My Littlest Helper

I can't wait for the day when the kids can help with the chores around the house -- emptying the trash cans, folding laundry, vacuuming... and making me my coffee in the morning. Ahhh, one day...

I can see glimpses of little helpers developing, but the littlest one won't be helping me cook any time soon.

"Mom, is this how you use these?"

Perhaps he can start by sweeping the floor. He's definitely watching me and taking notes.

Happiness On Wheels

The girls have been wanting new set of wheels for awhile -- a scooter for Karis and a 2-wheel bike for Makena. I found some secondhand ones, and they got them a couple days ago. They have been SO happy and excited about their new toys. I love that they didn't care what kind they were, where they came from or how much they cost. The only thing they really care about is the color -- pink!

I know this won't last forever, that some day it will be about the brand of their toys and from where they came from. So I'm savoring this, that for less than a $20 bill, they are both beyond thrilled and having so much fun. I love seeing them so happy! 

Miss Cranky-No-Nap

I think it's funny when people on Facebook tell me that my kids are always happy. I think the better, more truthful comment would be, "You always take pictures when your kids are happy." But doesn't everybody? Maybe I should start posting photos like this on Facebook: 

It wouldn't be hard to take photos of unhappy kids these days. Since Karis has dropped her nap, she has been a wee bit cranky. She needs more sleep each day, but because she shares a room with Makena, she doesn't get the sleep she needs. Makena takes a 2+ hour nap each day, so she doesn't need as much sleep at night. Each night Makena often get out of bed for one reason or another (e.g., bathroom, can't find a stuffed animal, has a question). She's also usually the first one up in the morning and will wake Karis up from her slumber. 

We're working on trying to get Karis more sleep at night. But for now, we're in this tough period as Karis' body adjusts to not napping. During the day, there's a whole lot of whining and drama. She's definitely not her usual self. It's slowly getting better and we'll be SO happy when we get past this.

I have to say, the one (and perhaps only) nice thing about all this is that she's not as anxious to get out and do something every day. She used to always ask me, "What are we going to do today?' because she  wanted to go out and do something new. But nowadays, since she's been tired, she's okay with spending a day or two at home playing with Makena. And they play up in their room for a long time.

Today's Pics

We have a standing playdate with Karis' preschool friends every Friday. Each week, someone picks a place and we hang out. It's a great way to keep in touch with school friends over the summer. Today we went to a friend's house for some wet fun (slip n slide, water guns, sprinklers and water balloons) and snow cones. The girls had a great time with their first experience with a slip n slide. And snow cones are one of Karis' favorite things. Kyle kept me on my toes by playing with the dog's water bowl, trying to stick his hand in the pond and going through the kitchen cupboards. It didn't leave me much time to chat with the other moms. Eh well, there's always next week!

4th of July

We went to our city's 4th of July celebration. They had lots of food vendors, live music, bounce houses and a train ride. We saw people from church and one of Karis' preschool friends. It was definitely the place to be!

Showing off their patriotic dresses from Aunt B!

We got there early to get in line for face painting, one of Karis' favorite things. There was still a line, so what better wait to pass the time than to enjoy some Italian ice.

No face painting for Kyle.

  

Flower girls

Mirror image!

Despite hearing balloons pop left and right, we got in a long line for a balloon. Unfortunately, Makena let her balloon touch the grass and hers popped shortly after she got it. It was so sad. 

By that time, it was close to 9 pm and Kyle was getting a bit loopy (his bedtime is at 7:30 pm). Derek dropped Kyle and I off at home and he took the girls back out to watch the fireworks show. The girls stayed up 'til 10:30 pm. With such a late night for the kids, Derek and I got to sleep in until almost 8 am the next morning!

Tough Girl

A little story from the park today. For the past year, Karis has been so determined to master the monkey bars. The only thing that holds her back is the length of her arms. She definitely has the strength and determination. Karis usually attempts the bars, falls and then tries again...and again... and again. Today was no different except that these monkey bars were really high up. 

She tried a few times and she couldn't do it. She did it a couple times with my help, but she really wanted to do it on her own. 

  

She saw me with my camera, so she wanted me to take a picture of her. I guess that made her even more determined. While I was snapping photos, she just went at it. She lost her grip and her face hit the ground. She didn't hit it that hard, but enough to leave a mark.

I held her for a little bit until she stopped crying. To my surprise, she wanted to go back and try it again. This girl is tough. If you look closely, the tears on her face hadn't even dried.

She didn't master the monkey bars today, but she will one day soon.

Along with being tough, she's got a pretty good arm.

Petting Zoo

We've had cooler weather the past two days. It's been such a nice break. I thought today would be the perfect day to check out a little petting zoo that is only open in June and July. The girls loved all the animals. There weren't very many of them compared to other petting zoos we've been too, but the kids had lots of fun.

  

  

They had some sidewalk chalk for the kids to use.

Kyle ate his lunch in the stroller and apparently I didn't bring enough food for him.

Afterwards, we went to the park right next door. I put socks on Kyle to keep his feet clean and protect them from the hot ground. He acted like his feet were stuck in cement.

He did the same thing the other day went I put shoes on him for the first time since he's been walking. I didn't think he'd do the same thing with socks. Silly boy, you can walk with socks on!

  

Kyle Really Likes His...

Doggy that Nana got him.

He is quite an affectionate li'l guy. Lena and I don't recall the girls so willingly giving us unprovoked hugs and kisses like Kyle does. He unloads the kisses first thing in the morning. The leg hugging happens throughout the day.