JULY

Well the beginning of July was our west side vacation. We had a great time enjoying the sun and family. The kids loved the ocean and staying with Linda in Ocean Shores. Seemed like it was the perfect balance of things to do and relaxing. The kids didn’t get bored once. The 4^th of July was so nice, hanging out at Potlatch with everyone and then at Gramma Sharpes' house. Again it was just a wonderful time.

The kids during July went to our church's vbs; they had a blast. It was Amelia's first year participating in the activities. She did great and had lots of fun. Her and Jacob were part of the Children's Worship Team; which was some kids who got on stage to teach all the other kids the motions to the songs. Amelia was so serious up there trying to keep up with all the motions. I thought she was the cutest of them all. Jacob on the other hand did an amazing, emotional job. His face conveyed the emotions and melodies of the music. With every change of tempo in the song he would sway his body or twist his body to the beat. It was so fun to watch him have such a great time.

At the end of July they all went to another church’s vacation Bible school for a week. I was impressed that Amelia went since she was by herself in the preschool part of the program. She did real good though and had lots of fun. I guess the boys were in separate groups too but they are older and had been to that church before.

We also have been spending lots of time in the water! It certainly has been hot this summer. The kids and I went down to Hermiston Oregon to a family aquatic center down there. It’s a great place with a big pool where the kids can touch almost everywhere, two water slides the kids can go down and its pretty cheap. Both times we went there we spent over 5 hours swimming. Jack was very excited to be able to go down both slides. 

The kids have also started swimming lessons again. Jacob doesn’t really need them but we let him do them one more year. Jack started out like a fish out of water but has improved tons in just the week and half since they have started. Amelia is doing great. She is way ahead of the kids in her class. It’s mostly all her experience in the water that helps her and the boys do well.

Oh another fun thing is we got Amelia a new bike; a little princess one from the Goodwill. She loves everything pink and princesses. She rides it around like a pro and has even mastered starting by herself. It took her to work thru a major fit to get her to do it but she did. She would yell, “This is TOO HARD!” J She liked riding a pedal bike around before but only if we helped her start. Now she can do it herself, she is so cute riding around on her bike.