Summer Chronicles

Last summer the kids and I were running around like crazy, exploring everything there was to do in our new home.  By the end of summer, I was so exhausted that I totally felt like I was playing catch up for the first half of the school year.  I vowed that this summer we would maintain a more calm, relaxing pace.  However, I've come to realize, that with four children, "calm" and "relaxing" are relative terms.  We are currently 3 weeks into the summer and it breaks down as follows:

Unscheduled creativity and play

At one of our excursions to the beach, the wind totally trashed our beach umbrella.  Aly pulled it out of the trash to ask if she could use the fabric (to make stuff for her American Girl dolls or something).  Next thing I know, Aly's wearing it as a skirt and talking about wearing it to church on Sunday (she was serious).  I didn't allow that, but she has been wearing the strap as an ankle bracelet for a couple weeks.


One day after the girls had gotten some bubbles at their swimming lessons' carnival, we had an impromptu bubble party on the driveway.  Aly was creating the bubbles by spinning and dancing.  Analise was blowing on big bubbles to make one bubble split into multiple smaller bubbles (pretty cool).  And Kate and Kylie were chasing and popping the bubbles with another carnival prize: ping pong paddles.


 We've had a few good rainstorms over here and the girls have loved getting out their rain boots to stomp in the puddles and make forts out of all the umbrellas we own.

Official Appointments

Here is a picture of Kate at her kindergarten screening.  Doesn't she look so excited?!?  It looked to me like she aced everything except how to hold the scissors. :)  I've also taken Analise and Aly to get their eyes checked - Lise has 20/20 vision :), and Aly's eyes are getting better.  Hooray.  Also, Analise met with the county psychologist to take an IQ test and she has been accepted into the Gifted Program!! I'm very excited for her (and a little nervous). :)

Unexpected Chaos

As much fun as we had in all that rain, it left us a little present we didn't necessarily appreciate - a leak in our roof.  (I take that as our token thing to go wrong when Chris is out of town, although the battery in the car died as well, so I guess we had two things this time.)  Luckily it wasn't a large leak, although it still cost a pretty penny to get it fixed.

Swimming Lessons

So you know your kids are in swimming lessons when they ask to wear goggles in the bathtub.  This picture cracks me up.  Having three of my girls in swimming lessons at one time (and yet at different times, because they're at different swimming levels) kind of took over my life.  Especially since Kate is having to make up swim lessons in another session because she was sick for half of hers (just with a fever, not with the before mentioned throw up, which was NOT the flu.)

But they learned a lot and would always sleep so well at night after having swam their little hearts out.  Here is a picture of the kids having a floating on your back contest to see who could last the longest.  This went on for quite a while.  And Kylie wanted to be a part of things so bad.  I would bring her in her suit a couple of times and hang out in the hot tub with her while the girls had their lessons.  She loved to kick and would pretend to blow bubbles in the water just like she saw her older sisters doing.  She never wants to be left out of anything!

Potty Training

Okay, so I was so NOT going to do potty training until the next school year was started and it was just Kylie and I at home.  But then Kylie started telling me when she need to go to the bathroom and exhibiting all the signs and I got worried I was going to miss my window and so I thought, "okay, sure, why not?  If she's ready to go for it, let's go for it."  So on the last day of school I did the whole "potty training in a day" thing with training the doll and all that.  Kylie loved all of it - training the doll, eating snacks all day, getting stories read to her on the toilet, flushing and getting treats.  The only thing she didn't seem to grasp was the "not going potty in your panties" part.  But then Aly came home and suggested we let her go naked and  - Viola! - she's suddenly doing great.  Over the next couple of weeks we plowed on amidst the flu going through various members of the family.  Kylie got diarrhea really bad and was still doing awesome on the potty training - as long as she was naked.  But you can't just take your kid naked everywhere, ya know?  And it started turning into me getting potty trained, as in, if I didn't run to the bathroom with her right when she said "I potty" then she'd have an accident, or she'd say "I potty" as she's having the accident.  Plus whenever I'd ask her to go to the bathroom because it had been awhile she'd say, "No, I good, I good." (No, I'm good) and throw a temper tantrum if I'd try to make her go.  She loved asking other people in the family if they needed to go to the bathroom, however.  I think it's pretty much come down to the fact that she really isn't coordinated enough to pull up and down her own panties or wipe yet - I mean she's not even two - which is why I ended up being trained rather than her becoming independent.  So we're kind of not stressing about that anymore because I don't want to be on pins and needles about accidents all summer, and then we'll revisit it when school starts, like I was originally planning in the first place! 

