More summer adventures

Our neighbors moved this week and we'll miss them lots, especially Eli and Austin. They've played together for a million hours with these two. 

Last Monday evening we had a piano recital with some friends from church. I've been teaching the boys myself and at times I think it's best for them to have another teacher, but then they really stepped it up for the recital and we're all motivated to keep practicing together. 

After swim practice, the kids asked if we could go to the pet shop. They're all dreaming of getting pets. Maybe we'll get some fish after our Colorado trip. 

Austin had a checkup with his eye doctor and again, masks are required. My 18 month baby knows the word "mask."

Dinner with our friends again before they moved. 

Second swim meet! My friend is fancy and smoked a brisket. The boys continue to learn lots and we continue to enjoy cheering them on. 

We said our final goodbyes to our friends. Even though they didn't move far, we'll miss having them live close by.  

Aaron's work provided lunch for families so Aaron worked all morning and then we met him at his office for lunch before heading to North Dakota. 

It was the quickest trip ever and took so long to drive there, but it was worth it. We grabbed donuts for breakfast and no one complained. 

Sam was baptized! It was extremely windy and hot, but we could still feel the spirit. 

We loved being with so many family and friends to watch Sam get baptized. 

The boys accidentally locked my keys in the car and thankfully, Spencer had a kit in his police car to help us unlock the car!

We drove an hour to church on Sunday with everyone and enjoyed attending church in the smallest little branch. The visiting Volk cousins joined the primary special musical number for Father's Day and they doubled the primary. I was uplifted by the good saints that are striving to live the gospel no matter where they live in the world. 

Sunday afternoon we packed the car back up and headed home. Adelaide cried and refused to sit in her car seat each time we got back into the car. We're thankful we were safe and enjoyed a quick trip to give our family hugs! 

 

June Days

Adelaide had her 18 month check up. Masks are still required at the doctor's office and she insisted on wearing one because all the kids had one on too. She loves following her siblings example, the good and the bad. We lost count of all the words she knows, but it's over 35. She has even sat on the toilet to use the bathroom a few times. She's big!

Our friend Judy moved to Kansas a year ago and we were finally able to go and visit her in her new home. We took Linda with us and we enjoyed the company and lunch together. I love these ladies as my friends and I'm grateful my mother taught me to be friends with people of all ages. 

Our friends are on the same swim team as us and we've had a lot of fun play dates post swim practice. 

The tornado sirens went off around 1:30 am and woke us up. As we woke up our kids and ran downstairs, they started crying and wished the sirens would stop. After we found shelter in the basement, we said a quick prayer together and chatted about how the siren is a warning to inform us to find shelter immediately - similar to how the Holy Ghost can help us by warning us in advance of physical and spiritual dangers. I pray we’re not too busy or distracted to ignore the warning signs God sends us!

First swim meet and the boys did awesome! They didn't come in last or get disqualified and the stingrays won overall! It was exhausting and eventful and so fun. Eli said he thinks he has found his sport.

The girls were the best cheerleaders!

A friend introduced us to the neatest place where we hiked, played in the water and then enjoyed a sack lunch together. Missouri is beautiful! 

After our hike, we stopped and tried out a new ice cream place. The kids love toppings no matter where we go so they were happy. 

Our primary presidency put on the best primary activity - candy land! The game took place in the church parking lot and the temple was in perfect view for all to see. 

Eleanor was thrilled to be invited to our neighbor's birthday party at a gymnastic gym. 

The summer days seem to be flying by. I love swim team because we're up early and spending the first few hours of our day outside. The sunshine and fresh air are so great for all of us!

Ballet Recital

Eleanor had her little ballet recital and we loved watching her perform ballet and tap. She looked so cute on stage and loved wearing red lipstick. I volunteered to be the room mom so I enjoyed spending time with Eleanor and her little friends backstage. 

Ms. Melissa is the best. Eleanor adores her and she taught Eleanor so much this past year. 

Our friends from our old ward also have a little girl that danced at the same studio so it was fun to see each other at the rehearsal and recital. 

In other news, our house was painted last week! The wood rot was taken care of and we love the new look. 

On Friday morning the boys had a quick team picture with their swim team. 

Now we just need to get new shutters and work on the landscaping. Aaron did put up new lights and add our house number above the garage. There's always work to be done!

On Saturday Aaron and the boys went finishing and then I ran to the temple before the girls had a music recital. I love living minutes away from the temple. 

Ms. Meghan is the best and we enjoyed another year of music class! 

I love that even Adelaide got into the recital and played the musical instruments. 

Sisters are the best!

On Sunday, Adelaide wore this little skirt I sewed her. Aaron took her to nursery again this week and Aaron said she ran right in. She loves nursery and we're grateful for amazing nursery leaders that make nursery a fun place to be.