Funny sayings

 The kids say so many funny things--I wish I could remember them all. I did write down a few recently from Benjy that I wanted to record:

Benjy (who just learned how to jump off the diving board): "The diving board is the only thing I like focusing on. Besides Jesus. And cleaning up."

So I have lots of long hair, right? I find even my own hair gross when it's not on my head, so I feel especially bad when my family finds a hair in their food. So whenever they find one (which mercifully isn't too often), I always say, "Yay! Well, you get an extra treat!" or something like that to make up for the grossness. The other day Henry found a hair in his muffin or something. Benjy said, "Mommy, I want a hair! No fair! Henry always find them!" And Robbie said the same thing on another occasion. Too funny.

I had printed out a "celebrity baby guessing game" sheet from Etsy for a baby shower game for one of Michael's staff members. There were a few people whose names I didn't recognize, like Drake. I gave an extra copy to Michael at dinner to see if he could get all the matches, and the kids asked, "Who's Drake?" I responded, "I didn't know either, so I had to look him up. He's a rapper." "He's a candy wrapper?!" asked Benjy, confused.

Father's Day

 Father's Day is always a fun opportunity for the kids (and me) to thank their awesome dad for all he does for us! And my own dad, too. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful father.

Benjy's card was adorable. Pretty darn good spelling for a five-year-old!

This was the exterior of Henry's card.

And the interior.

And Robbie made a box for Michael with tons of awesome coupons on it.

I sure love all these boys in our family! And all of us--us girls included--are so thankful for such a terrific father in our home.

Life in the fast lane: May and June

 Seriously, May was a bit too crazy for my taste. And June. A great lacrosse season for Robbie finished up at the beginning of the month, then soccer began for Henry (also a good season!), as well as a once-a-week golf lesson for Benjy through First Tee. (That was super cute and he really enjoyed it). Piano recital for Robbie, award ceremonies of various sorts, dance recitals, so many sign-ups for things to bring in for various school events, etc. etc. After school got out, we hit the ground running with swim team, lake fun, and summer work and activities.

Robbie won the Rotary Code of Ethics Award as the male representative for Cub Run Elementary and was honored along with students from each school in the area. What an honor! 

Benjy "graduated" from preschool. 

Supporting the graduate. ;-)

We picked lots of berries this season--strawberries with the Karrens;

blueberries with Afghan friend, Sana,

and the Zopps; 

and raspberries with the three younger boys. All so so delicious! I love where we live.

We broke in "Big Mat" over Memorial Day with our friends,

the McAllisters. I was grateful to take the 2+ hour drive up to DC from the lake house for a 7am temple session and really felt the Spirit there. It was worth waking up at 4:15am. 

We celebrated Henry's awesomeness at being nine.

Breakfast in bed!

We cheered Clara on at her dance recital (here with friend and babysitter, Maybree Spilsbury).

Robbie graduated from elementary school--wow.

I harvested the garlic I had planted in the fall. So proud of myself. It is now curing in the basement.

The boys experienced (and enjoyed?) their first mud run.

Smoothies and medals make everything worth it.

Robbie (as well as Henry) did it another time or two, this time with his buddies, Isaac and Caleb.

Robbie took a few golf lessons and golf camp.

Henry began piano lessons with Ms. Kama.

I took the younger three to Luray to play in the creek and scooter along the Greenway.

With ice cream afterwards, of course.

And swim team fun began (here with the Zopps)! Henry also got lyme disease from a never-seen tick bite (currently being treated by antibiotics), lots of punches were thrown, tears were shed, and so.many.messes were made, and I quit postponed my French lessons because I just wasn't practicing, but who cares about that stuff, right? There is much to be grateful for, our health and tender mercies from the Lord first and foremost. Life is good.