I also wanted to mention some cute things that Kylie is doing these days. . .
*She has started singing songs around the house that she has been learning in nursery.  "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam" are her favorites.  (She just sings "bitsy bider" and "sun-beam!")
*She likes to have me rock her in the rocking chair when she drinks her sippy cup of  milk in the morning.
*She finally likes to sit in your lap and be read to.
*Her favorite movies and shows are Dora, Phineas and Ferb (A Ferb!), Ariel, Cars, and Finding Nemo
*Some of her favorite phrases are "love you", "see you later", "I turn" (my turn), "let go me", "stop it", "a corner" (trying to put her sisters in time out), "pease I have it", and "no fine her" (go find her - whatever she's looking for and wants me to find for her)

Fun With Friends

And somehow, on top of everything else, we've managed to squeeze in some much needed fun time with friends.  These are a couple of pictures taken at the splash pad on post and the playground across the way where we went with a fun family in our ward.  We also went to the beach one day and it happened to be the day they were letting the kids use the paddle boards and go on pontoon boat rides for free!  We hosted a "Movie at the O'Gwin's" one day and had a great turnout for our showing of "Kung Fu Panda 2" while all the mom's chatted.  We've also been to a swimming party at a friend's house and had  dinner/movie nights with various friends.  There is much to be celebrated in the summer, that's for sure!!

12 Year Anniversary

Chris and I wanted to do some sort of couple's getaway before the upcoming deployment, and with our 12 year anniversary on the horizon, it was the perfect opportunity.  My mom and sister came out to visit the girls and off we went!  Destination?  Orlando!

This trip was a perfect getaway.  This is the view from our room - awesome!  The pool was a huge lazy river that we swam in one night (and rescued a frog from!).  We were talking about how jealous the kids would be if they knew we were swimming in that pool without them and Chris said how funny it was that even though we had been looking forward to escaping the kids so bad, we talked about them all the time and how much they would have liked this, that, or the other.  But no worries, we were still glad to just be the two of us.  It was more fun and relaxing to talk about the kids and remember them fondly, than it would have been to actually have them there with us, ya know?

The first day was by far my favorite day.  After our daily dose of IHOP, we headed to the Orlando temple and did sealings - a perfect way to celebrate your anniversary.  Then we went to see the Broadway Play of "The Lion King."  Holy Awesome!  The costumes and sets were amazing and the spiritual symbolism flowed perfectly from the temple. After dinner we explored the outside of our Hotel for a bit.  Here's a picture of Chris by part of the lazy river.  There's a waterfall in the background, but it's kind of hard to see.

The next day we hit Universal Studios.  There was a lot of fun things to see and do there, although I felt like such an old person needing to take the dramamine so I could handle the roller coasters.  Here's me immitating a hieroglyph while we're waiting in line for The Mummy ride.

We were able to see the awesome Harry Potter stuff they recreated, Hogsmead, etc.  Here's a picture with Chris in front of the Hogwarts castle. 

Seuss Landing was also cool to look at - we would have spent a lot more time there if the kids had been with us. Instead we just picked up a souvenier for them, took a couple pictures and moved on.

 For some odd reason, the park closed at like 6 pm.  However, this turned out to be a huge blessing in disguise, because just outside of the park was a huge movie theater.  So we walked right on over and caught the 6:30 showing of "The Avengers."  Nice way to get out of the heat and off our feet.

For our final day we went back to the temple to do an endowment session - totally awesome.  Then we did some shopping, took a nap, then went out to eat at this really cool Brazilian Restaurant where they bring out all these meats for you to try and cut pieces off for you.  Plus there's rolls and a salad bar and all that - awesome Limeaid and Guanana, as well.  It was a fun experience.  Sunday morning we went to church in the morning and then headed back home.  And when we got home Chris had these beautiful flowers delivered on our actual anniversary.  Can I just say I have an awesome husband!?!  I had such a good time with my hubby-bubby - it makes me want to have a whole lot more anniversaries to celebrate!

**And here's a shout out to my Mom and Jess for making it possible for us to go.  It was so good to see you guys and the trip to Good Will will go down in history as a classic memory to be shared in years to come! Thanks guys!  **

Family Day at the Beach & Other Beach Adventures

You know, before we moved to Florida, I didn't consider myself a beach-type person.  But I have to say that since we've moved here, it's grown on me.  Maybe it's because we can just jump in the car and be there in 20 minutes, hang at the beach for an hour or two, and leave while everyone is still happy.  There is still the huge nasty sand mess to clean up when we leave, but it's worth it.  We had one of those perfect beach days as a family a few weeks ago.  It was awesome.

