Quick 5

Another two weeks of summer fun in the books.

1. The Super Summer Challenge is going well. Or at least okay. The girls like earning the money and spending the money, although there is much more money to be earned each day, if only they had the gumption. Alaina likes buying a can of pop to have with lunch. Joya likes having her nails painted (are you so surprised?)

2. Alaina's birthday was filled with fun. It started out with a special birthday breakfast of Toaster Strudels. That is a real treat around here. A real treat for me and Lee, that is. Alaina was barely impressed, which just baffled her parents. Have we gone wrong with this child?

3. Then we all went to one of my favorite childhood places, Adventure Golf up in Westminster. Grammy's work was having a staff appreciation there and we were all invited. Gramma and Grampa Kimble came into town and met us there. along with Aunt Jamie and Naomi, Oliver and Ellie, Grandad and a surprise visit by Apple Ben. We ate lunch, we had cake (to celebrate both Alaina and Naomi), we golfed, we had ice cream, we played on the bumper cars. It was an extreme fun day.

4. Having Gramma and Grampa here was non-stop fun. We took them to our favorite river to throw rocks. It was warm and beautiful.

5. We went to our church family hike on Saturday. It was at an amazing state park called Castlewood Canyon. It was so pretty. But I took exactly ZERO pictures. Alaina hiked with her BFF, Lee and Joya went a long way, and Gramma, Grampa and I followed Bria on a shorter, but kind of intense climb. It'll have to just be a memory. We came home and everyone took naps. Then we got out the sprinkler and let the girls have fun.

 We loved having Gramma and Grampa here.

And now we all need naps. On to celebrating Lee's birthday!

Happy 8th Birthday, Alaina!!

I always knew this day would come. The day when all traces of your early years disappeared, and your life started to be marked by what you can do, rather than what you can't. You are 8 today, and you are the coolest 8 year old I know. You really rocked 2nd grade, doing well in the school part and the friend part. You catch on so quickly to every new thing we teach you to do. Cleaning bathrooms, doing dishes, watering plants, reading to your sisters...you are such a big help to me. Your sisters love you and missed you so much while you were at school. We're all so glad to have you home for the summer.

I pray that you fully understand that you were made in God's image, and that He has plan to prosper you, and not harm you. I pray that you will delight yourself in the Lord, because if you do, He has promised to give you the desires of your heart. I pray you will always trust the Lord to provide for your needs. I pray you will grow in goodness, compassion, brotherly kindness and love toward everyone you meet.

I really like who you are turning out to be.

We love you!

Love,
Mom, Dad, Joya & Bria

Alaina - Age 8

Favorite Color - Black

Favorite Toy - My flying squirrel

Favorite Fruit - Mango

Favorite TV Show - Odd Squad

Favorite Thing to Eat For Lunch -Ramen

Favorite Outfit - My ninja costume

Favorite Game - Limbo

Favorite Snack - Fruit snacks

Favorite Animal - Horse

Favorite Song - The Captain Underpants song

Favorite Book - Tom Gates

Best Friend - Avery

Favorite Cereal - Lucky Charms

Favorite Thing to Do Outside - Run and fly my kite

Favorite Drink- White grape juice

Favorite Holiday - My birthday

Favorite Bed Buddy - Squirrley

Favorite Thing to Eat for Breakfast - Toast with Cookie Butter

What do you want for your birthday dinner? Ramen

What do you want to be when you grow up? A comics writer

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Quick 5

It always takes a few days to settle into the rhythm of summer.

1. We kicked off summer last Friday with popsicles with friends. Once a month we do a babysitting swap with some friends from church, and this month was ours to host. So five little blonde girls got to have dinner, eat popsicles and play outside together. Basically it was a cuteness overload.

2. The start of summer means the start of our Super Summer Challenge. There's a whole book about it if you're interested, but basically it is chores and challenges for points and prizes. We've changed points into dollars (play dollars) which the girls can then spend in my store. We started the challenge on Monday, and Alaina earned $50.00 this week, and Joya earned $30.00. Bria doesn't care. The girls have plans for how they want to spend this money, but I'll see how that plays out and fill you in next week.

3. One of Alaina's new challenges/chores is doing the dishes after dinner. I'll clear and put the food away, Alaina has learned how to load the dishwasher and wash the dishes, and Joya dries and puts the dishes away. This is a glorious plan. Yes, this is the first week, but Alaina still is really excited about this new responsibility.

4. Another one of Alaina's new challenges is learning how to cook. This week she made us english muffin pizzas for lunch. She used the oven and everything. (Side note: if you have any recipes that are easy for kids to make, I'd love to hear them!)

 5. Joya's been a true helper by picking up the living room and her bedroom each day. She wanted me to show you this picture of the fruits of her labor:

Bags filled with who-knows-what, removed from her room

And Bria? She's been spending her days enjoying a new magazine from Gramma and Grampa Kimble.

Boom. Week one of summer in the books.

Happy 2nd birthday to my nephew Elisha! We'll see you in a couple of months, buddy!