Update

Probably the most exciting news is that I've figured out the summer chores for my kids and one of Anna's jobs will be folding and putting away laundry twice a week!!!!! That is the part that clogs the whole system every time. Plus, she's actually excited. I told her she can watch Animal Planet while she folds. It's a win-win! You know it's bad when the closet is the last place people look for their clean clothes :( The other exciting thing is that the weather has been just perfect. The days are usually nice and sunny but by dusk a little storm rolls through and we can open the doors and let that just rained smell and cool night air in.

Brennan had a nice birthday and is adjusting to his old age well. We also celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary last week. Hard to believe it's been 12 years. Time flies when you're having fun, or when you're too tired or busy to keep track of it anymore. Just kidding, it really has been a wonderfully fulfilling happy time. Tonight Brennan got to escort our two daughters to a father/daughter activity at the church tonight. The activity had a western theme, so this is what they came up with.

"Scarecrow and the Misses King"

The girls had their ballet recital on Saturday night and danced beautifully. I'm especially proud of the fact that I managed to snap a picture wherein both of them were doing something weird with their eyes and/or face. Whatever grace and skill they have in dance I can't take credit for, troubles with being photogenic on the other hand... I'm afraid I have to take full credit.


Anna came home so sad from the last day of school. She loved her teacher so much and knowing how much she will miss her sort of cast a cloud on the big day. That said, she seems to have recovered her good spirits and is LOVING the freedom of summer. Her favorite pastime lately is borrowing my Ipod and singing her guts out while doing her chores. She's a fabulous mimic and can sing just like Elvis. Cracks me up. We love Anna.

My parents came by on Brennan's birthday to give him his gift. It was a great visit and after they left I said "What a lovely visit that was" in a British accent. Without missing a beat Abigail replied, "Indeed it was!" Totally caught me off guard. Indeed? Where did she get that? Another night for some reason we were discussing feet and I was teasing Brennan telling the kids that their Dad is disgusted by feet and is a kind of a wimp in that regard. Abby said, "You're calling your love a wimp?!" We love Abby.

Tonight while the girls went with Brennan I took the boys out for ice cream. We went to Dairy Queen and I was telling them they could get a dipped cone in Chocolate, Cherry or Butterscotch. Nate enthusiastically jumped in about how delicious the hopscotch kind was. Hopscotch, butterscotch, close enough. The other night I went in to check on the boys and Nate was still awake. He looked over at Benny and said to me, "Mom, isn't he so cute when he sleeps?" This sweet little guy will be 6 years old on Saturday! We love Nathan.

Benjamin seems to be sensing a big change coming and has been wanting more mommy time lately. He was struggling to get comfortable on my ever disappearing lap and finally in exasperation said, "Mom, the baby is taking forEVER to come out!" I know just how he feels. He's a funny little man who isn't always eager to embrace changes. I re-arranged the boys' room and he did NOT approve. Every night he told me, "I can't like my bed right here!" We got some new french doors in our family room and for the first several days after I'd watch him walk by and mutter, "I can't like those new doors." Let's hope he has a little more enthusiasm for the baby. We love Benny.

Happy Summer Break!