Friday, July 31, 2020

Camp Life

Camp has been a life saver this summer, and is coming to end today.  The girls made new friends, learned some new skills like archery, golf and soccer, and got to do fun science experiments!

Happy to be out and about

Evie's group took masks to the next level


Another homemade mask thanks to Daddy

Zoo visits have continued, and I even got to come along for one last Sunday.  It was super hot, but otherwise we had a really lovely time.

She-wolf pack

Always happy to be outside

We are obsessed with the red pandas in our house -
the girls did a lot of chores to earn their new furry toys

Life is pretty relaxed this time of year, or as relaxed as it can be with a pandemic.  We are anxiously awaiting to see what the new school year will look like for everyone.  

My loves

All the kids are doing great.  I held out as long as possible, but the girls finally saw The Descendants movies, which are shudder-worthy Dinsey-pop films.  I seriously cannot sit down and watch for more than 15 minutes, they're so bad.  So their days are spent singing the movie scores.  Ben will sing along with anyone (to his own tune), so it's been a bit noisy in our house!

Maggie trying to be a deceitful diva... her voice is just a little too sweet for the lyrics:



We had Luke's birthday party last weekend, fun times for all!  Can't believe how old they are all getting, it was such a relaxing time because they can all handle themselves now (except Ben, but he sure tries)!

Luke got an army kit and they immediately turned into soldiers (even in a dress)


Don't mess.


Enchanted by the birthday song


Familia!

Evie made a Minion and a Pikachu (with Daddy's help) for Sarah and Claire
and was so excited to give it to them.  She said, "I'll leave Luke's gift up to Maggie,
I know Sarah and Claire way better!"

Some others:

I think they put on like 10 coats of nailpolish


Sweaty climber


Another sweaty climber


I make everything look good


Jamie was very proud of his Porg mask

Cooling off after camp one day




Thursday, July 16, 2020

Summer Camp Fun

The girls and Jamie started summer camp in Grosse Pointe a couple weeks ago.  We were a little concerned, but they keep everyone outside all day (except Jamie's art group, which has indoor social distancing).  Honestly, I am so happy to see the change in the girls now that they are playing with other kids.  Evie especially lights up when talking about camp, and is acting way different than the shy and terrified girl from last year! 

Dressed up for Sports Day

Science experiments

Look who hit the target!  Archer of the Day!

Jamie is very strict about masks in his room

Arting

Fourth of July was quite laid back this year.  The girls went swimming at Grandma and Grandpa's while Jamie and I had a quick dinner date.  Later that night Jamie took the girls to our local parking deck to look at all the fireworks from the 7th floor.  I stayed home so Ben could sleep; looking forward to a couple years from now when we can do it all together!


Family Picture (note the reflection)

Sparklers for the win!

Oooh ahhh
Buds for life

Thought they were sooo cool

We celebrated Will and Violet's birthdays last week at the Odglens.  The kids had a ton of fun, and there was even a Kona Ice truck!  Violet and Ben are so funny; they aren't buddies yet, just very curious and constantly inspecting each other.

Family photo

Quiet battle of wills

Small but mighty

A little bit mightier

Candy!!

Awww

Water table fun

Most of the kiddos

Maggie got her new glasses last week.  She was pretty thrilled the first day, and now I think she's forgotten about them completely.  This is fine with me because I don't want them broken before school even starts!  Here's her video message to her friends to let them know her big news; Maggie always clears her throat when she's uncertain what to do or say next, it's a little adorable trait that I love.



We also celebrated Grandpa's birthday and Grammer's birthday since my last post!  So many summer birthdays!

Patiently opening Maggie's homemade items

Just watching the fish

Winner of the jolly-good-fellow competition
 
Catching up on some voicemails

Here's some others:

Ice cream date with Daddy at the zoo

Posing with the tigers

They spend a lot of time together while I'm at work.  Going a little crazy.
 
Boys club

This boy wants to climb everything

That face

Haircut time (don't worry, he was not actually traumatized -
as long as we fed him goldfish) 

Shockingly Ben loves wasabi peas... I can't believe
Jamie even gave him one to try!

Cutest zoo selfie

Should I?

We took a 2-day trip to Grand Rapids without the kids -
so much fun!

Love this photo - all the kids with their heights marked