Starting Summer

I choose to believe we ended June with a big, fat bang.

It all began with the close of school.  And the end of the Zimmerman Family Washington Elementary School era.   

The school celebrated it's centennial existence this year, and so each class got to add some dirt to the burial spot of a time capsule they spent the year compiling crap treasures.  Tessa had to join in on the fun.  Naturally.

Linley had a completely wonderful teacher, Mrs. Klebaur, who was nurturing and kind, and highlighted every single bright spot Linley had to offer.  Really, Linley just had a completely wonderful year in general.  This girl has become so responsible and eager to please and confident and sunshiney and bright and smart. She is sooo smart.  Who knew?  She was in the top reading level of her class and the very tippy-top math student.  She readily makes friends and is quick to help anyone in need of anything. She is always a pair of arms and a happy smile for Eden, a buddy for Tessa, and a partner in crime for her brother.  She has found a place and a purpose in this house and she is thriving.  And pleasant.  And so. much. less. dramatic. It's an answer to prayers and wishes on stars and dreams coming true.  Bless this year and ridiculously beautiful girl of mine.

And Ryder.  See, Ryder just finished third grade.  And he is nine.  And when his mom stops in for his end-of-year class party, he nods and runs off.  Because he can't be bothered by me.  And he certainly will not stop for a photograph.  His teacher was Mr. Folk.  Understanding yet firm, the man set super high expectations for Ryder this year.  And he surpassed every single one.  That boy is some sort of whiz kid.  Proof: he took the 3rd grade standardized test and scored in the 99th percentile nationally in all three categories.  They don't come smarter.  He is still aggressive and uber confident with a major adventurous/dangerous streak, but he also has a sweet, loving side that makes me swoon (and all the ladies, really).  It is so much fun watching him creep closer to pre-teenagehood.

Mid-June also brought some steamy temperatures....which meant lots of grilling.  And the discovery of a brand-spankin-new corn on the cob lover!  That greasy, buttery little mouth is pretty unbeatable.

Swim team started in June, making the pool the big kids' first home.  The two littles and myself found ourselves joining them nearly every afternoon.  

It's our happy place.

However, sometimes change is necessary. 

To switch things up, we spent a day at the local splash pad.  

No one complained.

Ryder had his blue and gold breakfast, where he earned his Bobcat and his Wolf.  I think.  Scouting isn't really my jam.  Regardless, go Ryder!

This chick determined she was ready to take a stand.  Against me.  

Literally and figuratively.  

Sad day.

I am ready to embrace summer with these four little angelic devils.  

We function so nicely with a little sunshine in our system.

Nine Months!

 She's a snuggler with an independent streak (snuggliest when I am trying to cook dinner and most independent at 5:30 in the morning...so maybe her timing isn't ideal).

 She claps and bops her head to music and excitedly spots family members from a mile away.

 She added her two front teeth to that smoochy little mouth and is about to bust out two more. 

 A twenty pounder in 18 month clothing with her height remaining off the charts (sort of like her charm).

 She is starting to get on all fours and rock, considering crawling, but then ultimately resorting to a scoot.  Bless her.

 She is also pulling her self up to standing in her crib.  This little girl is determined to grow up, regardless (or in spite of) of what her mother says.

 But, oh, she is so much fun to have around.  She is becoming a bubbly bouncy little baby; strangers and siblings alike are completely drawn to her.  

She's just so darned scrumptious and munchable.

She's Fun! She's Fabulous! She's Four!!!!

 The never-been-terrible Tessa Jane turned four yesterday.  

F-O-U-R!!!!!

I am certain this green earth has never been privy to a more lovable four-year old.

She was born a little chubby ball of sunshine, and her infectious happiness just keeps on burning brighter.

 She requested a party with four of her favorites.

 Snacks were had, nails were prettied, necklaces bejeweled, cupcakes consumed, and a pinata beaten to shreds. 

All while flittering around like pretty little butterflies.

 Added bonus: the two bigs were insistent on being party planners.  Ryder took charge on games and music while Linley managed the food and dancing.

 Double bonus: Daddy made it back from fishing in time to help celebrate (and just help)!!.

We love our sweet little Tessa Jane!!

She magically makes everyone and everything around her just a little more sparkley.

The Dreamboat on the Deep Blue Sea

 Father's Day came a day early for this dreamy daddy. 

 I sent him with some buddies deep into the heart of the Atlantic to become one with the fishies.  On the same day the kids had swim team practice, a piano recital and Tessa's birthday party.  Which makes me the dumbest best. wife. ever.

 He said the term "deep sea fishing" was used liberally, but the dude got to spend 8 hours on a boat, which is his desired first home, so it's all good.

Now I get to fry up them fishies.  So, happy father's day to me, too.

This man is the best daddy 4 little people could ever ask for. He deserves the moon and lots of smooches.  

And while we're at it, Happy Father's day to the best daddy 5 little people could ever ask for and to the best daddy 6 little people could ever ask for.  We are all big now, but you are still the apple of our eyes, the twinkle in our stars, and the bees to our knees.

xx

Girls and Grade School Gardens

One of my favorite things about the kids Elementary school is their garden.  Each grade spends the spring months growing and tending and cultivating various forms of gardens (and then donating the edibles to the needy.  Completely amazing, right?!?).  

Yesterday the kids celebrated and harvested their spoils.

Linley managed to grow the tallest bean stalk in all of first grade.  

Ryder managed to grow the nastiest spring peas on the planet.

I couldn't be more proud.

The little girls enjoyed swinging and soaking up the sun during the break between the 1st and 3rd grade festivities.  

 I enjoyed admiring their adorableness.

School can end now.

Putt-Putty Please

Following Allen's crazy person race, we were ready for some family time. While it was too cold to spend the day at the pool, the weather was perfect for the monkeys to have their first try at mini golf.

 Ryder was certain he would own the course.

He swung...

 ...and he missed.

I totally made fun of him.

Until I swung...and missed.

Tiger Woods I am not.

 The girls decided to call on the resident expert for some pointers (note: The show-off in the background desperately searching for his ball in the rocks.  Also note not pictured: the mother spent a good deal of time looking for her ball in the rocks as well.  Apples and trees and all that).

 This one was uncharacteristically content to stay firmly strapped to her stroller. I am pretty sure she didn't sleep that night to make up for it.

 My little putt-putter-ers.

 The resident expert.  And by expert, I mean he owns (unused) golf clubs.  

 By the last couple holes, this little man and myself were winning Most Improved Awards all over the place.  

 By the last couple holes these little ladies were more interested in the butterflies.

 I mean, that stance.  A plus.  

 Then for kicks and giggles we locked the children in a hurricane simulator.

Pictured here before the winds picked up.

 Winds at 41mph.

 52 mph.

 And finally, 78 mph.

Also: pictorial evidence that my life most closely resembles a massive hurricane.  

Cute little Saturday wherein I mostly only loved those 4 little beings in my possession.

Buff and Tough and Stuff

Saturday Allen and a couple buddies ran the Spartan.  Because they are masochists.

It's a wet, soggy, muddy test in endurance and strength.

Allen finished in the top 9%.

Because he is hard core.

 I'm totally doing it next year.  But not because I'm a masochist.  Because I must be more hard core than the man I married.  And so that my children have another reason to fear me.