Jacob

Jacob bought some front and back bike lights. He used his own money that he has been saving. Dad and him put the lights on his bike and then him and I tried them out on a night bike ride. The bike ride he was jabbering on about the lights. Half the time I couldn't even hear him because he was riding ahead of me but that didn't matter. He told me, "The lights cost 14 dollars, 16 with tax. Have to remember the tax."
I told Jacob as it gets darker sooner we will have to go on more bike rides in the dark. He really liked that idea.

Amelia

Amelia has continued to be a good sleeper. Despite wanting to crawl into bed with us constantly, she is great at sleeping in. During summer her bedtime has been extended to 8:00 with the boys. I remember that when Jacob and Jack use to stay up late they would still get up early but not Amelia she has been sleeping into 8:30ish, even 9:00 sometimes. I have to say I love having a sleeping buddy in the morning.
Now come school time her bedtime will have to be pushed back to 7:00 so that I will be able to get her up for school but for now she can enjoy the summer sleep-in.

Baseball Game

We went to the Dust Devil's baseball game last night. We have tried before without much success but last night was different. It wasn't so packed so the kids could move around a bit, stand up, dance if they wanted too. We also went with the church as a group so they had friends to play with. Additionally it was also dollar hot dog, drink and chip night so each kid got to have a snack.
On top of all that during the 6th inning kids are invited to run threw the outfield; one gate to another. We have never stayed that long so the kids didn't know about it, but Katelyn, one of their regular babysitters, told them all about it. The boys, her, me, Amelia and another kid, Parker, ran as fast as we could threw the outfield. I ran with Amelia; she was so delighted to be running. She didn't stop once. Once Jacob hit the field I could see his whole face light up with excitement. With the adrenaline kicked in he swept across the field. I lost track of Jack because he was running with Katelyn and Parker but he said he had a great time. When it was time to go none of the kids wanted to leave. I guess it means that we will have to go to more Dust Devil games.

Amelia

Amelia has been sneaking into our bed at night for a while now. It's a constant battle for room and the right sleeping temperature when she is in the bed. The last couple of mornings though we have not only woke up to Amelia in the bed but her baby doll as well! It's a losing battle when the baby has now made camp.

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.