Hi

Happy 4th of July....a little late.

Something about moving, end of the year, etc. that has kept me away from blogging. Actually it was a great break. no complaints.

Story on this photo:
So our new neighborhood posted a sign a few weeks ago stating there was a picnic in the park. I thought that was cute, everyone brings a lunch, a blanket and pretends we are some mid-west town and be friendly.
The picnic was NOTHING like that! Oh no, that simply will not do.
There was a bike parade for the kids (which we missed, since we knew nothing about it), then there was free food, games, face painting (thus the hello kitty on the arm of Miss M), music, bouncy houses, train rides, cotton candy, photo booth (thus the photo)...you name it. One giant massive free block party! It was so much fun. Met 2 new neighbors, so at least we met someone.

So if you happen to be in town for 4th of July, come on by! It's a yearly event.

M.I.A

Seriously, where did the past 2 months go?

We are still living at my parent's house, while my amazing hubby is working on our new house. My mom casually mentioned (well, may not have been casual, but mentioned)that I have been lacking in the blogging world. I really had great intentions of keeping up with the antics of the past few months.
So, with our move happening this coming weekend (hooray), here are the top moments from the past few months (in no particular order):

Breakfast time
This has to be the number one vote of all children in this house. I can't really complain either. Our normal routine prior to moving here was perhaps a bowl of oatmeal, a crust of bread, green smoothies, or sometimes an apple in the car as we race to whatever we are late for. But here....oh no, that simply will not do! The kids have grown accustomed to various types of egg dishes, hashbrowns, freshly squeezed OJ, toast...you name it! I think there was even a few doughnut runs too!

Bothering Pop-Pop time
Need I say more!?

Sharing a room
All three kids have been sharing a room. It took a bit to get them to adjust and actually go to bed at nights, but the stories, whispering and other adventures that take place are hysterical!

Lizard catching
My mom's yard is full of lizards! I have never seen so many before. All 3 kids have taken to capturing various lizards. You can also include snails in this category too.

So many more that I can write down, but I need to feed the kids....again.

A lesson in lemons

My parents have a lemon tree. My crazy K loves anything sour and thus could not possibly wait any longer for a lemon treat. The gang decided on lemonade! Of course they all had to help. I find this hilarious because you suddenly have 3 extra pairs of hands everywhere and all at the same time. They also suddenly dart around and bring in anything they can reach, regardless if you need it.
So today- Pop-pop gave them a lesson in making lemonade!
I had to post it simply because it was funny to listen too. I was in the other room working and the comments I was hearing was priceless.

You have to make sure the lemons are squeezed just right. It helps to have 8 hands helping all at once.

Next, you have the conversation vote on whether we want our lemonade sweet or tart. Majority voted tart, though it probably had something to do with extra lemons sitting nearby that may have felt left out.

Ah, a math lesson is next. We need to measure just the right amount of water. Poor K, all he wanted was the sugar part! And C....you may just make out the top of his head trying to squeeze into view.

A quick safety lesson on electrical appliances! Hopefully that included not placing them directly into water. I couldn't hear due to very excited kids wanting to add sugar! (Apparently, I don't give them enough sugar?)

Finally! The all important step of mixing!!!! C is being very careful to not spill any of the prize. He is also beginning to feel a bit protective over "his" lemonade. Funny how it was the other one who wanted it so badly.

He graciously steps aside to allow his sister all of 2.5 seconds of stirring. His comment: It doesn't need it and be careful!

My sour lemon kid finally took control for a moment. If you know him at all, it was perfect timing as he took the closest position for that first taste.

And finally, success!

Midway through our adventure

I should be doing a better job and actually taking pictures and documenting this adventure. I will work on that!

We have been a BUSY bunch lately!
All moved in to my parent's house and running through the daily grind.

I'm sure my mom is ready to have her house back (though I am secretly hoping she is enjoying parts of our stay). My Dad is having the time of his life and so are my kids! The kids follow my Dad around like they might lose him! They have also figured out who to go to for donuts, coffee, juice, chocolate..... get the picture.

So the big news is: We are officially home owners again! First time we have owned a house. A whole 4 walls all to ourselves. Feels very grown up. It also came with a sticker reading TLC needed, so we have begun to tackle various projects that will hopefully allow us to move-in, in a few weeks.
An added blessing is that Jeff's Dad arrived on Sunday to help us paint, while Jeff gets some other much needed project done.

We feel totally blessed that we have been given the opportunity to own a home again. We are praying for amazing neighbors and for even more amazing opportunities to witness to others.

Pictures to come as soon as I find and/or unpack a camera!

Off on our new adventure

We set off on our next adventure this past weekend. Packed up the house and moved out.

Bye view! One of my favorite parts about this house. It was fun to watch the sun set, clouds roll by, and on super clear days view all the way to LA.

Cannot believe it, but managed to squeeze the contents of our home into a big box! Not one more thing can fit in there!

Thank you God for an amazing place to live these past few years. Cannot wait to see where we get to go next.

In the meantime.....the five of us, one parakeet, two guinea pigs and a pair of frogs have officially moved in to my parents house.
I'm sure I'll have lots of entertaining stories to report.