June Recap

June went by in a blur. As I type this, July is almost over and thus the end of summer is nearing. It is so beautiful spending the long hot days with my children in a season of slower pace. But, I feel the clock ticking and the time will speed up again for us. This summer wasn't as slow as I had hoped though but we are trying to do the best we can to keep things intentional and purposeful. 

Here is our June:

Jayden finished off his preschool with his once a week teacher. She comes to our house to work with him and he was so sad to see this time end. The big kids were glad to get a few classes with her though before we wrapped up what could be our last time to ever do this program. Speaking of programs, Jayden also ended his imagination library program and our local group sponsors asked me to take a picture for them:

                                    

It was so fun to get a monthly book in the mail. Jayden looked forward to it each month. Our area didn't get the program until a few years ago but we definitely ended up with quite the collection. 

We said goodbye to my grandmother and I caught this beautiful sunset that night. It was extra orange as there have been fires in other parts of the country bringing smoke to our area. It has been so bittersweet saying goodbye to grandma. I know she is reunited with her husband and happy with Jesus but I miss her. She molded me in so many ways and her being at home was such a constant for me. I loved visiting her and spending time with her. I think of her daily.

The kids wrapped up their reading buddy program at the library:

We also did story time and crafts at the library this year:

This was our first time to try this library and their summer reading program. It was such a blast and we will be doing again next year I think!

We harvested raspberries, eggs, and spinach:

The boys do lots of our picking in the morning with me since they are the early risers:

We made pie:

And got out for a few walks with friends:

We also got a huge box and made a house and camped out in it:

The kids are outgrowing the splash pad but I still have them go! They are good sports and do find enjoyment still (even if the oldest ones won't admit that).

We also have done the splash pad and park play with a few friends when we get the chance:

One day we took a trip to a friend's house and got to go swimming:

                                        

Lego club was also on the agenda this month:

We have had chocolate milk and created together... and sometimes we just watch a tv show after swimming:

And lots of loving Miss Avery:

Isn't it true that you can never have too many pictures? We can't seem to take enough pictures of Avery. She is growing fast and I already see so many changes from the little bitty baby we brought home. And just like that, she turned 3 months:

                                           

She laughs and coos and talks and talks and talks. Avery has found her fingers and her toes but she can't seem to catch her toes quite yet. She wants them though. She is so, so excited when she first sees us. We are deeply thankful she's ours and still can't believe we have a little girl added to the family. 

On Mondays, I try to get the kids in the kitchen (along with one dinner a week they individually prepare with me) to bake or make a treat. Here, Payton is making energy balls, Riley makes brownies, and Jayden is preparing muffins. It's worked out well for our family as long as we survive the making part.

I can't type a summer blog post without sharing us visiting one of our favorite places, the coffee shop. Most Fridays we clean the house and then head here for a treat and to sit and enjoy time with one another. It has been so fun.

We set up the bounce house again for some play dates and just to use with the sprinklers on. It is still one of the best purchases we've made but it has seen better days. I am not sure how much longer it will hold up but we will use it until the end I am sure. 

We have had lots of visitors this month and we were able to get out and enjoy life with them in our area. Here, we took cousins with us to the annual parade and town celebration:

We got grandma snuggles:

The kids created a hideout at our house in the back of trees. When they go missing, I know to look there first now:

On my phone, I have found the occasional random picture my son took of himself. Sweet Jayden:

And we added a new couch to our house! It is already a favorite! We stayed at an Airbnb last summer that had this couch and we loved it so much. It took us another year but we decided to just do it! We love lounging on this space together:

It's been a good month. We are happy to be living this sweet little life. I am soaking up summer as much as I can before I have to send 3 of my 4 children to school. I can't even believe we are at this point in life. It goes so fast. I'm here for it. 

 

Our May

 Oh to recap May, the month that has so many things stuffed into it as we say goodbye to the school year and hello to summer. We stayed busy and spent most of June trying to catch our breath and learn to relax again. Looking back on my pictures, this month was such a blur (as it goes with a new baby in the mix) but was so, so good to us and so fun. 

Monte was still home on paternity leave so we spent the first few weeks of May loving on our newest little, celebrating our preschooler, and encouraging our 2 bigs to finish the school year out strong. 

We went to the park one day when the oldest were in school:

and cuddled our little man:

I got in several walks with Avery. She doesn't care for the car seat, like at all, so stroller and car rides are complicated right now to say the least. We hope it's a passing phase. 

We made cupcakes for fun:

                                                          I got approved to exercise again:

The kids had their school spring concert and Payton had her piano recital to complete her second year of piano:

And at last, the last day of school arrived. All I have to show for it is a picture of the treats they took as they walked out the door:

                                                          

We were so excited to start break and say hello to SUMMER:

Sadly, the start of break coincided with Monte going back to work from paternity leave. We enjoyed our time with him and wish he had longer. We are finding lots to keep us entertained though for break.

We found baby birds:

A nest was built in our own backyard, in one of our firepits. So, we didn't use and got to observe the life cycle of a bird. 

                                                         

We also found a baby bunny nest, 2 in fact that we got to quietly observe:

                                                         

Never fear, we did still get to fire pit. Smores are some of our favorite treats:

I planted some flowers. This one in particular is a new addition at our chicken coop:

I quietly awe my established flowers as they bloom:

We planted our garden and are now working it daily:

We try to get all the things done while baby sleeps. But, sometimes I pause and take a picture of how cute she is:

And when she is awake we are trying to get her more familiar (and content) with the carseat. We try to do short walks at the park, here the kids scooter while I push her in the stroller:

I am trying really hard to get the kids in the kitchen and take a few steps back. That is hard for me as I like the control but the results are worth it! The kids are learning new skills and making tasty snacks and meals. We are back again to each kid having a meal one night a week to make. It's a total win/win for all of us.

And then so much time just taking care of a sweet baby and snapping pictures. She is growing so fast:

Oh, Avery, you are a beautiful addition to our household and you are truly, deeply loved. 

We continue to try and get lots and lots of outside time both at home and out and about:

Our local libraries offer tons of summer fun. Here we got out for a touch a truck program where the kids could explore different vehicles (tractors, ambulance, fire truck, farm equipment) and ask any questions they had. They had so much fun and enjoyed trying on emt uniforms. 

Payton is also in book club this summer so while her group meets, we get out for a picnic lunch. It has been great for all of us:

As I type this we are already halfway through June. The days are flying by and we are thoroughly enjoying life and all of God's blessings he has granted us.