All About Us: July

At the end of the school year I was so excited to have extra time to work on projects. But we're more than halfway through the summer and I'm wondering where all the free time went. July has been chock full of so many great things though.

For the last few years I've been wanting to get the kids into swim lessons. COVID threw all that off so we were all excited for the oldest three to start lessons this summer. We found a great instructor that the kids love. After a few weeks of lessons, on the 4th, Mariah asked if she could jump off the diving board. I had watched her swimming improve through her lessons so I told her she could. She did great and was very proud of herself. Chet can never stand by and let Mariah do something without him trying, so he asked if he could. Up to that point, I hadn't seen Chet swim more than a few yards without stopping to stand up so I was very hesitant to say yes. But after he begged and pleaded I finally caved and stood right by the edge just in case. I didn't want to be the parent who told their child that I didn't believe in them, but I also didn't want to be the parent of a child that a lifeguard has to rescue. He jumped off and swam like a pro to the edge. When he got out I told him, "Chet I didn't think you could do it because you never swim like that during lessons." He was quick to reply, "I don't have to swim like that, I can touch." So now we know how to get him to do things... That same day Mariah and Chet also jumped off the high dive. I am so impressed with their willingness to try new things. And Austin began swim lessons refusing to put his face in the water and is now swimming; not quite to the point where he can jump off the diving board by himself, but he has made huge progress.

I don't have pictures of the swimmers but here is a keeper of Eliza. Right after this picture she tried to take the goggles off but they were stuck in her hair. That didn't seem to phase her though as she ripped a huge chunk of hair out...the girl didn't even flinch. She has a blast at the pool.

Tanner watched Vivi while I took the kids to the pool and then that night the older three pretended to go to bed so Eliza wouldn't know she was missing out on anything. Once she fell asleep (it took her about five minutes), Tanner left with Mariah, Chet and Austin to watch the town fireworks. I'm all about subterfuge if it means the three year old gets some much needed sleep. They had a great time with friends watching the fireworks and I loved my alone time.

On Sunday I made sure to pick out some red white and blue outfits. I had all the girls ready to go for some pictures and Eliza refused. Three year olds...

All of my girls have worn Vivi's outfit for the Fourth of July. It was too small for Vivi but I had to squeeze her in it.

After Vivi went down for a nap Eliza decided she was ready for pictures. Once again...three year olds.

They all wanted pictures and I was happy to take them

The cousins came that night and we sang happy Birthday to America with candles in the cake. I once again ran out of whipped cream right at the very end and didn't feel like it was worth the time to make another batch...so thats what the cake ended up looking like. I read Patrick Henry's rousing speech to the kids and actually was able to keep their focus. I originally had planned to dress up as Patrick Henry but that didn't happen, maybe next year.

On Monday we set up the slip and slide and the kids played hard. We had a delicious all-American meal that night.

It was a great Fourth.

Our niece Miri was baptized in the middle of the month and we got to have Grandpa and Grandma Crossley and my niece Bethany for a while. On Wednesday we went to the new Kirksville aquatic center and the kids had so much fun playing with their cousins. We hosted a bunch of the Hilton family at our house on Thursday. We played lawn games, basketball, visited and had a great time. Chet kept recruiting people to play Badminton with him and had a blast.

We went down to Kirksville on Saturday for Miri's baptism. Mariah gave the opening prayer and Tanner gave a talk. Miri was just glowing; she had worked hard to be ready for her baptism and we were so proud of her. We spent the day in Kirksville and had a great time. Eliza ended the night with a bang throwing up all over herself on the drive home. An older couple pulled over and asked if we needed help. When we told them what we were doing, the husband said, "I can change a tire but that is out of my expertise." We didn't blame him...

Tuesday of the next week I left for a two night stay Girls Camp. I have always wanted to be a leader at Girls Camp, but I never dreamed of planning one. While the planning wasn't my favorite, I had so much fun with the girls. Bethany came along too and was such a great help. My young women kept telling me that she should move here. I agree.

For Pioneer Day we went to Nauvoo. Tanner and I were able to go to the temple for the first time in over a year. It was so wonderful. I love the peace and clarity of mind I have when I am in the temple. Brittany, Baydon and Bethany watched the 10 children so we could do that. They went on a wagon ride and were able to watch a brass band show. After we were done we got to watch a musical that the older kids loved. By the end Eliza kept asking to go to the bathroom as her attention waned. Vivi lasted about 15 minutes and then was done. Bethany took her out and kept her happy while we watched the show. Seriously, she just needs to live with me.

We finished up the month going to the county fair. The kids enjoyed some huge corndogs and Eliza even informed me that the rabbits liked her corn dog as well. Tanner met up with us a little later and we wandered around looking at all the animals and enjoying free ice cream. Tanner headed home after that and we waited for the carnival to start. There was a big sandbox that the kids kept themselves entertained in. Everyone loved the jump houses. Eliza went through the big obstacle course one over and over. After the bounce houses they got to get their faces painted and visit some pretty birds. It was a good way to end the month. And now Mariah is begging for goats...

These batman faces were a real pain to wash off. Chet and Austin looked like some emo punk rockers during the washing process. They thought it was funny, but Chet said I could only take a picture if I didn't show anyone...so no pictures.