August

We went to Castle Rock for a little hike with friends.

Good thing John came because I would not have let Jane climb up there alone.

Kids on a log.

Some of us were braver than others getting up there.

John gave me a spa day for my birthday that I finally used. Then followed it up with a gelato for good measure.

Jane discovered the chip clip works on hair, too.

Jane's getting better at hide-and-seek, but still not quite there yet.

Jonah having a little chat on first.

This is why his bed is on the ground.

I was getting rid of Jane's too small clothes and she insisted her hat still fit.

Such a big girl and still my baby.

By the time I return books and go upstairs, all four kids have found new entertainment.

My friend Stacey had four Lion King tickets she couldn't use and I knew just who to invite. We were around Scott and Jonah's ages when we first saw it in LA.

We were in the front on the side, right next to the animals as they walked down the aisles. It was incredible. 

We bought Backstreet Boys tickets before Miranda moved, then it was postponed two years for Covid. She flew in for the night to come with me and Amanda and we had a blast. Just like the original show, but more drinking.

Jane's friend gave her some unicorn shoes she outgrew and Jane promised to give them the love they deserve.

Morning playground time to beat the heat.

Making some sushi candy

while I made granola. Mine was soooo good. I'm sure Perry's was great, too.

hammock snuggles

Trying a new pancake technique with frozen batter balls. It made tiny pancakes just fine, but wasn't worth the effort.

I think Jane's favorite part of dance is getting a stamp after class

and admiring herself in the mirror.

Jonah's Jewish friend gave him matzah as a baptism gift. They'll eat anything after swimming, even plain, giant matzah.

Not sure how she can sleep like this.

I put two chairs in the corner of their room for reading, but they still like to share.

Perry's hair is getting long. 

Jane started wearing more 3t clothes. It pains me to see her outgrow cute littler clothes, but I love pulling out the bigger things I've stashed away.

John's post-church nap

while games and Legos take over the rest of the room.

Two wedgied peas in a pod.

She loves her Perry.

An unexpected sunflower on our walk.

Measuring the kitchen for me.

Jane loves reading on this couch because it's in the room with John's desk. It's never been so dirty as it has been during covid.

She loves books.

and swimming. All tuckered out on the walk home.

Ready for ballerina class.

Hitching a ride home from a bro.

Another early morning at the park.

Perry started showing an interest in piano, so I showed him a few notes and songs.

Napping with Yoshi. Sometimes we can't find Jane and she's crawled in bed for a rest.

Such big kids

We went to a little creek by a park.

Jane loves running errands with me and it might have to do with the treats we sometimes find.

So delicate and sweet.

Car nap with Yosh.

Repping her Cardinal's shirt.

Posing unprompted.

That hip twist

She definitely has a mind of her own and keeps us all entertained.