First of all, the waves were semi big enough to do some boogie boarding, it wasn't too hot, and there was a great wind to keep you cool and to fly kites in.  Kylie spent most of her time digging in the sand while I sat in my beach chair with her. Very nice and relaxing.   She and I also had some fun "jumping the waves."  Aly and Lise rode the waves for awhile (Aly never came to shore until we told her it was time to go.)

Chris floated around between all the kids - boogie boarding with Aly & Lise and helping Kate fly her kite.  That kite was awesome - I loved that Kate could fly it by herself.  We also got out our trick kite for awhile as well.  Oh wait, I think Aly did get out to do the trick kite for awhile.  I said to Chris, "Hey, after being around a bunch of guys in the army all the time, isn't it nice to hang out with the ladies?"  His response?  "Yes, yes it is."  We like hanging out with him too.

 Another cool thing while we were there was we saw a shark egg pod floating in the water (it was empty - wish I would have gotten a picture!)

Since it wasn't very hot, there was much sand digging to be done. Kate buried herself (and Kylie helped).  Lise also dug this awesome tunnel in the sand - muy impressivo!

In addition, we also spent an awesome day at the beach with a bunch of families from the ward on Memorial Day.  It was hot, hot, hot this day, but the water felt great, and there were popcicles and friends.  What more could you ask for?

We actually had a great Memorial Day weekend overall.  Our family went tubing down Turkey Creek, which was really relaxing and refreshing.  A few weeks prior, Chris had gone deep sea fishing with some Army buddies.  He grilled up some of the Triggerfish he'd caught for the family to try and it was super yummy!!  (Even the kids liked it!!)  We also had a fun pool party/BBQ with some friends.  Fun, fun, fun! 

On Memorial Day when we're honoring those who have served our country, sometimes it's weird for me to remember that I have one of those in my own household because we're in the middle of living it, ya know?  I'm so grateful for all that Chris does to defend our country, but on this day, I was especially grateful that we were able to honor all those who have served by being together and enjoying some of those freedoms that they sacrifice so much to protect.

The Last 8 Weeks - Stacy

So, what have I been up to for the past 8 weeks?  Well, obviously I've been doing all the things I've been blogging about everyone else doing, because I was the one behind the camera taking all the pictures! :)  There are, however, a few other things I've been doing, so let me tell you about them . . .

I was able to spend a day on the beach with friends - almost without children! (and it was a little cold so Kylie was content to just sit on my lap).  It was rather nice teo be able to just relax on the beach chit chatting with the ladies.

Here we are admiring the fountain in the courtyard outside Aly's orthodontist.  This is to represent all the appointments I take my children to . . . moving on . . .

The grocery store is also where I spend a good portion of my time. This was one of like 5 times when I have gotten one of the "cool" grocery carts because we didn't need to get too much.  You would have thought the kids were in heaven, and we had to keep rotating who would sit where.  Also, as you can see, we sort of invented seats in this rocket cart that weren't really there.

The next few pictures are to represent the craziness that is known as our family meal time.  You never know what you're going to hear (this is where the majority of the quotes of the week come from) or see at the dinner table.  One day Aly had gotten this pair of crazy glasses at school, so everyone had to take a turn trying them on while we were eating dinner.  Unfortunately Chris was not home to get an awesome picture of him in said glasses.  Maybe later. . . .

Oh, and I'd just like to point out that my finger is touching my nostril, not in my nostril.  Thanks.

For Mother's Day the kiddos made me a bunch of awesome cards and art projects.  Totally loved it.

And here's a lovely picture of me getting an oatmeal facial from my daughter.   I think this "facial" expression accurately displays the slight amount of craziness I need to maintain my sanity with four daughters.  But I wouldn't trade it for anything!

The Last 8 Weeks - Chris

So, one of the things I loved most about Chris in April and May was that HE WAS AROUND!!  It was fabulous to get to actually see my husband (sometimes coherent) and have him engaged with the family and all our activities and craziness.  He took me on a couple of lunch dates, we read a little bit of our book, and we also enjoyed just chillin' on the couch watching Once Upon A Time while folding laundry or laughing at Psych with smoothies or a huge bowl of cereal!  Oh yeah, when Chris came to the couch with that bowl of cereal I had to get a picture.  Love it.

Here's a picture of Chris with a mother duck and her ducklings we found waddling around Universal Studios (more on that later).  I so love hanging out with that man.

As you can see, the girls also love hanging out with him, whether hiding in the pillows or wrestling, everybody's got to be near Dad when he comes home.

Chris also made a huge effort to attend as many of the end of the year activities for the girls as he could.  It meant so much to Analise and Aly when Chris came to their plays, field days, and Evening of the Arts. 

