{Craft Day}

Today our house was filled with the laughter of little ones!  I hosted a play date with a few of Mya's friends in the morning, Owen's friends after kindergarten, and Ian had a friend after school.  I wanted to keep them all busy, so with the help of pinterest, we created some fun art. 

 We made necklaces which also doubled as their snack.

Next, we did some spirograph painting with a salad spinner.

 Owen with his friends, who celebrated yellow day at school.  

 Energetic group!

I love having our house open to friends for play dates!  I'm hoping when my kids are teenagers that they will still be wanting to bring their friends home with them.  I would much rather have them at our house than anybody else's.  I want to be like my mom and have an open door & open pantry policy.  Best way to keep kids out of trouble is to keep them well fed & happy!

{Mixed Emotions}

Mya started preschool today! She was very excited to get ready to go to school with the boys and couldn't wait to leave the house. I however had mixed feelings as I dropped Mya off for her first day of preschool. She is my little girl that is growing up way to quickly!  I wish she could just stay 2 forever and continue to adore and need me the way that I do her. Then it hit me that I was going to be home, by myself, without any kids for 2hrs, without having to pay a sitter! I have been waiting for this day for a long time!

Her eagerness to go made it much easier to leave her there.  When I picked her up she was all smiles and so excited to show me her artwork.  She said she wants to go again the next day.  I'm so glad she had a great time and is eager to learn!  I still can't believe all four of my kids are in school...I'm such an old mom! :)

So for my 2hrs of alone time, I cranked up my music and cleaned my bathrooms and washed bedding! I think next time I'm going to treat myself with a pedicure or a massage!

{Summer Recap}

We had a busy, but fun filled summer vacation!  I tried to keep the kids entertained so they wouldn't be sitting at home in front of the t.v..  It was really hot, so we spent a lot of the summer at the pool.  Lucky for us, Julia's uncle Corky, was kind enough to let us tag along with Julia to his pool.  The kids loved going to his house and especially enjoyed swimming with his dog Madison!

 Owen is ready to take his snorkeling skills to the ocean!

 Mese joined in on the fun too!

 Drew is quite a dog lover and thought it was awesome to swim with Madison!

 Mya and Elliot floated and spun all over the pool!

 Cannonball Owen!

Corky's backyard was amazing!  Big basketball court and a pool, just what Drew and Ian needed!

Mya had no fear of the water and by the end of the summer swam without any floaties to me.

Drew and Ian perfected their dives by diving through pool rings!

I loved relaxing on the raft, even with two sweet little girls!

Besides spending the summer days swimming, we also did some traveling and took some classes.  Our summer fun activities included:  Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, Writing Club, Drama Club, Pottery Club, Swim Lessons,  Basketball Camp, Mrs. Wilson time, Story Time, multiple Frugo's Trips, Hiking, Skate Boarding, Street Hockey, Beach Trips, Colorado, Baseball Games, Knott's Soak City,  Park Dates, Fort Building, and lots and lots of time spent with Friends!

 We spent one day making homemade pretzels and fresh squeezed lemonade at the Pattersons.  Then they came to our house to make slimy goop!

We had an amazing summer, but I guess all good things must come to an end.

I was definitely ready for the kids to start school back up, so that I could have some "quiet" time, but then Drew brought home a couple hours worth of homework the first day of school and I thought how much I would rather be sitting at the pool!  Hopefully our school year will go by as fast as the summer! 

{Back to School}

Woo hoo! My boys went back to school and I couldn't be more excited! I love summer vacation and all the fun we had, but I am ready for them to go to school. They were just as excited to go, as I was to drop them off!

Drew- 4th, Ian- 2nd, & Owen- Kindergarten

Owen was excited to us his Super Hero backpack and loves his Adidas school shoes aunt Connie gave him!

The night before school started, Ian was busy getting an outfit ready, which was a first for any of my kids!  He looks stylish!

Drew was bugged this morning because he was all dressed and ready to go in his new school outfit and went out to feed the dogs and they jumped up on him and got his clothes all muddy!  We had to change his clothes and I was not happy!

Ian and his "buddy" Grace!

There were no tears from Owen, but no smiles either when I left!

Mya and I are going to miss these crazy boys, but sure are excited for some GIRL Time!!!

We celebrated by going out for donuts!

{Ballerina}

This was a first for me, stepping into foreign territory, but I must say it was FABULOUS!!!!  Mya started ballet and had her first class.  I was hooked on this "New Sport" the minute she slipped into her leotard.  After having 3 boys, and Mya wanting to dress up as a Super Hero just like them, it was really nice to see her in a girly, pink,  tu-tu!

I enrolled Mya in ballet after I found out her little friend Elliot was going to take dance.  I knew Mya would love to be with Elliot.  The girls had so much fun together!  They were adorable to watch and even got separated at one point because they were talking.  However, sneaky Elliot ran back to stand by Mya while the instructor wasn't looking!

 Mya and Elliot were so excited to hold onto the dance bar.  

 Mya learning 1st position.

 Ballerina's in the making!

 Mya doing her first plea.

 Up, Up, Up on those toes!

  "ballet arms"

 The girls were all given sparkly wands to hold, however all of them started using them as drumsticks on the floor.

 We refer to Mya as "Miss Mom" because she love to boss others around.  Here is a prime example as she tries to tell Elliot not to tap her wand on the floor!  I had the same nickname :)

 Sashaying across the floor!  

She was all smiles at the end of class and loving ballet!  I can't wait to see how she progresses in dance.

{Summers Family Photos}

When we were in Colorado in the Spring, we had family pictures taken of the whole Summers' group. I warned our friend, Darcy Case, who was the photographer, that we would be her most difficult family every to photograph. She was up for the challenge though and did a great job!

She tried to convince Drew to look at the camera, but he had an ulcer in his eye, which made him very sensitive to light, and he wanted nothing to do with getting his picture taken. We finally just had him wear his sunglasses, so that he would kind of cooperate.

I am trying to get Drew to at least crack a little smile...didn't work!

Kenny trying to keep Owen from escaping and as my father stated when observing our wedding pictures being taken, "My son-in-law has no eyes!"

The Waters, Summers, & Olivares Families

Yes....Owen looks like a crazy kid in each picture!  If its not one kid cooperating, its another!

Drew looking out towards the field wishing he were there instead of here!

Grandma & Grandpa Summers with their Grands!

I adore this shot of Mya!

Father and Son!  

I married into the most amazing family!  Kenny's mom and sisters are fantastic!

My favorite pictures were the ones of Kenny and I.  

I Love Kenny so much and I feel so blessed to have him as my husband.  I love the happiness and love captured in these photographs.  Thanks Darcy for the great pictures!!!!