Enjoying the Last Few Weeks of Summer

The last couple weeks of summer seemed to drag a bit, maybe it was the lack of a/c, the desire for some routine, or just that we needed some new people in our lives for a few hours a day.  Even though we were all feeling a little antsy, we tried to make those last weeks count!

We hit up the pool, watched Dora the Explorer in the theater, played with Quinn (next door), did some crafts and played outside when the weather was cool-ish.  My attempts to paint the sun room were unsuccessful, but my summer goal of teaching Indie her letter sounds was a success.

The girls looked spiffy in their back to school outfits and we have almost adjusted to early mornings and busy schedules.  Cora is in 2nd grade with Mrs. Lipps, Eden has Mr. R and is really enjoying his laid-back teaching style.  Milan started junior high this year and lucked out with being in the same core as her BFF, Rosie.  She is also doing cross country, soccer, and girl scouts so she's extra busy!  Indie started preschool after Labor Day and I can already tell that her classroom behaviors have really improved this year.  I'm even thinking of requesting a change in placement to the neighborhood school so that she will be with more typically developing peers. 

Green River Lakes

I always love hanging out with this fella so we enlisted Megan's help, grabbed some haphazard camping gear and headed for Green River Lakes.  We did wish we had packed more warm-weather gear for camping, but loved Anong's Buffet, Farson Ice Cream, hiking for miles and miles without any whining, fishing, reading, and then rowing all the way back when the canoe motor decided it was done.  Such a great time of relaxation and connection and I can't wait to do it again.  

Cheyenne Frontier Days

We partied it up for Cheyenne Frontier Days this year!  Milan was most excited for helping with the pancake breakfast and ushering so I woke up at 5 am IN THE SUMMER and dropped her off.  I must really like her or something.  We also hit up the parade (it was great and Indie loved waving at everyone), the rodeo (I still have PTSD from chasing Indie around the stands), and pancake breakfast until we were CFD'd out.  

Addi's Suprise Par-tay

Milan has a great group of friends; her besties are Addi and Rosie.  Addi had a birthday in July and has never had a birthday party so the other girls really wanted to surprise her with a celebration.  We hosted at our house so the girls decorated while I ran to town to grab Addi and she was truly surprised when they screamed at her the minute she opened the door.  There weren't too many organized activities, but we fed them, they attempted homemade ice cream, rode around the property and posed for lots of pictures.  Addi kept saying this was her best birthday ever and I am so proud of these girls and their big hearts. 

More Quality Time

The best part about our Oregon Coast trip was spending time with family!  We got to stay with Bill and Luell, where Eden and Cora alternated sleeping with grandma.  Grandma and grandpa went out of their was to babysit while I was hanging out with friends and show the girls a good time with crafts and shopping, their favorite activities.  We also got to see grandpa Bob, grandma Ruthanne, Chip and Andrea, and of course the Torlands.  We are so grateful for everyone that hosted our crazy show and went out of their way to make us feel loved.  

That Time I Tried To Take One Nice Picture of My Girls

One day I decided to try for one, just one, picture of my girls enjoying the beach.  We arrived at a beautiful location looking ready for the day, but nobody was interested in my picture dreams.  Fast forward a few hours later, we decided to go hiking at Cape Perpetua, hoping to get a glimpse of the blow hole, when Indie threw a rock at a stranger's head.  The stranger was surprised and ticked off, yelling obscenities across the beach.  We quickly apologized and walked away, hoping to avoid a lawsuit.  It was not my dream morning, that's for sure.

We ended up making amends with the screaming stranger and all was well.  Drove to Newport for lunch at Artic Circle and spent the afternoon at Seal Rock Beach, where the rocks block the wind and the girls played together for hours.  It ended up being an amazing day and I even found all these pictures of my girls that I LOVE.