at least an hour.  Finally, all five caught it and were able to jump in the pool.

 We hiked Cathedral Rock.

 Then we headed down to Budha Beach.

 Home for more food and more sun.

Our weekend flew by, and I hope to get back together again.

Meg's #19

This tiny girl is 19 today!  They ran cardiac hill this morning while I made breakfast.

 Chia seed pudding, fresh granola, fruit and morning glory muffins, anyone?

 She told me that chia seed pudding isn't her favorite.  Whelp, I thought it was.  Still, breakfast was fun.  Austin and Meg then headed to the office for the day.

 We spent our time painting blocks.

When our birthday girl came home, it was time for another meals and lots more singing and laughter.  We are so blessed that Grandma and Grandpa are apart of our best events.

 #19 bling makes this birthday legit.

Meg really wants new decorations for her apartment next fall.  We will shop once we know what she needs.  Until then, her birthday gifts were a bit wah, wah, wah.  Sorry about that.

Meg born into my home is first gift of life God gave to me. Meg is my best friend and reader of all my emotions and thoughts.  She knows when to sing, dance and be still.  She gives the gift of love to all the world. 

COVID-19 was selfishly the best thing that ever happened to my family.  Meg came home and made home sigh.  Andy stayed home and made home hip.  Maisie loved home and made home function.  Nick healed at home and made home warm.  Maddie made music ring from home.  Eddie made home laugh.  Ryan made home love.  Molly made home sing.  Austin made home a place of protection and comfort.  Home makes birthdays the grandest, even when the presents are delayed, because His presence is here.