Peace...

It's what I feel on this Sunday afternoon with all three children sleeping. They very rarely all nap at the same time. Heck only one still naps on a regular basis so to have all of them down for the count is a real treat today.

We have finally found the groove of summer. Inside play when it's super hot, scooters and popsicles, and maybe the kiddie pool and then head to the park after dinner for one last bit of fresh air. Head home for showers and stories and call it a day. A very good day. It's such a good feeling to know that they are worn out from playing hard.

When the going gets hot...

the hot go swimming! And we've done just that at our local pool and in our kiddie pool at home. When it's this humid and we're outside, we're definitely somewhere where there's water. It's the only way to get through the day.

Off to the races...

We spent Saturday evening at the local hot air balloon races! I know our kids had never seen a hot air balloon in real life and I know it's been years since I even last saw one. So when we actually got close enough to spot them...well there was a lot of excitement in our car. There was so much anticipation and I loved that the kids got to see the balloons all up close as they were being inflated. We stayed for a few hours, let the kids jump in the bounce house and get a balloon animal. Thank you to the kind gentleman who gave us his leftover tickets!

Lest you think...

we always look like this...

The truth is...

today...

we're looking more like this....

Today is day #3 of VBS and we're showing every bit of it over here. The kids are tired from their busy mornings and Sara is still fighting her nasty ear infection. Thank goodness for warm weather, sprinklers and popsicles! Where would I be without you?

Oh my heavens...

I'm in love with these photos and the moment they captured. Met up with some friends today at the park to play. So we played, and played and played.

I think Sara's hands are evident of the fun she had exploring...and then eating!

I just love summer.

I love...

these two...

Today...

we had fun outside in our very warm weather and I got some good shots of this little one...

So proud...

of this little one.

She is gaining so much physical strength these days it's incredible and very fun to watch. But that's not why I'm proud. Well, it is but that's not why I'm posting.

After all were in bed, Ella Jane came downstairs telling me she was scared. This is not uncommon and I told her she needed to be back upstairs in her bed. Later on when I went upstairs to check on her I heard music coming from her room.

Music? That little stinker.

Except that she'd fallen asleep. To the Backyardigans. Specifically, to a song that mentions Iowa. The big kids each have their favorites (and I do too actually; they're a catchy group of young singers) and for whatever reason this one was Ella Jane's.

But the reason I felt my pride overflow was because just this afternoon I noticed she was able to set up her music by herself. Like, push play, and REPEAT all by herself! This has always been a bit challenging for her but today she got it and when I went up to check on her, she'd self soothed. Even at age 3, she self soothed. In the form of her favorite song. Did I mention I was proud of her? My little girl was sacked out with W-IOWA (name of the song) playing over and over and over.

And the physical attributes mentioned earlier? Let me just touch on that. Ella Jane has become my runner. As you know we walk to and from school everyday. This afternoon she was putting her tennis shoes on (vs. sandles) and she told me "you know what that means don't you?" That you're going to be a runner? "yup!"

I might as well start wearing my running shoes so that I can keep up. It's not uncommon for me to hear her say "c'mon mom, let's run!" She has strong little legs. I know they'll take her far.