OC Fair

A few weeks ago the kids and I went to the OC Fair for the first time. It was beautiful out and we had a great time. The only downside of doing things by myself with the kids is that I don't have any pictures with them. Oh well, here are the highlights...

Sibling Affection

I was just looking at the photos we had taken a few months back, and cracking up at all of the ones of Isabel hugging her siblings. She is such an affectionate kid - always wanting a hug, to be close to you, to hold hands, to kiss goodbye. It is one of my favorite qualities about her.

I said recently, I don't think Isabel could ever have her own room. She has always shared (even in the womb) and I can't imagine her sleeping in a room alone. I'm glad she has a twin and also a sister so close in age to keep her company.

The Present

I love this poem, and just wanted to record it here on the blog so I would have it in a place I can find it.

------


Normal day,

let me be aware of the treasure you are.

Let me learn from you,

love you,

bless you before you depart.

Let me not pass you by

in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.

Let me hold you while I may,

for it may not always be so.

One day I shall dig my nails into the earth,

or bury my face in the pillow,

or stretch myself taut,

or raise my hands to the sky and want,

more than all the world, your return.

~Mary Jean Iron

The Greatest Show on Earth

I took the kids to the Circus a few weeks ago. They loved it - completely mesmerized. Their favorites were cotton candy, the baby elephant, the trapeze, and the motorcycles that drove in the cage.

Summer Days

We have spent a lot of time at the park this summer. The weather has been so fantastic - usually most of July and August is too hot for the park. But this year it has stayed in the 80s and low 90s.

We have one friend from the twins' preschool we meet at the park just about every week, and her Mom took these pictures. I'm glad someone is doing a good job of capturing our summer!

Isabel's First Primary Talk

I wish we could video tape at church. I suppose I could if I really wanted to, but I would feel silly.

Isabel gave her first talk in Primary today (Sunday School for kids). I helped her choose the topic of the Holy Ghost since I felt like that was a topic she knew quite a bit about. I asked her what she knew about the Holy Ghost, and that is what I put in the talk, along with a little bit more I added.

I stood next to her and whispered each sentence and she repeated it nice and clear into the microphone in front of all of the other kids. I don't think words can express how adorable it was, but I still want to record it here so I won't forget.

Here is the text of her talk:

We have been learning about the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost is a spirit.

It can be everywhere.

It can be a million places at once.

The Holy Ghost talks to us quietly.

It helps us to do good.

I have heard the Holy Ghost, he tells me to do what is right.

I am grateful for the Holy Ghost.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.


Afterwards a lady in our Ward told me Isabel was so beautiful, and the talk brought her to tears. That is how I felt too!

Arlo

Almost as long as I've known Ben, he's had Arlo. 16 years ago, he brought him to a high school soccer game as a teeny tiny puppy that could fit into his hands. I remember thinking he was so adorable - and then my own kids fell in love with him many years later. He was the best dog, and we will miss him so much!

Six Years Old!

When I look at Anna these days, she looks so grown up to me. The baby face is gone, and her long hair makes her look older. She wanted a Hello Kitty birthday party. This was her first friend birthday party, and we had five little girls from school, soccer, and church.

Here is a snapshot of Anna at 6 years old:

She loves...Hello Kitty, backpacks, playing Mommy/Baby, swimming, soccer, Polly Pockets, iCarly, making crafts, school, riding her bike, and playing with her brother and sister.

She does not like...to leave the house, to organize her room, to watch "baby" cartoons, or shopping in general.

Her personality...is very motherly, sweet, sensitive, inquisitive, and sometimes dramatic.

She wants to be...a songwriter when she grows up (like Taylor Swift).

4 times 2

I can't believe Adam and Isabel turned four years old. Only one more year and they will go to kindergarten!! I remember when I had them a woman I knew who had twins told me it wouldn't get easier until they were five.

I beg to differ, it has been much easier since they turned about two. The last year has honestly been a breeze. Well, as breezy as having three kids can be. They are still a handful, but I don't feel like the fact that they are twins changes anything at this point. My tune might change when I have two kids turning driving age, or going to college!

Here is a little about them at age 4:

Isabel is...unique, spunky, chatty (is there a stronger word for chatty?), sweet, giving, friendly, outgoing, smart, and social.

Isabel loves...baby dolls, playing with her big sister, coloring, talking, playing dress up, swimming, going to the park, and eating treats.



Adam is... athletic, loving, passionate, friendly, hard-working, independent, artistic, and sometimes rambunctious.

Adam loves...Legos, cars, Zhu Zhu pets, making crafts, riding his bike or scooter, working outside, swimming, running, sports, and reading books.

End of the School Year - Adam and Isabel

Adam and Isabel were Bouncing Bunnies this year. They absolutely loved preschool and often whined on Mon/Wed/Fri that Anna got to go to school but they didn't. As a result, they will go three days per week next year.

Isabel and Mrs. Wilson



Adam and Isabel with Mrs. Jack



Adam and his friend Jared



Celebrating their birthday with the class





I wish I had some pictures of them on the playground. I often arrived early to pick them up and would watch them play. Isabel loved the swings. Adam was always either in the sand box, or giving kids rides on the tricycle.

End of the School Year - Anna

Anna wrapped up her kindergarten year with a performance that included "The World is a Rainbow" and "God Bless America." She loved Mrs. Nuttall and the other picture is with her friend, Chantal.

No More Training Wheels

Ben took Anna's training wheels off about a week ago. She is doing great!

Photogenic

I had pictures taken of the kids recently, and they came out beautifully. I was in a few of them, but Ben was at work. Here are two, and you can view the rest on my friend Jessica's blog, who I've known since her high bar spinning days in elementary school.

200th Sea World Picture

We have been to Sea World quite a few times and posted many pictures, but a few more can't hurt, right? We went with a group from church that got tickets for $6, and we had a lot of fun. I realized the kids have a good grasp on marine life from all of our Sea World trips when we saw the movie "Oceans" a few weeks later. They named every animal in the movie.