Reality always hits me in the face once July rolls around.  Our no schedule, constant playing days start to take their toll.  Then those 100 degree days hit and I start to get slightly overwhelmed, so we slow down our summer pace a bit.  

We had a perfect, lazy 4th weekend.  And it helped that Paul had a 4 day weekend to go along with it.  

We took the kids to Nickel City

BYU for bowling and the book store. 

The only 2 pictures I got from our firework show.  


And the kids were old enough to make their own 4th of July cake this year!  It turned out pretty good and was covered with lots more sprinkles than were on it when I was in charge, which made for 4 happy kids.  

I start actually putting this girl down for a nap a few times a week.  

There’s a little more video games.

More time spent hanging around the neighborhood





Some of my favorite July Neighborhood moments:

Ruby’s reunion with Izella after not seeing each other for 2 weeks. 

Crew and Madden running across the grass to each other, also after not seeing each other for a few weeks. :) 

Adults vs Kids Sunday night kickball game.

And Crew discovering the awesomeness that is tank tops. 


July also means we spend more time in our Air Conditioned house.  


Miles came into the bathroom while I was getting ready to show me this burnt toast he made and told me I should take a picture and send it to my friends.  
So, there you go.  You are welcome.  

I still present bad decision making skills, like when I let Macey and Tajen make a Lemon Merigune Pie from her Harry Potter cookbook. 


I’ve never even attempted a recipe that complicated. 


Luckily it turned out better than I expected.  

It’s not like we stop playing, I just actually make sure chores get done, water is being drunk, and vegetables are being consumed. 

Still lots of pool days.


And some pond days, but not as many cause it’s just too dang hot. 

The heat also means the kids get to stay up late so we can actually enjoy the outdoors without melting.  

And we started having Mom Hikes at night.  Best. Idea. Ever. 

I took my first solo hiking trip with the kids.  

It wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated. 


Other exciting July Happenings:

Macey got her braces off

it was perfect timing, the day before we left for Washington.  She had big dreams of eating any candy her heart desired.  

and 

Miles gave his first talk ever in primary (not first talk attempted, just first one completed in full).

Not pictured, Miles hiding behind the podium with Paul holding the microphone while he actually gave his talk.  Then he hopped up, put the microphone back in the holder and walked back to his seat. :)