The Tweedles

As in Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.  Alex has claimed "Dum," in case you were wondering.  Hahaha.  These two will be the death of me this summer.  More than any other sibling pairing, these two can't live with each other and can't live without each other.  The result is a back-and-forth seesaw, from screaming and fighting to playing and BFFing. 

And don't even get me started on their complete lack of usefulness when it comes to things like tidying up or doing chores.  My goal this summer was to really get on Jane's case and "train" her on how to do a whole zone like the big kids.  Since she'll be 6 at the end of the summer, I figured it was about time she started pulling her own weight around here.  Hahahahaha.  And as for Alex, I was going to use the summer to introduce some assignments for him that he'd be able to do on his own as well.  Mostly because I know that the older kids were already responsible for chores when they were the same age as the Tweedles, and they like to remind me all about it.  Hahaha.  I'm clearly not expecting perfection from an almost 6-year-old and almost 4-year-old, but I guess I was expecting something.  Apparently my expectations were way too high, though, because we are still in the same boat we were in at the beginning of the summer -- namely, they make a lot of messes but they don't do a lot of cleaning.

And speaking of messes, their room is an absolute catastrophe.  And while we're speaking about the rooming situation, I'm not sure how well that is going EITHER.  These two are officially the worst sleepers in the house.  Jane has always been a light sleeper and wakes up often in the night, but now Alex is jumping in on that bandwagon, and since they're all in this together, they like to turn the middle of the night into a full-on party in their bedroom from time to time.  Like last night.  I woke up at 3:30 in the morning to the sound of a door slamming shut.  THAT'S never a good thing, so I rushed into the hall to discover light shining under their bedroom door and went in to investigate the cause.  Oh, they were just playing with Mashers on Jane's bed.  Hahaha.  I turned off the light, put Alex back in his bed (crying, of course), and laid down with Jane for a few minutes because she's afraid of everything in the dark and didn't want me to leave, but it wasn't too much longer after I left before Jane ended up in our bed anyway.  When I asked Jane this morning what exactly happened, and who woke up who, she declared that she woke up because Alex was sleeping in her bed and then he woke up and turned on the light and slammed the door, and that's where I entered the scene. 

Seriously, people.  I don't know what to do with these two!  It's a good thing I love them so much and they're so cute, because that's pretty much their only saving grace at 3 in the morning.  Hahaha.  Now, if only I can get them to sleep through the night before a newborn comes on the scene...  :)

My Buddy and Me

So, you remember those commercials from back in the 80's for "My Buddy?"  My buddy, (my buddy), my buddy, (my buddy) -- my buddy and me!!!  Hahahaha.  As I've been mentally preparing this blog post for tonight, I've had that jingle stuck in my head.  Because, you see, this weekend was ALL about my buddy and me.  Alex and I spent a good 48 hours together, all on our own, while Scott took the older kids over to the cousin's house for our nephew Jake's mission farewell.  I had to stay behind to take care of Primary on Sunday {and also because my pregnant self can no longer handle extended road-tripping}, and Alex had to stay behind because there wasn't enough room in Scott's car.  And I can't drive a stick shift, so he couldn't take the van.  AND I figured Scott didn't REALLY want to be on his own to handle all 5 kids while trying to also spend time with his family.  Hahaha.

As a result, it was me and Alex for better or worse for two whole days.  And by better I mean that his love and affection was easily bought through our various outings and purchases.  And by worse I mean that it still wasn't quite enough to compensate for being left behind and out of the fun with the "Aunt Krisitns."  Hahaha. 

Friday evening took us to Meijer's once the big kids were gone, to do some early birthday shopping.  Not only did he add a new Wolverine "Super Hero Masher" to his collection, but he also got a new box of crayons and markers, a batman puzzle, and a little pack of Avengers coloring sheets that were on clearance in the Crayola aisle.  AND he got a pack of starbursts at the check out.  Not too shabby a gig, eh?

Saturday morning I thought he would love starting out our day by going for a walk on my favorite trail and then throwing rocks in the river.  I thought wrong.  Instead, he spent the whole 20 minutes I attempted to walk, whining and complaining about wanting to go home.  Boo.  

After coming home and spending HOURS working on folding and putting away laundry (some of which Alex actually helped with), we went out for a little treat and some more errands.  Because there's nothing like a little Paradise with a side of Target.  At least not for this kid.  Hahaha.

Shark Attack!!

"My buddy (my buddy)...

...my buddy (my buddy) -- 

-- my buddy and me!!!"

I kid you not -- this place is pretty much his favorite destination in the world.  Probably because in his mind Target = new action figures.  DOH!  I've been working VERY hard to undo this damage.  Unfortunately, this weekend he wore me down.  I had a return to make and only needed a couple of things while we were there, but when Alex saw a Spiderman/Rhino action figure combo pack, he turned on the waterworks and milked his abandonment from the cousin expedition, and in the end we worked out a compromise.  I let him get the action figures, but told him it would have to count as one of his birthday presents from the kids. It was a win-win negotiation experience. :)  On the way home, I decided to make him even happier and make my life even easier by stopping at a Sonic drive-thru for dinner.  One wacky pack and green apple slush later and we were on our way home. 

