From Dusk 'til Dawn

So this morning I got my kids some breakfast and went into the office to do some 'computer stuff'. One by one I hear the little feet go upstairs, and waited for the youngest to start crying from his hair chair. No cries. I waited a little longer, and then longer still. No noise. I listened very carefully and heard some heavy breathing and slight snoring. I went in to find Locke asleep in his breakfast. I guess there were some wild parties last night at his 'crib'.
At least he threw his bowl of multi-grain Cheerios overboard before hitting the deck.
This is what Rowan resorts to when her binky gets hidden by a well-intentioned mother. Yes, that is infant fever-reducer with the syringe type lid. Look at those puffy eyes. Do your kids ever sleep on their faces? Notice the hair rubbing. That is something I've been meaning to do a post on.
Here is Rowan screaming at the park because I am such a mean mom, I refuse to push my kids on the swing. My premise is that I take them to the park to get *their* energy out, not to get *my* exercise. I make them run around and go down the slides and such. So mean!
This is a picture of how my office looks after I cleaned it. j/k. I am still trying to unpack boxes. I had done a lot of work and emptied about 4 boxes, but it is still not quite done. I thought it was cute that Rowan dragged Lachlan into the box with her and was playing with him. It was waaaay past their bedtime.
Speaking of Rowan, I just heard a very loud bang of the highchair tray hitting the floor. I ran in to find Rowan 'saving the day' once again. She found Lachlan asleep at his tray and decided to let him out. When I came in and cried, "Rowan!" she said, "Lachlan's done, Mommy." Indeed he was. He has a lovely red mark on his cheek from the tray he was sleeping on as well.
Here is my cutie kindergartener waiting for the bus. She LOVES to ride the bus. Did you ride the bus when you were a kid? How did you like it?

The Busy Last Days of Summer Break

Today was the last day of swimming lessons. The girls did a great job. I was a bit disappointed in Brenna's class. I felt Brenna was ready for more than what they did. But maybe the rest of the kids weren't ready. Brenna got to go off the slide into the water and she went twice and wanted to go more. Only one other kid went off it and he had to be coaxed for about 10 minutes before he actually slipped and went down the slide. Brenna had a great time.
Aisling really amazed me today. She went off the HIGH dive! She told me on Wed. that she was going to do it. I guess I should feel bad to say I didn't believe her. I honestly thought she would get up there, stand up there for about 10 minutes and then turn around. There is no disgrace in that. But I really thought she would be too scared. This is my girl who just recently started playing on fast food playgrounds. She was always too scared! She gets scared walking on uneven ground, reflective floors or anything with gaps. I was amazed she made it up the ladder! She just walked very carefully to the edge, looked down and jumped! No hesitating! Incredible! I thought she was awesome. I don't think I jumped off any diving board 'til I was in my late teens. :)
Last night we had our annual "august birthday party", something we've been doing forever. We originally had 4 august birthdays and then when we started having kids of our own, the number grew to 9. We had a terrific time thanks to my sister for putting together the T. Family Water olympics, complete with opening and closing ceremonies, medals and lots of water. She is already scheming for next year's celebration.
We had delicious mexican food, a T. family favorite. I was given a wonderful sweet pork recipe with a refreshing and tasty tomatillo dressing recipe. I made that last night for the party and I think it was well received. Just email me for the recipe.

I also received instruction and supplies to make these fabulous hair flower clips. Wow!


Today the kids got to attend their monthly service project party. It is a wonderful group hosted by a sweet lady in our ward, Amity H. She comes up with the neatest ideas. This month we made edible flower arrangements. Aisling gave hers away at the party, but Brenna's recipient wasn't home when we stopped by. They were very easy and a delightful gift to give or receive.

My adorable little boy is exhausting me. I need some ideas. He is up a LOT during the night, and seems to be hungry! He doesn't just suckle and go back to sleep. He wants the full meal. I am feeding him almost every two hours and it is wearing me down. What did you all do with your babies? He'll be 6 months old next week. He is starting to crawl around and starting to eat a little bit of rice cereal. He is just the cutest guy who loves his family so much. He just lights up when someone walks into the room, and that of course makes him all the more endearing to us!