Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer

This summer we decided to try something different in an attempt to keep summer boredom at bay. We made a summer bucket list. I kept seeing them all over pinterest, and thought it was a really great idea. So, we all sat down together one day and made a list of about 50 things we'd like to do over the next few months. None of them are super elaborate or expensive, most are super simple. They have all been a lot of fun! Here are a few of the things we have done so far. . .

 Made Gak. . .

Mad Scientist laugh. . .holding the brain

 Phia has a list too. . .here she is completing her wish to read every book in her room at the same time.

 feeding herself with a spoon and her hands

 on a mission to push every single button in the house.

 and climb every surface

 "What Mommy? I'm not doing anything, just standing here being super adorable!"

 Visited a local Amish bakery. 

 Roo loved this place! They had kid sized carts and everything was low enough for her to reach it herself. 

 Phia makes this face every time I say, "CHEEEESE!"  I LOVE IT!

 I adore the milk jars!

Made cloud dough. This was a big hit with both of the girls. It was so soft and smelled divine! It was super messy, but so worth it!

 Somebody loves their big sister!

it felt great between little piggies. 

Built a pillow bed and had a sleepover in Mommy & Daddy's room 

Went bowling

 Phia crossed "be cooler than everybody else" off her list.

We've still got lots more fun to have! I'll be updating along the way!

*Wacky is completing his mission of "be gone as much as possible all summer." He just got back from church camp, left for Florida today with his friend Piper, will go on a hugh tour of the mid/north west with Granny K a week after returning from the beach, will then go to zoo camp thanks to Nana, and will leave for our annual Pickwick vacation the day after he finishes camp! I don't think I will recognize him when he finally comes home!

This summer is going to be a blast for everyone!

The Big Day

June 16, Roo made her stage debut as a mischievous raccoon! She did so great and I was insanely proud of her! The first show, I could tell she was a little teeny tiny bit nervous (it was a packed house, I'd be nervous too!) but by the second show, she was totally over it. She rocked the part of raccoon and was by far the best, most mischievous raccoon there! Her raccoon hands were full of wiggles and her bushy raccoon tail was shakin' what her mama gave her! It was adorable!

Dad kept Phia, so I could focus on Roo and give her the attention she deserved, and because there is no possible way on earth that I ever in a bazillion years would have been able to watch more than 5 minutes of the performance had she been with me. (Thank you Dad, you are amazing!) We had lots and lots of family come to watch her debut, and we even had a big surprise guest-GRANNY! It was such a special gift to have her there with us. Roo's best friend M and her mommy even came to support her, and for Roo, I think having M there was just about as good as being on stage itself! They were adorable sneaking waves and giant smiles to each other from the stage and the 4th row. I love that every time Roo came on stage M would "whisper" "Hi Bella!!!!!!" After the show, M told her, "You were my favorite part." *SIGH* Those two girls are just the sweetest things ever. They love each other so much and are so supportive of one another. 

 A Brave Doll for my girl who is brave enough to chase her dreams. I am so very proud of you baby girl! 

Thank you so much to our friends and family who came to support Roo on her big day! We love you all!

Daddy's Day

Roo

Phia

Not only am I blessed with the sweetest, most loving husband ever, but my kids have been given the gift of the most caring, tender, attentive father ever. He is never too busy to stop what he's doing and play Lalaloopsies or dollhouse. He knows the name of every princess and the story that goes with them.  He will dance in the living room. He will wrestle on the floor.  He can throw a football like nobody's business, and he can build a mean block tower! He's the best at drawing anything our little artist can't. He is ALWAYS funny. He has the patience of a saint, especially when a certain tiny monster is having a rough night or when our oldest monster is having a case of the "teens," and he always knows just when Mommy needs him most. His dedication to his family is unparalleled. We are so thankful he is ours. 

 Phia letting us know how she feels about it all. 

For my own dad, you are the best. THANK YOU for everything.