Life is Good

I found him snuggled up like this at bedtime with elephant and his brand new junk.  Hahaha.  Those plastic figurines are just so comfy cozy.

Sunday was our last day on our own, and it went very much like all the rest -- extreme vacillations between excitement and joy while playing with his new toys, and mega-meltdown fits over missing dad and the kids and wanting to go the Aunt Kristins instead.  It was delightful.  Not.  Hahaha.  

This particular meltdown on Sunday occurred because of buyer's remorse for his particular breed of superhero masher -- and it was all my fault he said.  He wanted Electro and apparently I told him he could only choose between Spiderman and Wolverine.  My favorite line in the exchange, though, came from his response when I told him that I had asked him 100 times at the store if he was SURE he wanted Wolverine and not any of the other options (his buyer's remorse happens A LOT).  He paused in his fit to look at me quizzically and ask "What did I say?"  Hahaha.  You told me you WERE sure you crazy little nut!  Hahaha.  Oh Alex.  Another fit occurred over his church outfit -- "Everyone will laugh at me" he said after I put this plaid shirt on him instead of his usual polo.  This kid.  I don't know what I'm going to do with him.  :)

Scott and Jane made it back home on Sunday evening, and even though Alex was disappointed that the big kids had stayed behind at the cousins' house, he sure was happy to have someone else to play with.  He and Jane have been happily playing "house" almost every waking moment since she's been back.  It sure is nice when they just get along.  :)  All in all, it was a memorable (if expensive) weekend.  The summer is winding down and Back to School will be here before we know it.  

The Sporty Spicers

So, in case anyone was wondering, Grace and Sophie are still bosom buddies.  Hahaha.  At least 99% of the time.  The rooming together has not caused as many problems as I was worried it would, and as a whole they've bonded even more.  Oftentimes at the expense of Jane, but that's another story.

{The newest bedroom arrangement.  Grace has taken to sleeping in Alex's toddler bed since we moved him into a twin.  Hahaha.}

In addition to sharing a room, they have also begun sharing an enthusiasm for all things sporty these days.  Aside from kicking off the summer with their Olympic Track Camp, Grace has now also thrown a basketball camp and a volleyball camp into the mix, while Sophie has discovered a latent passion for tennis this past week.   She completed a Skyhawk camp through the local parks and rec department and it was a hit!

 {Grace has taken to storing all her various sports equipment in this basket at the foot of "her bed."}

 First day of tennis.

 Last day of tennis -- giving Coach Fancy Feet a hug goodbye.

I didn't manage to snap any pictures of Grace and her volleyball-ing this week, but Sophie was more than willing to oblige me in a shot or two.  Haha.  In conclusion, not only am I thrilled that the rooming arrangement is working out so swimmingly, I'm also happy to see them enjoy doing things that keep them active, busy, and off of electronic screens.  :)

Car Talk

THIS was my day today...

Or at least that's what it felt like.  The majority of my day was spent behind the wheel, shuffling kids back and forth like it was my job.  Because it kind of is.  Hahaha.  First thing this morning, there was a quick run to the orthodontist to get a rubber band spacer replaced on Sophie before heading to the opposite side of town for her Tennis Camp.  Then there was a trip with the kids to the library -- in another completely different part of town -- for our weekly checkouts, and then BACK to the orthodontist for round 2, where Sophie had an impression made of her mouth.  And to even things out, we finished off the evening by driving Grace across town (in yet another direction) to volleyball camp before heading home for good.  And by that I mean I will NOT be getting back in that car tonight.  :)  Hahaha.  Scott will have to be the one to trek over there to pick Grace up when volleyball is finished.  My ribs are just killing me a little too much.  An early bedtime is sounding AWFULLY nice right about now...  :)

Not a Boy, Not Yet a Man

Hahahaha.  Oh Ethan.  My firstborn in the wilderness.  My attempt at a 12 year old photo shoot for his birthday was short-lived at best.  Son #1 does NOT like to take pictures for me.  Nonetheless, he agreed to pose for a few pictures after church on his first Sunday as a Deacon, wearing his brand-new suit.  He's a rather handsome lad, if I do say so myself.  :)

I didn't get as many quality shots as I would have liked, and I really would have liked a change of venue, but it was hot outside and he was in no mood to travel to my favorite trail to take pictures around the park there.  Perhaps one of these days I'll get him to oblige me.  Until then, you'll just have to enjoy the following...

 Such a classic "Ethan face" right here. 

Slight variation from the first expression, but enough of a difference to show that he's kind of starting to try and give me a good smile. 

 Probably the best of the bunch in terms of "real" smiles.  :)

 And now he's just ready to go inside.

 Like seriously ready to be done.  

And one last shot where I managed to get a slight laugh out of him, before it quickly became a huff and he refused to take any more pictures because he was hot, hungry, and over it.  :)

And...scene.

