Still laughing

So, at the swim club there are bubble gum machines with little rubber animals in them, and much to photo scrooge's chagrin, the kids have spent a few quarters to buy some. Today, Joey, Ellie and Ainsley were bartering with them when I heard Ellie tell Ains "I have a no-return policy on the squirrel." I'm still laughing.

The writing is on the wall

This is Ainsley's portfolio. She's never met a writing utensil she didn't love. Unfortunately, her favorite canvases are our walls, doors and furniture. These are a few that we haven't yet cleaned off, or that won't come off (no, not even with a Mr. Clean sponge). It's too bad I didn't have my camera when she grabbed the red sharpie at the Stringham's summer solstice party and decorated their chairs and tables (luckily those did come off with Mr. Clean!). 

Seriously though, if I had a nickel for every time I've said "WE ONLY DRAW ON PAPER!!" I think we could finance our kitchen remodel. Maybe I've got the wrong strategy going—if she learns her letters, she can work on her tag and make some really fly graffiti art.

Robbie the Fish

Robbie had his first swim meet tonight. He swam the team relay, the 50 meter breast, the 50 meter back and the 25 meter fly. He did a great job, and won three third place ribbons! We are so proud of him! He may not be the next Michael Phelps, but he's working hard, making friends and having a great time. What more could you ask for?

It was fun to get to watch Jonas, Samantha and Jenna at the meet too. When Joey starts swim team next year maybe we'll get up to ten minutes of water time during the four+ hour meet. :)

Happy Father's Day!

First of all, let me apologize for not paying tribute to my mom, Judy and grandmas on mother's day—I was busy sleeping in and having breakfast made for me, and then of course church and a great dinner made by Ralph. Hopefully, they know that I love and appreciate them.

I'm feeling pretty blessed today as I think about the great dads and grandpas in my life:

I was born to the best dad,


AND I married the best dad,


who also has the best dad.


We are also lucky to have the best grandpas still around.

Happy birthday Mom!

Mom, 

I'm sorry for all the clothes that I wouldn't wear. And for being such a picky eater. Also, for the dents in the Celica, Station Wagon and Astro Van. Pretty much for my teenage years in general. I'm really grateful that you brought me into the world and let me live in spite of all that. Right there I'm forever in your debt, and since then, you've potty-trained my oldest and been on Disney trips with us three times, so I have no chance of payback. But I hope these four make up a little for all the pain of raising me. ;) We love you!       Shell

The salad that launched a blog

This really doesn't qualify as a recipe, unless your name is photo scrooge, but it belongs in our family favorites book, especially after Robbie wanted to start his own blog just to post this. I was hesitant to let the boys start a blog (I can't even keep up with my own!) but Rob encouraged them, and helped set it up, and now I'm looking forward to getting more of the boys perspective on our family doings. Credit goes to Anne for introducing us to this yummy combination at Bear Lake. And speaking of Anne, congratulations to you and Matt! We can't wait to meet little Clara!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Yesterday I asked the girls if they knew how lucky they are to know their great-grandma. They are especially blessed because we live less than a mile away from her, so we get to see her a lot. Yesterday the girls had a tea party at her house, which they always love, because Grandma makes real hot chocolate and food for them to use with the plastic tea set instead of just making them pretend, like mom does. Grandma came to Ellie's ballet recital on Tuesday night, and we met her for dinner at Apollo Burger on Saturday. We are so lucky!! 

We love you, Grandma! Happy birthday!

Test smarts

I had to laugh when Joey brought this picture home last week:
Today we went to the awards ceremony at our elementary school to see Robbie get an award for being in the top ten percent nationally on his IOWA tests. We are so proud of you, Robbie!

And I'd like to take this opportunity to thank photo scrooge for genetically enabling my kids with smarts.

Ballerinas

"Mom, I loved my ballet recital. I wish I could have gone on stage a hundred times! When can I do it again?" Ellie has been ecstatic since last night's performance. Being a prima donna might just be her calling in life. :)  She really did a great job; she was much more confident and excited than she was last year. In my completely unbiased opinion, she and Amelia were the cutest ballerinas on stage. Next year's cast is already showing some promise though: