Swimming Lessons Part Duex

I thought it would be good for the Bigs to get one more week of swimming lessons in before summer ends. Garrett had a great week, and I could really tell that he relaxed and became a lot more comfortable between Monday and Friday. I was so proud of him!

Maddy didn't finish the week, or Monday, actually - long story that includes throwing up, nerves, a parenting dilemma, and me realizing that I won't be cheering on my daughter in the 100m backstroke in the 2020 Olympics. She enjoyed watching her brother though- it's amazing to see how proud she is of him.

Garrett was thrilled to have his best buddy swimming with him!

Grayson and Garrett's biggest fans. (Or at least cutest fans!) These two are wondering when their turn is! Judy and I marveled at how much easier they were this year than last at the pool. Last year we had them in their strollers (neither was walking yet), and shoving fruit snacks and goldfish down them. This year they just sat and watched, occasionally talking to us or reading a book. They are pretty sweet 2 year olds!

Play Day

We had our buddies over yesterday for a long summer playday. By the end of the day, everyone was filthy, exhausted, and happy from a big day of playing!

Stinkin' Hot . . .

. . . that's what the mercury was pointing to today. Another, more official source, said 102. Which is still is considered 'stinkin' in my book.

The Gibson Five beat the heat by staying indoors as long as possible, with blinds drawn and A/C pumping. (Although I only set my thermostat to 75 because I'm trying to conserve at least a little!) We had to go out in the afternoon to take Sissy to dance, and of course frequent Farmers Market. No Thursday would be complete without stopping by Oakhill Organics, or grabbing a couple of Red Fox macaroons to bring home to Daddy! Garrett and Carter also walked down to the corner (while I supervised) to get lemonade from the neighbor boy. I have no idea how that little guy was tolerating sitting out there, but he must be making some moola because he's been out there the past few days! I'm running out of quarters!

Yes, Carter has on mud boots. Even better, one is his, (probably too small since it was purchased 11 months ago), and one is Garrett's!

This evening, when it had cooled down to 90ish in the shade, the kids played for a bit in the wading pool. The boys were in and completely nakey before I got their suits on it. We were in the back yard and no one can really see them, so I didn't worry about it. Although it did make getting blogable pictures a little challenging!



Tomorrow is supposed to be nice and hot too!

Berries and Friends

Maddy was feeling left out that she missed blueberry picking when she was at camp, so the other day we headed out to a local berry patch. Judy was planning something similar with her crew, so we met out there and picked berries. The kids picked a few too, but there was definitely a lot of eating and running around! They were all so happy. Madeline did pick a ton, and we've been enjoying them! (We also got a handful of strawberries!)

Garrett's Big Days

Garrett's "Winter Fun" Party for preschool took place last week at the Sherwood Ice Arena. I was a little nervous about it since he sometimes gets easily frustrated, but he did great- I was SO proud of him! His long legs and arms never did stop flailing!






They had a big snow pile in the middle for the kids. That was a HIT, especially with Garrett.


In the middle of the party, the kids had hot cocoa and a cookie. After that, Garrett was done. He said he'd rather go to Target than continue skating. I agreed.




Also, last week was Garrett's "Winter Performance" for gymnastics. (Never mind that we just started gymnastics back up this month.) He was pretty excited about the whole thing.

Garrett and Grayson- best of buddies.





Carter and Maddy watching. Carter kept scooting in, closer to the action.




And the final touch...a ribbon routine to the Nutcracker Theme. Of course!

Busy Day at the Farm

Today is the last day I am watching Grayson and Molly for the summer, so we all decided to take a field trip to The Farm (where I grew up). It was a GORGEOUS Oregon day and we all had lots of fun. Well, the kids did anyway...I was sweating trying to keep up with walking Molly and (still!) crawling Carter.

First, was the 'train' ride that Papa Vroom Vroom rigged up. They rode it out to the pond.




Next, came the canoe ride. Sweet Grayson got a little nervous because he was pretty sure he saw some stingrays in the weeds. (The weeds on land, that is.) The pond has dried up quite a bit the past few weeks, so it was mostly a 'canoe-turn around' instead of an actual ride around anything, but still fun! They saw tadpoles and dragon flies too!











While Papa and The Bigs enjoyed the pond, Carter, Molly, and I walked over to a patch of daisies for a photo shoot!

































Then everyone joined in....




























The kids also got an excavator demo, a tractor ride, and a 4 wheeler ride! I had 5 VERY tired kids on the ride back home...hence getting so much blogging done this afternoon!

He's a CHAMP!

Taa DAAH!

Tonight Garrett had his gymnastics show. I missed it because the blankity blank Direct TV installers were still here (after like 3 hours). But I hear it was pretty dang cute. All I know is that when he got home he was BEAMING and so proud of his new medal. Joel videoed it, so tomorrow Garrett and I have a date!

A Tale of 3 Children

Chapter 1: Madeline
Madeline (in her announcement voice): I have some boy news.

Me (trying to be serious): Um, do you have a boyfriend?

Madeline: NO! (Rolls eyes again.)

Garrett: A boyfriend! Who is it, ME?

Madeline (rolls eyes): NO, GarrETT. Well, I was walking past Andres today and he said, 'Hi, Pretty Eyes.' Josh says that Andres loves me.

Me: Does he?

Madeline: YES!

Note to Madeline: 1)You are too young, 2)Please don't be boy crazy, 3)I am NOT ready for this!!

Chapter 2: Carter
6 AM. I am laying in our not-nearly-big-enough-bed between Joel and Carter. (Carter had joined us somewhere around the 2am hour- like always). Carter's big blue eyes pop open. He rolls over, crawls up and leans on me, stares at Joel and says, "BOO!" Total deadpan. Joel and I burst into laughter, despite the early hour.

Chapter 3: Garrett
Setting: In shoe store while purchasing new ballet and tap shoes for Madeline.

Garrett (eyeing sparkley purses haning nearby): I want a purse.

Me: A purse, huh?

Madeline: GarrETT! Purses are for GIRLS.

Me: Well, men carry Man Bags, I guess.

Garrett: Well I want one. I want a boy one. With a purple star with sparkles.

Me: Hmmm....we'll see!

Good luck with that, sweet boy.

SuperMAN!

We got together with our good friends, the Ryans, last night to celebrate Garrett's birthday. (I have started calling it, 'the birthday that never dies.') They gave Garrett some new SUPERMAN pjs. As soon as we got home he changed into them and then ran around the house playing the part. He cracks me up! Carter thought the whole thing was pretty entertaining too. He (STILL) isn't walking, so he couldn't join in.

May 3rd- Happy Birthday Garrett!

Thursday was Garrett's birthday and we spent the day at DIsney MGM Studios. We went to a birthday breakfast for him with some of his favorite cartoon characters from Playhouse Disney. He was pretty funny- not wanting attention directly at him, but he was big on the singing and dancing with the other kids. He loved the cake I'd ordered for him as well. His favorite ride of the day was Star Tours- he LOVES Star Wars even though he's never seen any of the movies. So that ride was pretty fun and the guy at the entrance made a huge deal about it being G's birthday- let G lead the line, ect. It was pretty cute.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Garrett!

Daddy trying to wake Garrett up on his 4th birthday. Garrett said, "BACK UP!"

Yes, even I am dancing with the Little Einsteins. 'When in Disney...'


Garrett loved his cake!


Carter thought people at 'Beauty and the Beast' were clapping for him. He was thrilled.


Seeing a "REAL" Storm Trooper made Garrett's day complete. Although, he has no clue who Storm Trooper are.