Summer thus far...

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Glancing at the calendar this morning I realized we are only a week and a half into summer. Really? Only a week and a half? I'm not complaining. Summer so far has been really pretty awesome but it feels as if we have done more activities than should be squeezed into a week and a half. 

In hopes of keeping my family blog up to date I will cram a whole lot into this post because blogging has been sitting on the back burner of a 24 burner stove. (Do they make those?)

The girls formed their own band. I can't remember the name, sadly. Kate was the vocalist, CJ played the bathtub recorder and Natalie danced. And per usual, Matt and I were audience members who were directed to clap, cheer and pronounce the all girl band as the greatest band in history.




Matt and I have both been running but not together. I have finally picked up my pace throwing in the occasional sprint and several "long" distance runs. It feels good. I haven't dug deep for more than 3 slow miles since before Natalie was a Natalie.

We celebrated Matt's 36th birthday and Matt's parents' 40th anniversary. The girls and I made a banner and dessert. 


Matt's brother, Mike, returned from Peru and stopped by for a visit with his girlfriend, Hope. Mike brought gifts. Here is Matt sporting one of his...a new Peruvian poncho. He plans to toss out his wool work coat for the poncho this winter. He is also the newest member of a traveling Mariachi band.




Pillow fights with friends...until someone gets hurt.

Nap hangover. This skirt is actually a shirt.

Making signs for our new pet's "cage". We have since lost the pet. 
Oh, and this photo was taken yesterday.

Here is the new pet. He was discovered outside while playing in the mud. Meet Todd the Toad. Although shortly before he escaped his name was changed to Hoppy and his gender changed from male to female. Todd/Hoppy was very talented and probably much happier in the wild.



Kate kept holding Todd/Hoppy closer and closer to CJ and CJ was less than thrilled.
Love her expression. She has her eyes glued on him...or her.


Daily the girls and our neighbor friends can be found outside squirting each other with the hose. 
You can also witness someone crying daily because they got wet.
Yesterday we declared our yard as the wet yard and the neighbors as dry.
Still there were tears. Kids.

And finally. The girls and I made Jello Pudding Pops for dessert last night.
I have no idea what brought on this sadness from Natalie. 
Perhaps it was brief memories of Todd. 
Or maybe she was disappointed they didn't taste like the original pudding pops. 
Or maybe she was just worn out.
Whatever the problem I blame Bill Cosby.


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