Spy Kids

My kids have played well together some of the time today.  They are acting out that they are spy kids.  They have a lot of hidden "cameras" set up around the house.  Doubt the paper cameras will record much though.

Yesterday was pool day at Mrs. Smith's house.  I snuck in a little time at the gym before Champ's back to school night.

Princess brushes her own hair.

Princess made her own bed.

Princess took a picture of me in my strength and training class today.

This was one of my favorite moments.  During Bible time, it can get very heated. At this point, Champ took the iPad into the play room and held the door shut.  Princess was beside herself that he had blocked her out.  Champ and I were cracking up because Princess could have gone through the kitchen and entered the play room from the other side...where there is no door.

The Sky's the Limit

I got her sad pout last night to turn into a happier pout. 

Before school begins, it seems like I'm spending money left and right.   Today we finished shopping for school supplies.  

We spent the rest of my Fireside Brew Pub gift card before heading to Skyzone. Champ spent most of his time playing dodgeball...his favorite.  Princess said her favorite part was the dodgeball without balls.  I think she meant she just liked jumping on trampolines.

On the way home, we stopped to clean out the car.  The kids fought over vacuuming the inside of the car.

Dog Days of Summer

We heard a news report on the radio recently about the benefit of making your bed every day.  This was Champ's best effort.

The kids played with the dog at the auto shop.

Princess was not thrilled to be at my school today.  She was pouting until I gave her the job of taking a picture of Mr. B and his dog.

Then she captured a funny picture of the dog.  So, Mr. B gave Princess the job of going to his room to take pictures of his student helpers.  She would then have to report back to Mr. B with her photos.  Then he would send her back to the room to take pictures again.

Champ was a super help today for Mrs. Smith.  He was moving all kinds of things around for her.

Princess and I put together a zoo puzzle.

I took Princess to Cookie Cutters to get her hair cut.

She had braids put in her hair.

I went to a step aerobics class at the gym.  Champ played a little basketball after the class.  

Firsts

I loved how Princess slept with 2 dolls last night.  I hadn't seen her snuggle with both before.

Today was the first time that I felt both kids helped me at school.  Champ even helped other teachers besides me.  

We discovered today that Champ needs glasses.  He will be my first kid in glasses.

After lunch, we went to Champ's school to find out who his teacher would be.  This was the first time he came to the event with a teacher that he wanted in mind, and thankfully, that is his placement.

While I was at a meeting today, it was the first time that the kids watched Smurfs 2.  

Princess stole my phone, hid in her room, and took the above selfie.

Tonight was the first time that Princess took a shower.  I told her it would be just like going to the splash park.  She loved it, and she was so proud of herself.

Tonight I went to a Zumba class...probably my first Monday Zumba class of the summer.

I'm so thankful to get to be a part of so many firsts for my kids.

Abundant Blessings

I tried a side bun in Princess's hair.  

We've been preparing for school.  Princess loves spending time with goofy Mr. B.

I took Princesz to the playground at my old elementary school.

They requested I take this picture.

We went to the Franklin Family Aquatic Center.  Princess swam in the big pool with and without her life jacket.

Champ is seen exited the water slide area.

Champ jumps off the high dive.

Princess slid down the small water slide.

Princess waited for the bucket of water to drop.

The bucket dumped!

I have a couple of girlfriends that generously give me clothes.  This is the latest round of clothes from Kelly.

Playground Palooza

Princess and I visited 3 playgrounds in just as many days while Champ went to multi sport camp.

We visited the playground at Champ's school on Monday and a local park on Tuesday. 

Champ seems to be enjoying his camp.

Sprinkler time with friends

We made a face in our oatmeal with raisins, just like we read in a book.

Today we played at my school's playground.  This was the first time Princess crossed the monkey bars all by herself.

Princess completed this puzzle all by herself.

I cherish these sweet moments when I see something that melts my heart like Champ reading to Princess.

Museum Magic

We began the day with me helping in Princess 's Sunday School room.  After a lunch at home, we headed to the children's museum.  Each child could pick an exhibit that we would explore for 30 minutes.  

Princess chose  Play Scape. Princess chose to do art, sand, and climbing there.

Champ chose the Hot Wheels exhibit.

Princess will get her driver's license too soon.

As I watched her crash into every wall on the race course, I was thankful that she wouldn't get her driver's license for years. 

Champ loved racing the clock as part of a pit crew.

A fashion designer is in our midst.

We watched a musical about the Empress's New Clothes.  Princess agreed to pose with the dancers only if Champ joined her.  Princess thought it was crazy that the girls' shirts showed bellies.

Flexing muscles with "Buzz"

We "flew" to China.  Both kids chose China as their second choice, so we spent an hour there.

Her attempt to write in Chinese.  

I wasn't surprised to find Champ learning a new sport.

I loved Champ's smile as he played the game with the staff.

When we returned home, we ate dinner and watched Return to Nim on Netflix.  It was my choice.  I'm trying to get the kids to expand their horizons.  Although both kids were upset with my movie choice when I made it, we all loved the movie.

I love when Princess touches her nose to her tongue.  She was really concentrating  as she wrote in her prayer journal.