The Dirty Dozen

Oh, this crew.

I am so thankful for The Cousins. 

With clusters of boys and girls, there's always someone fun to play with and they all get along so well.

Here's to family!

The Rhythm of our Days: Summer Edition

I'm calling it the Summer of Fun.

Sure, most people probably call it that.  But I feel like I've not been at my best for the last dozen summers or so, what with either being pregnant and/or nursing, generally sleep-deprived and drained.

This year is different.

It sure didn't hurt to start the summer with a trip to Florida.  And then there was a LEGOLAND and Lake Winnie.

We've settled into a comfortable routine at home that looks more or less the same from day to day.

Naturally early risers, the kids don't sleep in during summer (or weekends or any other time).  By 6:30 almost everyone is up and stirring (usually begging for Woody Woodpecker or Tom and Jerry).  Doug and I sneak off to the backporch with a cup of coffee to talk and listen to the birds.

Breakfast is served and chores are done (there is great rejoicing if this happens without grumbles or searching).  The kids head out while I start a load of laundry, make a half-gallon of tea (unsweet, decaf with mint or blueberry), and cook something (sandwich bread, load bread or yogurt - summertime makes for hungry kids).

I head out to tend to the garden (we are in desperate need of rain!), chat with the neighbor (sometimes chats take quite a while!), and come back in to switch some laundry.

Joining a pool has been the greatest investment for the summer.  The kids love it and are worn out; we received some relief from the heat; I can completely concentrate on and enjoy the kids; and a healthy tan is the added bonus!  Mid-morning we pack our lunches and head out.

Nap time is still necessary, but flexible.  Everyone needs some downtime before regrouping for a snack and game or stories.

The kids will often head back outside to play, explore and just mess around.  I take care of housework and start dinner.
 

There is reading practice at some point, and read-alouds for everyone.  And then bedtime so we can start again tomorrow.

Marriage on Her Mind

Josie came into the kitchen and announced that she was getting married.  When I asked to whom, she replied, "A boy who lives across the street...and down an alley.  His name is Dirt King because he likes to play in the dirt."  

The alley Kat with the bride

A few years ago a friend explained her marriage talk: "You will meet someone who loves Jesus and fall in love.  And he will ask Dad if he can marry you.  And if Dad says 'Yes,' then he will ask you and you will get married."  The little routine has come in handy on more than one occasion, but it doesn't always satisfy all the questions.  "But what do I say?"  I explained that if you want to get married, you say "Yes" but if you don't, just say "No."  Josie thought about it for a minute and then replied, "Well, I hope he doesn't have a big belly.  Some mens have big bellies and I don't want to marry someone who has a big belly."

Overnight Transformation

This little guy apparently thought he was big enough to graduate from the pickle jar to kitchen counter.  I'm not really thrilled with frogs by my muffins.

In Which We Celebrate Josie's 5th Birthday

She chose a rainbow theme months ago, and I was happy to oblige.

True to form, I took on one (or two) too many projects and party plans were pushed to the last minute.  But with the help of my parents, we pulled off a party to please the birthday girl.

Activities were planned (Pin-the-Cloud-on-the-Rainbow, ball toss, etc.) but mostly the girls used their imagination to make up their own games.

And the highlight, of course, was the food: a smorgasbord of rainbow delights!

Doug tried to dissuade me from making rainbow jello, but there was no stopping - it was a must - and also rainbow-colored Goldfish and fruit skewers.

After staying up until almost 1 am the morning of the party, I was dissatisfied with the birthday cake and launched into Plans B & C with the sunrise.  I'm so glad I did!

Sadly I had no pretty cupcake liners (why didn't I pick up the cute ones I saw on clearance the day before?), but the tops were what mattered.  Hands down, using candy is the easiest way to decorate cakes - from bland or beautiful in the wink of an eye!

It was so fun to celebrate this girl's special day!

Josie is Five

photo courtesy of my neighbor

Five years ago we were surprised by this sweet girl!  She is an absolute joy and we can't wait to see what this next year holds!

Lake Winnie

We've lived here for almost 13 years and have never experienced Lake Winnie.

Billed as "The South's Favorite Family Amusement Park," it hosts a fair selection of fun rides and activities for the family.

The two oldest children surprisingly are not brave at all, but I made them at least try the Ferris Wheel.  After getting on and making it around once, they decided it wasn't so bad.

On the other hand, the little boys and girls were up for anything!

 Pictured here are the kiddie rides and carousel, but I wish I had a video of Katherine on the Scrambler.  She alternately laughed and yelled "No Hands!"  It was a riot to watch her having fun.

At Hour 7 we had to take a break with ice cream and a slushie to hold us over 'til closing. 

Ten.Straight.Hours.Of.Fun!

Cape Canaveral, FL

I don't mind when Doug has to travel out of town and takes us with him.  Especially if it involves the beach.

It was first trip to this area of Florida, but aside from the long drive, we had no complaints.  Because the local schools were still in session, we basically had the beach to ourselves.  And from what the neighbors told us, it tends to be local residents since there is no public parking in this stretch.

The wildlife finds were minimal (crabs) but for avid bird watchers there were a number of different species in flight and scuttling along the ground.

It was our first experience using airbnb.com and we were pleasantly surprised.  We found a newly renovated townhouse (we were the first guests) just a block from the beach in a residential area, fully stocked with beach gear and supplies.  The owners were wonderful to work with and addressed all our questions.