Father's Day, Movie Night

Today had it's ups and downs...plenty of whining, fighting and challenges but plenty of better moments too. I guess I should first rewind and say Happy Fathers' Day! We missed having Kyle around today but know he was having a blast an the Open with his dad, my dad and my brother Marty.

Today wasn't a water day like yesterday but there was quite a bit of playing, golf watching and reading. You may remember when we went to BJs on Thursday I let the kids get a few books. One that we picked up was Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer - hold please, crying baby - Ok, so anyway, we've been reading chapters each night, and since I had mentioned that there was a movie made out of the book and perhaps we could watch it after we finished reading, Nora has been on a mission. This afternoon she brought me the book and declared there were only a few chapters left and that we could finish reading it and watch the movie tonight. Mind you - I hadn't even searched to see if the movie was on Prime or Netflix yet - she assured me it would be. As seems to always be the case, her confidence in us finishing the book and the ability to watch the move tonight were both warranted and we did both. As a kid who flees at the first sign of suspense in ANY movie...the reading the book first and then watching (especially because the movie followed the book nearly verbatim) was perfect because she knew what was going to happen. Kyle flies home tomorrow morning and we'll see him after work tomorrow evening. I. Can't. Wait!

The Day That Wasn't

We made it through another day. I was so excited to do a bunch of things today...I had visions of giggles and fun out and about then reality set in. It was a combative morning, there were fits, there were fights, there was sooo much whining, so much! We had to forego doughnuts on account of an hour long meltdown and my playground plan went out the window too. Finally I settled on a quick backyard mow and water day. It was sooo hot and muggy I knew it'd be a good day to fill up whatever pools we have, put some water and scrubby things in the bin and let the kids go to town. Did they ever! Running, jumping, splashing. I wish I would have gotten some great pictures because there could have been some good ones, but between Facetime sessions and keeping Otto from being landed on or drowned by his siblings I didn't snap any. As storms rolled in this afternoon, we tuned into the Open to see if we could catch a glimpse of the guys who were sitting in the grand stand on the 11th hole as the leaders worked their way around the course. The kids were glued to the TV and it was a lot of fun listening to them explain the game to me and each other. As time came to see if we could spot them, I was sidetracked from by a newly minted toddler pooping on the living room floor and then a bathroom flood that occurred as a result of the 3 child shower that followed. At least dinner and bedtime went pretty smoothly and allowed me some time to paint and watch some TV. Excited that the guys should get to see some good golf tomorrow, also excited that it's one day closer to Kyle getting back.

Rolling Thunder

There are times when I question if Mother Nature is really a mother at all...remember how I bragged about all the kids being down before 9pm last night...HA! At about 9pm a storm rolled in. I wouldn't call it a severe storm but it was a LOUD right on top of our house storm. Honestly, what kind of mother would do that to another mother, at bed time, when she's soloing!? Needless to say, I ended up in the big bed with the two kiddos. While the length of time I spent sleeping was longer than usual due to my falling asleep early with them...the space I had to sleep was definitely limited. We didn't do a whole lot today, just kind of hung around and I tried to chip away at some of the cleaning up around here. Tonight I managed to get the drink bar pieces primed while watching a movie. I'm excited for tomorrow I have a couple of fun ideas I'm hoping we can do!

To The Limit

I pushed it today...deep in gambling territory. The kids had swimming this morning, so we headed to the Y and while Lincoln and Nora had their lessons I swam with Otto for a bit. After swimming everyone got dressed and we headed to Ikea to pick up a few things. We made a quick Panera drive-through stop first so I could fill some bellies and set myself up for success. Thankfully I had a list (and Nora & Lincoln had a lemonade to share) and we were able to avoid the showroom and get what we needed to in the marketplace which was a life (and patience) saver. After we got out of Ikea with little to no drama it was time for our next stop at BJs. The kids knew going in that this was the plan but it was still a doozy of an ask. There was enough for them to see and sample while we were there that it held them over and I the book section was the perfect way to celebrate our success. They checked out sooo many books and I ended up letting them each get one as a thank you for helping (allowing) me to get so much done! By the time we got home it was well after 3pm. Storms moved in and the rest of the afternoon was a little dicey - as if a couple of books were going to be enough to cover all those hours of cooperation! Haha! Oh, did I mention that Kyle left for his U.S. Open adventure this morning? Yeah, day 1 in the books with all kids down before 9pm...high five me!

