Summer Classes

Gymnastics and Dance
It was fun to spend a few weeks over the summer back at Flips for tumbling and Dance with Miss Mo.

"Balls of Fun"
We decided to try something new this summer and enroll Millie and Grace in a sports class. They were a little hesitant, but it helped that we got some close friends (Brynn, Brooklyn, Kylie, and Maylie) in the class too. And even though they might not admit it, I think the girls actually had fun learning some new skills.

Art Playdate
For a few weeks this summer we did a fun little art playdate with some friends. We took turns each week having the class at different homes and the younger kids at a different home. It was a great way to do an art class for free, and to inspire us moms to do more fun art with our kids at home. Here are some pics of our marble art painting. We also did stain glass windows out of crete paper, melted crayon art, and impression painting. Fun times had by all!

Bunnies, Bunnies, and More Bunnies!

We waited long for this! Tessa and Templeton were married last summer for the sole purpose of bringing us some baby bunnies. But winter came and we had to wait. Then the first litter all died. Finally on Mother's Day, Tessa had 3 cute little babies (the runt died in the end). This was almost as exciting as when Ivie was born. They provided a lot of entertainment and learning for our family, and the neighborhood kids. Since then, we've had yet another litter. I can't get over that 28-day gestational period!

Here they are at the peak of their cuteness: Blackie and Brownie look just like their parents. They were SO loved! At least once a day we'd find Jane and Claire holding them. That was a little scary, but somehow they survived until they were given away.

Potty Training Success

After toying with the idea for 8 months, Claire finally did it! For the longest time, she had no interest at all. Then we read some library books on the topic and mommy gave her a lot of prompts saying, "someday when you are a BIG GIRL you won't need diapers any more." Then one day she just decided to do it. Luckily, she didn't need any rewards or bribes. Just a lot of time in the bathroom. She was so fascinated by it all that she spent hours on the toilet figuring it out. She was so proud of her new skill and loved telling us she needed her "privaceeee." Now she wears pull-ups at night and we are just "trying for no accidents!"

Bear Lake

We had a fun, spontaneous trip to Bear Lake in June. La and Ken helped us get a place at Sweetwater Resort the very week we had vacation time before Paul started his new job. It was the perfect place for kids: cousins, friends, bunk beds, the ideal beach, paddle boats, endless sea shells, the swimming pool, tennis courts, a playground, arts and crafts, great restaurants, etc. We would love to return every year!

I'm convinced that the girls would have been content collecting sea shells ALL day, EVERY day. This bucket was almost full by the time we left.

While there, we got a special visit from our grandparents and our good friends the Howses. While eating out, Claire threw up at the restaurant (it's gotta happen sometime!). So we spent most of our time just talking at our condo. Phil was so funny! He knows how to break past the shyness barrier. I'm sure that will come in handy while serving as Mission President.