Summer is here, school is out, the pools and parks are open, the heat and thunderstorms are here, the plans for summer fun are being made, and the calendar is filling up like madness. I don't know why summer, or at least the beginning of it, has become so crazy for our family. Perhaps its the 2 surgeries we are doing (turbinate
reduction in the nose for Lauren and Justin's major mole removal this week), OR maybe its the family dentist appointments and other doctor's appointments that have all come up, OR maybe its the daily swimming lessons for the next 2 weeks and end of year multiple ballet rehearsals for Sophie's recital this week, OR maybe its the preparations for Lauren to go to Girls' Camp for a week immediately following the 4th of July, O
R maybe its the c
ontinuing education seminars that have come up for Lauren's physical therapy licensure, OR maybe its re-orgnaizing the ward playgroup and continuing to organize book club. When I put it all down, it makes sense...I think. :) How ever you look at it, we're busy, and we are trying to create and find those special moments in between that make it all worthwhile.
Lauren and the kids have been trying to hit the pool often to keep cool, and we finally just went outside to run through the sprinklers (after a week of cooler temps and non-stop begging from Sophie). Yesturday, Lauren had received an invite from a couple other wives, and found a cheap amusement park ticket. So for Father's Day yesturday, off Justin went to King's Dominion for some all day rollercoaster guy-time fun. He had a blast, and I think it made up for some all morning meetings for Stake Conference we had today.
here are some snapshots of the kids (up top): eating watermelon, (below): having fun with their bubble bath (check out the Santa beards), Ryan trying to fill some big shoes (Justin's), then falling, and then some sprinkler fun. Happy Summer!
(Top: Ryan having fun at a local waterpark for kids). Sophie took swimming lessons this year and was a "Rock Star!" (exact words from her teacher) She is a little fish and egtting better every day. We also had the opportunity to head up to a local waterpark, called Signal Bay. The kids were there for 5 hours and had a ball! Here are some snapshots.
Our little ballerina had her very first ballet recital. She danced to sleeping beauty's "I know you." It was quite a big deal. After buying costume, waiting 2 hours in line for recital tickets, 2 dress rehearsals, and flowers purchased, and watching our little girl in a packed auditorum filled with family members of tons of other little girls, we realized just how big this was! It was so fun for her, though, and she is eager to do more ballet come fall. We took our own little photo shoot at home and had a little fun with it. Here are those as well as snapshots from the recital. (The video of the dance is having trouble loading, so I'll try to post it later)
I love my dad! Both of my parents taught me so much, but for father's day...My (Lauren's) dad taught me love, respect, honor, responsibility, hard work, silliness, the simple joys of life, how to enjoy sweets and super buttery/salty popcorn, how to pick my nose (but not others'!) :), how to fish, how to be selfless, and many other things! The picture below is John Haddock with his headlight on trying to catch some catfish with me. Thanks, Dad! (see below for more great dads!)
Justin's boss's, to reward for hard work done, invited us to go race car driving in Richmond, VA today. It was a family affair that was lots of fun. The kids loved the cars (especially Ryan!), the guys were pros, and the ladies...well, were terrified, but we had fun. :) Here's what we did...
The drivers.
There goes Justin!
I got better! :)
He was so happy to get his own race car toy and couldn't wait to open it!
