Simple Summer Days

This summer started with me being in my final semester of nursing school. At the beginning of this school journey I had told my kids that we would just need to sacrifice two summers in order to have a lifetime of better summers. Turns out, even with me being crazy busy trying to wrap everything up with school my kids still had a pretty awesome summer thanks to many people who stepped up to take them for some serious fun while I was busy at school. So thank you to everyone who helped out and turned their potentially lame summer into a terrific one, I am forever thankful for you!

 Summertime means lots of time to read. We always like to stock up on new books at the beginning of summer and to join the club read program they have at the library. As usual, Maile tore through her books and had read 20 books by the end of June. That girl always has her nose in a book and I couldn't be happier. A girl after my own heart. The twins are very easily distracted but have some interest in reading if they find a book they really like or if that is all they are allowed to do ;)

 The first official day of summer my cousin Kelsey threw a pool party for all the cousins. It was fun, even if we couldn't stay the whole time. 

 This is Natalie pre-swimming lessons. A few weeks after this picture was taken, this girl was a fish thanks to her sweet swim instructor. 

 Dinner out with the Guzman family is always a good time. We sure love spending time with them! 

 We had some friends come by to hang out one evening, we just relaxed and watched movies. 

 New glasses for my girls. 

 More fun with friends!

 My sisters and some of my cousins all in the same place at the same, that is not easy to do! Aunt Susan had a fabulous 50th birthday party and we all had a blast celebrating her and her life. She really is an amazing lady, someone I look up to in so many ways. 

 One of many Wet n' Wild days. 

 Another birthday celebration, this time for my Mom. Someone my girls absolutely adore and whom I admire. 

Spent about 6 hours in the Emergency room with this girl after I came home from school one day and she was on fire. (Her temp was the highest I have ever seen in one of my children) They kept us there forever waiting for Natalie to give a urine sample which took extra long due to the fact that Natalie was having pee fright and no amount of juice or water could get her to pee until of course many attempts and hours later. We took a picture of the precious pee because I have never been so happy to see pee in my life. Good job Natalie. Anyhow, she ended up not having anything detectable wrong with her and her pediatrician decided she most likely was suffering from  Roseola when she broke out in spots a few days later. We call Natalie a little hot box, she is always warm, hates clothing and doesn't like to be covered up for sleep. It is no wonder that when she has a fever it is always super high, and in some cases we have seen temps with her higher than 105. Glad my girl is ok and even though the hospital stinks, we had fun hanging out together :)

 Shopping in the dead of summer is fun only if you have these four cuties with you!

Spent some quality time with my Uncle John while helping my Mom get moved out of her apartment. 

And my cute sister Anna too. 

 Looking good for a day filled with birthday parties and baby showers. 

The girls are getting older and have taken over some of the easy cooking. This is something that makes me very happy! Can't wait till an entire dinner can be made by my girls. 

Picnics in the park are always a fun summer activity, I especially enjoy getting to spend some quality time hanging with these ladies after a busy week at school. 

 We were able to beat the heat with our friends with a trip up to Mt. Charleston. We hiked, played card games and got to explore the new visitor center. It was a lovely day weather wise and a great break from the desert heat that we roast in all summer. 

 Maile and Natalie both love watermelon and were more than happy to partake in a watermelon eating contest. Natalie won, she was dedicated to chowing down! It was pretty funny. 

 We figured out a way to get Zachary to wear his glasses. Only let him drive if he wears them. Soon he will be a licensed driver, keep yourself safe on the road! Ha, he is actually not a horrible driver, very good actually. 

 We got to spend lots of time with this cutie this summer which has been super fun. My girls cannot get enough of this cute boy and we have got to see him grow up quite a bit the last three months. 

Finally, on the last Friday of the summer we went to the school open house and then went for our annual treat after with friends. Three months of growing and playing and they were all ready for the new school year! 

July Fourth 2015

In the days leading up to the Fourth of July this year we had some sick little girls at our house. Although there were fevers and spots for everyone except Maile,we were really hoping that everyone would be well enough to celebrate the 4th with our family and friends. When the big day arrived, Rebecca was still slightly under the weather, however we managed to have a great day and not get anyone else sick. 

We started the day off at the Boulder City parade with my Dad, Sister and her family. Again (two years in a row) Zach had to work and missed the morning festivities. It was pretty hot and muggy but at least there was a slight breeze out in Boulder City to ease the heat during the Parade. We used to go to the Summerlin parade but have switched over to the Boulder City Parade where the temps are usually slightly cooler and where the small town feel of BC really fits into the mood of Independence Day.

These cute cousins love when we get together, they sure are growing up fast.

 Grandpa with the Grandkids, minus one cute little Abel and one big Zachary.

 Father and Son twins for the day. Everyone sure loves Abel, such a fun addition to our family. 

 Zach made it to the BBQ and firework portion of the day which made us all happy. We hate when he has to miss out on all the phone but are so very thankful for how hard he works for our family!

 All the cousins made it into this picture. 

 Lots of cute kids from lots of different families. It is so fun to see how our group grows and grows each year. As usual a long day of fun, family and friends getting together to celebrate our freedoms. We sure have lots to be thankful for!

Stuff

Before the summer begins and the kids are home non-stop, I just wanted to catch up on we have been up to. It is going to be a busy and exciting summer and I don't want to forget about all the good stuff that happened this spring.

 

Alexis had the opportunity to perform at a local baseball game with her cheer squad. The girls all practiced so hard and they did an amazing job. It sure was fun to see my girl out on the field. It was also a fun opportunity to spend time with the family.

On my  break from school, I ran the half marathon I had been working up to. It was a fun course with lots of hills and sun. It was challenging for sure and I can't wait to sign up for another run.

 May 8th "Baby Zach" turned 16 years old. CRAZY stuff right there. Although we wish it weren't so, he is only two years from leaving the nest! With the thought of his adulthood on the horizon, it feels good to know that he has turned into such a wonderful young man. Smart, like #1 in his class smart, polite, athletic, responsible and so much more. We are lucky to call him ours!

 Rebecca had a dance recital with her school dance squad. It was a cute performance and she loved all the attention of course.

 Once again we had our Stake Track meet where we got to run and play all evening. I always leave this event tired but happy. One of my favorite things is to see my kids working hard for something and to watch them race is super fun. I also love nights that they are so tuckered out from playing they just pass out the minute their heads hit the pillow.

 Birthday parties are cool. Birthday parties at GRAVADY are awesome. We helped Ryker celebrate his fourth birthday and we had a blast.