Summer

Well hello there!  I feel like I should make introductions.  I'm Stephanie - wife and mother of two, currently experiencing what I lovingly refer to as "the crazy life."  I've been on what you might call a "Blogbatical," but I hope it doesn't happen again soon.  I truly miss pretending that I'm a super-funny family writer whose many, many fans are desperately checking hourly for her next post.  Too bad the reality of my life has me looking like this most days:

I know...it's pretty.  Although, in that picture I am actually at The Magic Kingdom, so that was pretty awesome.

Let's see.  The awkward part is always how to pick up where you left off.  I shall give you a rundown of what has happened in the last 4-ish months!  Get ready for awesomeness!

So.  Since my last post:

I travelled to Florida to see my baby sister graduate High School!

It was a fun week for so many reasons.  First of all, I went alone.  ALONE!  While I missed my kids something fierce, it was really, really nice not to hear, "MOMMY!" every 20 seconds of every day.  I wish Jim could have joined me for some relaxation, but alas, he is much too important at his place of employment.  Luckily, I have fantastic in-laws who came and took care of the kiddos while I was gone and Jim was working.  Win!

This was the first time since before I was married (almost 13 years!) that I have spent time with just my brother and my sister - no spouses, kids, friends, etc.  I would have much preferred to have my husband and my brother's sweet wife there, but it was fun for us to hang out as siblings for a few days - experiencing those things that never seem to change.  I always have to have at least one argument with my brother and then together we ceaselessly tease our sis.  Good times.  

Well, mostly good times.  I learned to have no trust in my sister when she posted this on Facebook:

I know.  We're quite lovely.

Moving on...

Wyatt turned THREE!

That went by fast.  This boy.  He is a constant source of laughter and a constant source of frustration.  The frustration typically lies in the reality that I have no idea how to parent him.  I have finally let myself admit that he is, in fact, STRONG WILLED.  But oh good-golly, he is so cute.  And he STILL makes me laugh out loud when he's supposed to be in trouble!  He continues to prefer me over all others and loves a good snuggle in my lap with his blankie, which I can't get enough of.  Potty training has been interesting with this one, who cares not for rewards.  If he doesn't want to do something, nothing you offer him will make him change his mind.  In the words of Piglet, "Oh d-d-d-dear."

We're gonna have to keep our eyes on this one.

We've had some great moments with both boys:

Even got some normal pics of them together!

And then.  THEN!  Henry finished Kindergarten!!!

That's just craziness. This kid has changed so much this past year.  Still more timid and shy by nature, he has become my brave boy - trying new things and finding his voice!  We couldn't be prouder of all he is accomplishing.  One of his very favorite things to do is read, which we love!  Jim and I were both avid readers so we get excited to introduce him to characters and books that we loved as kids.   His current favorites are the Flat Stanley series and the Magic Tree House series.  One of my favorite things to do is to spy on him at night, snuggled up in his bed with his nose in his book, reading as much as he can before the designated lights-out time.  Cute stuff.

Speaking of Flat Stanley, something totally hilarious happened next on our timeline.  It was Jim's birthday!  Since he works with the youth group at our church he gets to wake up to awesome birthday surprises from the high schoolers (and some of their parents):

Flat Jimbos everywhere!

HA HA HA HA HA!  Henry and Wyatt were over-the-moon into hilarity.  SO many Daddies! 

Wyatt:  Daddy over deya (there)!  Daddy over deya! *repeat

Of course, Henry counted them.  I can't remember exactly but it was something like 93.  Pure awesomeness.

We have now come to our annual 4th of July camping trip.  With allllll these kiddos:

How cute are they?  How in the world did this happen so quickly?  It seems like yesterday we were going camping with our friends and our books and magazines....  One day, I'll get to read a book again on a camping trip, but for now, our fun is made up of lots of playing.  We have some wonderful friends who plan fabulous activities for all the kids and then there's the lake and the constant bike/scooter/wagon pulling.  Sling shots, scavenger hunts, glow sticks and SMORES! 

This was the first year our family of four shared a tent with no pack n play.  It went really well!  I was the lucky one who got to share a bed with Wyatt, who could not get close enough to me.  It was heaven.  Every time I woke up, his forehead was pressed against mine.  Precious, indeed.  No to mention he makes a nice little heater.  Brrrr!  We also made some fantastic memories with Henry and Wyatt making shadow puppets in the tent.  Let me tell you, nothing gives my heart joy like hearing the pure, unabashed laughter of my children.  So thankful for those moments!

What next?

Henry turned SIX!  Again, what?!  This year, Henry decided he wanted to take a few friends to John's Incredible Pizza to celebrate.  This place is like Chuck-e-Cheese on crack.  But lot's of fun!  Not really for the younger set, but PERFECT for a few 6 year olds.

Not to mention, these 6 year olds have been buds since birth:

Cute.

Then my mom and sister came to visit!!!  Yay!  We went to the Nordstrom Sale, the beach, the movies, some restaurants...fun, fun, fun!  You might not be able to tell, but the boys had a great time, too:

Goobers.

So, as you can see, it's been a crazy summer.  Henry had three weeks of sports camps, we've had lots of hours at playgrounds, a week of VBS, doctor appointments and you know, I feel quite good about myself for putting it all together.  Hang on a sec while I pat myself on the back.

And now I shall hit "Post" and promise myself once again to post something before four months go by.  I mean, we've got our oldie starting first grade zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.  Oh geez, I just passed out there.  Anyhow, as I was saying, and our little guy is starting preschool!  That's craziness personified!  Surely there will be many posts to come with so many things to talk about.  But then again, I am me.  Also, I have no idea what that means.