We have really been enjoying a more relaxed schedule. Eaden still does quite a bit of gymnastics (not competitive), but the gym is very close and I do not have to get on any sort of freeway. Yay!

Weeds in the backyard were getting a bit out of hand and the mosquitoes were swarming. Taven decided to do something about it.

 I took the kids to a free class on tomatoes at the farmer's market.

 Then we went by Grandma's where they wrapped her house in yarn.

 Taven was a ninja.

 Eaden caught flies in her spider web.

 Then they had to clean it up.

Figuring out knots always reminds me of one of my favorite books growing up, Maniac Magee. Speaking of books, we have been reading quite a bit. The kids all started a reading timeline  but it is not picture worthy yet because I have no color ink to print out the book covers. Eaden reads about 5 chapter books at a time in addition to me reading both The Penderwicks and an American Girl (Felicity) book aloud.

We are also still working on our mini books. The collection is growing.

 Here are some videos of the kids playing in the garage. My mom likes to point out how messy it is or how large the laundry pile is, but every time I drive by someone's house and they have their garage open it is full of junk and no car could ever fit inside. I think if a car can fit inside, we are good.

The kids jump on the couches almost all day everyday.

 The kids and I did some chemistry experiments. Mirek has decided he does not like naps anymore so we have to do short bursts of this sort of thing.

 Naia has been bugging me to do dishes for some time. Finally, I said yes.

 Lego ice excavations.

 Another "burst" of chemistry.

 I made it to noon! Drink time!

 Learning about pollination.

Getting hot!

It's been muggy and rainy and mosquito-ey.

So how do I get the kids outside?

Water balloons!

Taven almost never wants to do anything crafty but he did make this crown. He was proud of it but didn't want me to take a picture. So I had to catch him while he was running around.

 Playing dress up in Daddy's closet.

 I checked out a Martha Stewart kids craft book from the library and she had a collection of miniature books in baseball card holders (plastic sleeves). We love making books so we got right on it.

 Thank goodness I drink beer because the kids love bottle caps.

 More water balloons. We made a game.

 Naia tried to take all of the balloons and her shorts fell down. Serves her right!

Here is a video of Taven and I dropping bombs on Mirek.

Summer Family Goals

Although June 1st is not technically the start of summer, it often seems to be the start in our minds.

Eaden and I recently decided that it would be best if we quit competitive gymnastics. It was starting to take its toll on her and I. The money, the driving, the time. It was all starting to be too much. Also, the summer is when everything starts picking up. We would have had to drive her across town in morning traffic for 8:30 AM practices and somehow find the money for competition leos, warm ups, and meet fees. 

She is now taking gymnastics for fun at a gym much closer to our house. 

With that said, here are our goals!

Stay home as much as possible.

Relax and enjoy.
Eat healthy.

Eaden and Naia learn to swim.

Gymnastics for fun.

Minimize driving.

Do not spend money.

Read a lot.

Family time every Friday night (prepare dinner together, eat, activity, movie).

Try to get outside even though it's 100 degrees...

Here are some pics from our Family Night this past Friday.

We did this craft (seen on Pinterest) together late in the afternoon.

 Everyone helped make pizzas for dinner.

 Our activity was a puzzle (done primarily by Naia).

 Then we tried to watch The Hobbit for movie night. I say "tried" because Mirek and Taven started running around and jumping on everyone. We ended up watching the movie Saturday afternoon.

 Here is Mirek in his leo doing gymnastics with his brother (Taven had on a leo as well) and sisters Saturday morning.

Let's have the best summer ever!