Summer Highs

I decided not to post the pictures of our summer lows. 

(Just kidding... I didn't take pictures of those moments.) 

Here is a fly-by of some special moments to catch us up to the start of school. (which started last week!!! ACK!!!) We also took a long weekend trip to Pennsylvania to visit family and those pictures won't be included in this post.

Are you ready? Fasten your seat belts... here we go!

Ladies night at the rock climbing wall with friends! I love climbing! A bright spot this summer.

 First movie in the theater! The Lego Movie. Well, they did see a butterfly documentary at the IMAX theater a couple years ago. However, this was their first fun movie in the theater with special snacks. Two of the boys are extremely sensitive to sounds, so we've waited a long time and chose a movie that they had already seen so they knew what was coming next. Yeah for summer $1 kid movies. Not in a huge rush to go back, but this was a very special treat and memory. 

I LOVE outdoor adventures with friends! Exhilarating!

Early morning blueberry picking... 24 pounds of blueberries picked! YUM!!

Not that long ago, Aaron spent most of his time hiding in the bushes just nibbling on blueberries. 

This year he was such a diligent worker and nearly filled his pail! Great job Aaron!

Luke was very determined that he would use all the blueberries he picked to make a special dessert all by himself. He chose a lattice topped blueberry pie. I set him up with a recipe and stayed nearby. He did a great job! A delicious treat!

Ethan finally cashed in on a reward he earned last year in school. 

He and I had a great time at a paint your own pottery store. 

Bonus for me... I painted too! (more on that later)

These two are growing like weeds and have outgrown their previous bikes. 

Uncle Jeffrey helped us score Luke's new-to-him bike on craigslist. Thanks Jeffrey!!!

A few days later, we found a new-used larger bike for Irina on craigslist. 

Happy kiddos! Happy bikers!

 Amazing how a bigger bike has boosted her confidence exponentially. 

She "thinks" she's been popping wheelies on the ramp. ;) Sure, honey!

Ethan has become quite the kitchen helper and it is actually helpful!! 

I can set him up with a recipe, and he can do it all. Aaron likes to stir. ;)

They made 24 blueberry muffins last week. 

The kids found old Raffi CD's from when they were little and had a ball. They were dancing, doing hand motions, and singing along. I love moments like these and I need to savor them before my true middle schooler is "too cool". (which is creeping up on us I suspect)  These moments don't last all that long (the brotherly quarrels are inevitable), but they are so good for Irina developmentally. This is when it's easier to not get frustrated with her immaturity and just let her be her developmental age. She watched for a little while before joining in. The JOY on their faces was priceless.

Phew! Trip to PA coming up next...