June Lightening Storm?

First of all, it's unheard of to have 70 degree weather here in June, but then you toss in a monstrous lightening storm followed by sheets of pouring rain, and then your just talking crazy!

But that was exactly the type of weather we experienced on June 3rd, and it was something none of us will forget!

Owen's Pillow

He won't have it for much longer!

Thank goodness!

The Breakfast of Champions!

Digging in!

Thanks for showing me your feet Owen!

At our house, there is no other comfort food like the Elmer Classic:

Eggies & Toast with a side of Cold Chocolate Milk

It never fails to bring cheers and an eager rush to the table.

I love that we Elmers are pretty simple to please.

Stuff, Stuff, and more Stuff!

It's that special time of year when teachers clean out classrooms, student empty out their desks, and mom's dining room table overflows with an abundance of the school years projects!

Do I love their beautiful work?
Yes!

Do I want it to take over my house?
No!

Hence the photos we take for posterity, while the recycle bin grows mysteriously more full...

Whose up for the Fountains?

It's not surprising that in my 39th week the family as a whole is getting pretty restless. We've kept our schedules pretty clear, in hopes of minimizing the little bit of chaos that ensues when your family is separated for several days and you welcome a new human being into the world!

Consequently though, we needed to get out of the house and shake things up a bit!

What better way to do that than a trip to the Fountains!

I love it here! There are so many neat things to see. So many places to stop and take in...whatever!

Some of us had some self-control issues around the large fountain itself...

But for the most part...

...Everyone really enjoyed just relaxing.

The best part about the Fountains?

No doubt!
Big Spoon Yogurt!
YUM!

The Who?!?

On a Sunday visit to my in-laws, Iris' Aunt Rachel passed along this t-shirt that no longer fit her girls. It fit Iris to a "T", and that night, when she put on her new nightshirt, she frolicked into the room shrieking:
"Look! It's the Jonas Brothers!"

Samuel and I started cracking up! First of all, we don't listen, watch, or buy anything even related to the Jonas Brothers! But somehow she was exposed. What's worse is that she confused THEM, with The Beatles!

You're too funny Iris! Thanks for the laugh!

Rockin' Out at Grandma's House

This past week Sam was busy installing some ceiling fans in my grandma's house. The kids and I tagged along to "help" and had a great time visiting. As you can see from this picture, there are big smiles when the kids get a chance to explore grandma's garden and rock on her recliners!

Grandparents Lunch

Last week was also the School's Grandparents Luncheon! The girl's grandma (my mom) and great-grandma met them for lunch and enjoyed a dessert buffet. Later, they visited the Book Fair and made some selections for our home library.

It was a special time for all of them!

School Open House

This past week was a big one for the family. The girls were busy all week prepping for their school's Open House, and Samuel and I busy doing the same, preparing for the school's Art Show that would take place the same night.

Everyone gathering in the courtyard for a warm welcome before being dismissed to the various classrooms!

Isabella and her desk full of recent assignments.

Standing before her completed "White Cabbage Butterfly" Project.

Ava and the hottest display around: The recently hatched baby chicks!

Showing Dad her "Caterpillar" book.

Because Sam and I were manning the Art Show, we took turns visiting the classrooms. After Sam relieved me, the girls took me through too.

Here is a shot of Isabella's very tidy desk. She was extremely excited to show this to me!

Showing me some beautiful writing assignments and an even more beautiful smile!

Her flower pot!

Ava and the fluffy chicks...again!

I love her interpretation of a baby chick! So spidery!

Bella in the computer lab!

Sam and I were so happy to share this special time with the girls. They have accomplished so much, and we are grateful for their dedicated teachers. In addition, the Art Show was well-attended and we even managed to raise some money to put towards future art supplies!

Memorial Day B.B.Q.

For Memorial Day, the Wyllies invited us over for a family B.B.Q. It was held on their beautiful rural property, complete with chickens, a horse stable across the street, and plenty of places for the kids to play!

Isabella and her cousin Abby enjoying some delicious fare.

Playing on the tire swing...

...And later taking a dip in the pool!

Owen was fascinated by the chickens...and maybe a little terrified too.

Isabella's Uncle Houston has a younger brother named Sam. Samuel, her dad, caught this picture of them walking to the horse stables and he groaned. At 7-years old, Isabella is twitterpated!

Owen & Iris checking out the horses with dad.

Ava getting up close thanks to her Aunt Rachel.

Iris keeping a safe distance.

When they returned Sam was startled to find me sprawled out on the lawn. I don't care that I looked like a beached whale! I needed to lay down!

Abby & Isabella enjoying a carefree evening.

My beautiful Bella on the jungle gym with her cousin Mason.

Samuel in hog heaven riding the Wyllie's ATV.

Ava jumped at the chance to ride too. Mom wouldn't look.

All good things must come to an end. By nightfall, everyone was exhausted, full, and plenty happy. What a better way to conclude the night then to sit by the fire-pit and eat chips?

We hope you had a Happy Memorial Day too!