I also love Chris' playfullness and that he will actually play with our children.  Here's the lego tower he made as tall as himself.  The other girls had made towers as tall as them, but obviously his took the cake.

Since Chris was going to be gone over Father's Day, we celebrated early.  We surprised him with a bunch of Nerf Guns so we could have an all out war!  It was awesome - everybody against everybody with Kylie just running around like a mad woman squealing.  So, so much fun - we were finding darts for days afterward.  We'll definitely need to have repeat when Daddy gets home.

And probably the biggest event for Chris over the past two months (and probably year) was his Change of Command ceremony.  Being a Company Commander was a lot of work, but it was good to see Chris enjoying what he was doing - totally in his element.  He was always looking out for his soldiers, regardless of politics or personal sacrifice.  He referred to this time as his most enjoyable in the Army thus far, and I know he served well.

This is a picture of all the Commanders of Charlie Company in succession from Right to Left.  The guy on the far right is Chris' current Battalion Commander, which is kind of neat.  Chris will be working with all of these guys (except maybe the guy 2nd from the right) as the S3 in his upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.  It's good to know that Chris will be working with a good group of guys and I know his personal strengths will benefit the Battalion greatly as well.

So, recently Chris shared with me one of his favorite quotes from Tolkien:

War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory.  I love only that which they defend.

I absolutely love this quote because it encompasses so well who Chris is and what he stands for.  It reminds me of the scripture found in Alma 60:36, "I seek not for power, but to pull it down.  I seek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God, an the freedom and welfare of my country."   I love Chris for who he is and what he stands for.  I love that I can support someone who will give of himself so selflessly and wholeheartedly to a cause worth fighting for: our freedoms, our families, and the privilege of worshiping the almight God.  Yes, I am married to my own personal Captain Moroni. 

The Last 8 Weeks - Aly

First of all I'd like to start off with a couple of quotes of the week from Aly:
Kate (commenting on some lady in our ward) - She's not a grandma, her hair isn't even white.
Aly - Our grandmas don't have white hair.  Our grandmas have gray and highlights.

Analise - Who knows what a compound word is?
Kate - Cupcake
Aly - Shoulder
Lise - Shoulder isn't a compound word.
Aly - Yeah, it has "shawl" and "der".
Lise - It doesn't say "shawl", and "der" isn't even a word.
Aly - DER!  See?  I just used it in a sentence.

So we finished up the soccer season and Aly is HOOKED.  She loved every second of it and would have practiced every day if she could.  I would say her team deserved the "most improved award" over the course of the season.  They learned so much and really came together as a team over the course of the season.  It was fun to go watch her play as well.  They ended the season with a festival with hotdogs and bounce houses - the whole 9 yards.  Good times, good times.

We attended lots of Aly's school activities which were awesome as well.  Here is one of her art displays at "The Evening of the Arts."  Excellent work!

Here's Aly with her 4th Grade Teacher.  She loved being a Stuart Stingray!

Aly was the #3 runner in Mile Club for the entire 4th Grade this year - Go Aly!  She got a medal for it and everything.  At field day she did a great job displaying her athletic ablities.  Here she is in the spider leg race and below her class won the tug of war for the entire 4th grade.  The pulled their guts out!

Aly had a couple of fun field trips at the end of the year as well.  I was able to go with her class to their tour of the hospital.  The 4th grade also went on an all day (and I mean all day - from 5 am to 5 pm) field trip to Tallahassee to see the courthouse, the capital, and the Mission San Luis.

The 4th Grade also put on a play called "Top 40" which showcased top 40 music hits over the decades.  The kids did a great job and the costumes were a hoot.  Aly would always be like, "how do you know that song?" when I'd start singing along to the songs she was learning at school.  Too funny.  She got the solo for "Lean on Me" and was the best act out there (in my opinion, of course.)

Aly also decided to make a bold move at the end of the year - to cut off her beautiful long hair and donate it to "Locks of Love". This helped to blend in her bangs that she's been growing out and makes her look much older - what happened to my little girl?  One majore bonus is that now that Aly has cut her hair, she's begun doing her own hair most days, which has been nice.

And finally for Aly, she and I were able to go to a Mother/Daughter Spa night and give each other facials, manicures, and pedicures.  It was fun to go with her - although Aly ditched me for her friends pretty early on.  But I'm glad she likes activity days so much and that she has a good group of friends in there.  Plus, I just started talking to my own friends when she left me, so it was all good. :) (Oh, and p.s. doesn't it look so awesome like we color coordinated for this picture which we so did not! ha, ha.)