Still Went to Story Time

The rocky road of Summer 2018 winds on! Nora had swim this morning where she was a little all over and then BLEW UP when I told her she couldn't stay extra. (Unlike yesterday her brother's didn't get to swim today too) After departing the Y in a screaming state that continued for the majority of the car ride we went to the library for story-time because, although her behavior was infuriating and I didn't feel like going at all, I know the boys love it and didn't think it was fair to ruin an activity for them just because their sister was having a less than stellar morning. So, story time it was. No issues there but the rest of the day was touch and go...I'm telling you the lightening is making me crazy in the afternoons. It's starting early and lasting a long time even when it isn't raining there's still lightening and thunder close enough that we shouldn't be outside and between Otto naps and kid battles it's tough to fit in outings. I'm going to need to get more creative for all of our sanity! I mustered enough patience to teach Nora to play Mancala while Otto was napping and Lincoln got to play Bug Building (kid Jenga) with me and Nora too, so that helped break up the afternoon a little. Here's hoping my cup gets a little refill tonight because there are going to be a long few days ahead!

Come On Mom!

Today was a longer day than yesterday...There've been a lot of big feelings around here and the timing and length of the afternoon summer storms hasn't been ideal either. Lincoln's morning at swimming lessons was a bit rocky as he was "angry" and "floating was hard" but he did fine (not as well as Sunday) but overall proved he could keep himself alive even when "angry and cranky". After surviving the afternoon with only a few fights, one minor dog "bite" (Nora may have finally learned not to hit Cort) and a couple watermelon/game room incidents Nora appeared in full running get up at 7:45pm and announced she was ready to go run a mile to train for her 4th of July race. Persistence may as well be her middle name, so out the door we went at around 8pm to run. Girl needs to move ALL THE TIME! All the kids were finally asleep by some time around 10pm. We need to remedy this bedtime mess we've gotten ourselves into since summer started!

Garbage to Groceries to a Gorgeous Evening!

After swimming lessons this morning we headed home and it wasn't long before Mr. Eddie and Mr. Rico showed up, much to the delight of these three! Otto was waving in the backyard as soon as he heard the truck and was just as excited as the other two as they were all scrambling to get out the door.

After this afternoon's "Boys-napping-let-Nora-do-something-special" activity of water color on canvas turned water color on rocks we loaded up into my car - which still has a giant counter-top in it (explanation will come in the catch up posts soon) and headed to the grocery store.

Lincoln had been in SUPER slow motion all day today and it was really hot so we tried a different shopping configuration than usual. While not terrible...I probably won't do it again on a weekly shopping trip. I crashed into quite a few things with the blind bottom layer, having the boys participate in shopping was harder with them facing forward, there was no cart cover to catch all of Lincoln's spilled "snack" and the cart itself isn't as big and doesn't hold as much. All and all I give it a C- for my needs, but at least we tried! This evening it was all fun and games.

Nora had the idea to make her own kite that she had a blast flying out front (where she of course drew the attention of some neighbors to socialize with) then once the rain stopped she talked Kyle into flying a kite that she made for him. Lincoln went rogue in the garden and plucked a not-quite-ripe cherry tomato to try...his face explains it all! And while we were out there, nature put on a show with an awesome rainbow and then later our owl friends were out early enough to get some pictures. So, all and all, we made it through the day with some lumps and bumps here and there but not a terrible Monday by any means!

AND because we've still been working but I haven't given much of an update -

here's little peek at a custom project in progress in the game room. Also relates to that counter-top I spoke of! I'm super excited about bringing a completely dreamed up design to life!

Keep an eye out for backed posts to get caught up in the coming days. Work in progress!