July...crap it's practically over!

I am so behind on blogging. I used to at least read other blogs at the end of the night, and then (try) to blog once a week, or at least every other. I've also noticed a lot of the other blogs I read have not been posting as much. I've concluded that it must be because most of us have more than one child by now! But, I still like blogging. I like putting down my memories in words and pictures, and I love looking back at my own blog and reminiscing. I also like when people unexpectedly tell me they read my blog, so thank-you! I can't believe July is basically over!  I just want summer to last forever, or at least the warm weather. (Even though it has actually been really cool out for this time of year.)

I started to blog last week, but it was a little hard because my grandpa has been in the hospital, and we have all been worried about him. He is still in the hospital, but he is improving, and he is out of the ICU. It has been hard on the whole family, but especially my grandma. Please send positive thoughts their way!

This week was kind of the kick-off of what will be a full 6 weeks of celebrations, we have parties/weddings every weekend from here to the end of August. We were at a wedding last night, which was really fun. We celebrated Rays 33rd b-day two weeks ago, and had a really good time. We had a nice night away overnight, celebrated with the family, and went to a few really nice dinners.

I've been working a little bit, and now I am preparing for a new job that I will start in August. I am going to be teaching at the community college in our area. I taught there at night before I had Kenley, and I always thought it was the perfect part-time job. I always hoped that maybe there would be a chance of me going back there sometime, and I contacted the department chair a few months ago, and the timing was perfect! I also just found out this week that I may be teaching 2classes instead of just one. I think this could be the perfect opportunity for me to work on a more flexible basis, much closer to home, but still mostly be home with the kids.

 

Can't believe July is almost over. It hasn't even been that hot! Even though most people like this weather, I would prefer it to be a little warmer. It's only been in the 70's so many days, which makes me nervous that it might get cold out early this year. I just want to hang on to these days of the warmest weather for as long as possible! We are also trying to plan a long weekend to take the kids somewhere on vacation. It will be our first family vacation of 4!  We also started planning Charlie's 1st birthday party. I truly can't believe he's almost 1, and I'll probably cry about it.

Luckily, I will have a lot of other babies to snuggle on this year. My friend, Cheryl, just had a little girl 2 weeks ago, who I can't wait to meet. My friend, Melissa, is due next week with her 3rd child, her first girl. And, my sister will be giving me another niece in November. It's going to be a fun time with all these new babies. Charlie is going to be surrounded by lots of women in his life!

Never a dull moment

Our family has grown over the past few weeks. We got a new puppy, Archie! He's a Havanese , and he looks like a little stuffed animal! Ray has been wanting another dog for a while, and I knew it was probably only so long that I could make him hold out. I reluctantly let him talk me into going, "just to look" of course, and hours later we were home with Archie. It wasn't quite the dog Ray originally wanted to look at, but he saw how much Kenley and I seemed to like this puppy, and his little face is pretty irresistible, even for a guy who wanted a bulldog. He's been really good with the kids so far, and Kenley treats him like her little baby. He (mostly) seems ok with being held wrapped up in a blanket by her, and him and Charlie seem to enjoy playing together with the same toys.

We had a great 4th of July weekend. Friday night we did a 2mile run in our community with the kids and Archie in the jogging stroller. I was really proud of Ray because this was his first ever race, and it's been nice for us to do it together. Kenley also got to do a kids dash at the end too, which was fun to watch. On the 4th we went to my sister's in-laws house and hung out outside, went swimming, ate lots of food, and Ray and Greg ended the night with a huge firework show for everyone. On the 5th, we went to my Aunt and Uncle's lake house for the day where we spent the day again swimming, eating, being outside, and Kenley got to fish for the second time with my dad. We were pretty exhausted today after 3 very
busy days, so we stayed home and put the kids to bed early!

The past 2 weeks Kenley had Sportscamp where she learned soccer and basketball skills, and Frozen dance camp, where she learned dances to all the songs from Frozen. She had so much fun at both, and she did a great job listening and participating. This week she starts swim lessons and gymnastics. I am also taking Charlie to the mommy & me swim class. So, as usual, we are staying busy! It's been a great summer so far, and I'm so happy there is a lot more of it left!