Ballerinas and Braces

Our little supermuppet is growing up!  Hahaha.  Not only has she FINALLY started those ballet lessons that were promised in her Christmas stocking, she ALSO gets to start Phase One of Orthodontia here this summer.  Yay!!!  Hahahaha.  Well, actually, I think Sophie IS excited about both of these things.  Me?  Not so much on the braces front.  Based on the pamphlets they've given me so far, it looks like a VERY high-maintenance proposition.  Brushing teeth at least 3 times a day??  Flossing every day??? Using a mouth rinse every night as well????  Yes, I know these are all good things, but trying to make sure your 8 year old is doing them on a daily basis along with staying on top of the other 4 kids' dental hygiene habits is stressing me out just thinking about it.  And Grace will be joining her ranks in probably a few short months as well!  Aaaaahhhh.

 Having braces is so much fun!

Oh well!  We've got a cross-bite to fix, so we'll do what we need to do.  At least she's not putting up a fight against it.  :)  On a happier note, her ballet session started 3 weeks ago and she's absolutely loving it!  So that's good. 

I think she may have been a little nervous not knowing anyone in her class, but she covered it up just fine and enjoyed herself nonetheless.  I finally got around to staying and observing this last week and it was kind of adorable to watch a bunch of little ballerinas-in-training as they were learning the ropes.

{This is Sophie telepathically saying, "MOM!!! Stop taking pictures -- you're embarrassing me!!"  Hahaha.}

{Clearly, I didn't listen.}

I only signed her up for a summer session to see how she liked it before committing to anything more, but based on her response thus far, it looks like ballet may be sticking a bit better than gymnastics did.  Hahaha.  Of course, only time will tell.  But as of right now, it looks like I better start finding classes for the fall.  :)

 

{Although, I'm not sure how far her ballerina future will extend based on the fact that she can't point her toes at all.  Like literally -- this is Sophie "pointing her toes."  Do you see that little pinky toe sticking up?  That's all it does.  It doesn't move.  It's like it's missing a joint or something.  And the pinky toes on BOTH feet are exactly the same.  Is this a cause for concern??}

Party Time!

Ethan had a jam-packed week!!  Not only was he at Scout Camp the entire last week, but mere hours after getting home on Saturday, we held his long-overdue "friend" birthday party.  A pool and pizza party was in the works, and THANK GOODNESS the weather cooperated!  I was more than a little worried considering we had rain/thunderstorms almost every day of last week.  But cooperate it did, and Saturday dawned beautiful, sunny, and HOT.  :)

It probably goes without saying, but a 12-year-old-boy's birthday party is a LOT different than an 8-year-old-girl's {or a 5-year-old-girl's, for that matter}.  Hahaha.  There was no need for banners or balloons or streamers this time around, and neither was there a need for planned out "activities" for everyone to do.  In short, it was kind of awesome.  Easily the lowest-stress birthday party we've thrown around these parts.  The only big to-do on MY list was making his requested Rubik's Cube cake. 

Knowing I'd be busy Saturday morning at a baptism, I went ahead and made the cake portion and crumb coat the night the before {then stuck it in the freezer}, and finished the decorating part on Saturday afternoon right before the party started.  It certainly wasn't the execution I had envisioned before hand, but it was recognizable enough for what it was, and we were all good with that!  As for the cake itself, I am huge fan of the cake mix hacks I googled on Friday night.  Hahaha.  To make it taste better than your standard box mix, I combined a Betty Crocker brand Devil's Food cake with a Pillsbury brand box, replaced the oil with melted butter and the water with whole milk, and added an extra egg.  I have to say that it was REALLY good.  Of course, you can never go wrong with homemade buttercream frosting to top things off, but still.  I was sufficiently impressed with the results, that I think I'll go this route EVERY time.  :)

We started the party at our house, and while waiting for everyone to arrive Ethan pulled out our party pack of Tenzi and let the games begin.  Scott took all our other kids {minus Alex, who couldn't be pulled away from the idea of cake} to the pool to get them out of the way, and once all the guests had arrived we were able to have cake and ice cream and presents in peace.  Although I will say for the record that 12 year old boy presents are boring!  Hahaha.  Nothing but money and gift cards, with one solitary ACTUAL present -- a cool 3-D puzzle thing, but of course, Ethan was MORE than happy with all of that.  :)  

 The Crew 

{minus one who wasn't able to join us until we were at the pool}

 

 Everyone wanted a piece of the cube.  :)

After the cake was eaten, we walked on down to the pool and the boys did their thing while I ordered pizza,  played photographer, and tried to keep from melting in the heat.  Haha.  Scott was a sport and stayed in the pool keeping the rest of our crew happy and away from the party-goers, and all in all, I'd say the pool party was a hit!!  Minimal effort on my part plus happy campers on their part? Yes please!  Hahahaha.  Too bad ALL of my kids don't have summer birthdays.  :)

The other added bonus was that all that swimming wore the kids out and we enjoyed a relatively painless transition at bedtime for all parties involved.  Winning!  Hahaha.  Now if you'll just stay tuned to see if I can convince Ethan to do a guest post recapping his Scout Camp experience...  :)