Kyle found a book this summer on positive parenting solutions called "If I Have to Tell You One More Time." I haven't finished it yet, but one of the things I love is the emphasis on giving kids some individual, quality time every day. The book recommends (2) 10-minute time slots per kid where they get to pick what you do together. It goes into the science behind the practice and how it helps with behavioral issues, self esteem, etc. I have noticed a change in Alexa especially when I do or don't have "special time" with her, or go a few days without doing it. It's been really rewarding.
We have also been trying to do date nights with Alexa and Tyler on Thursday nights. It's been a lot of fun! They get to pick what we do and the ideas are so creative. And usually really simple, which adds to the fun. Alexa chose to go shopping and pick dresses for each other to try on. I have no idea where she got that idea from since it's not something we've ever done before. She is my cute little diva.
Emily moved into a gorgeous new house this month with a huge yard that I love! She's on a half acre lot surrounded by school and church fields beyond that. I was on babysitting duty while the men moved the heavy stuff. I got a kick out of watching them roll down the hill together, especially Dean--
We had a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Sweeny on their way into the MTC! I didn't realize that the MTC stay is so different for senior missionaries. They were free most nights after 5pm and on the weekend, so we got to have them over in the evenings for dinner and games. Alexa cried for a long time after we dropped them off because she missed them so much.
We have been loving the summer weather. We try to hike together on the weekends and play outside whenever we can. This month we hiked Bridal Veil Falls and Cascade Springs.
Tyler is loving his tae kwon do class and it is also the highlight of Kyle's week. I told Kyle that I was thinking we would stop for a few months now that preschool has started back up, but he said "no! don't take that away from me!" ;) Kyle loves watching a bunch of 3-year olds shout "hiyah!" and try to kick as high as they can. It really is adorable.
Our big news this month is that Alexa started kindergarten! I get to take our neighborhood carpool group in the mornings before work. We have two kindergarteners, one 2nd grader, and a 5th grader.
I asked Alexa if she wanted me to walk her to class on her first day and she didn't even blink before responding, "No, I'll be fine. Have fun at work and I'll see you later!" I told her that I was going to take her anyway since she had never been to this school and didn't know where her class was ;). The other kindergarteners looked so nervous and scared when I walked in. I thought some of them were about to throw up. Alexa immediately started playing tag with a 2nd grader. She didn't even look back. That's my girl.
Tad is as cute and tall as ever. He has won us over with his drooly smile.
We had a fun visit this month from Richard and Megan. It was great to have them stay with us for a few days. Our kids loved having extra friends around to play with! And we loved visiting with them every night after our kids were in bed.
We have also been trying to do date nights with Alexa and Tyler on Thursday nights. It's been a lot of fun! They get to pick what we do and the ideas are so creative. And usually really simple, which adds to the fun. Alexa chose to go shopping and pick dresses for each other to try on. I have no idea where she got that idea from since it's not something we've ever done before. She is my cute little diva.
Emily moved into a gorgeous new house this month with a huge yard that I love! She's on a half acre lot surrounded by school and church fields beyond that. I was on babysitting duty while the men moved the heavy stuff. I got a kick out of watching them roll down the hill together, especially Dean--
We had a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Sweeny on their way into the MTC! I didn't realize that the MTC stay is so different for senior missionaries. They were free most nights after 5pm and on the weekend, so we got to have them over in the evenings for dinner and games. Alexa cried for a long time after we dropped them off because she missed them so much.
We have been loving the summer weather. We try to hike together on the weekends and play outside whenever we can. This month we hiked Bridal Veil Falls and Cascade Springs.
Tyler is loving his tae kwon do class and it is also the highlight of Kyle's week. I told Kyle that I was thinking we would stop for a few months now that preschool has started back up, but he said "no! don't take that away from me!" ;) Kyle loves watching a bunch of 3-year olds shout "hiyah!" and try to kick as high as they can. It really is adorable.
Our big news this month is that Alexa started kindergarten! I get to take our neighborhood carpool group in the mornings before work. We have two kindergarteners, one 2nd grader, and a 5th grader.
I asked Alexa if she wanted me to walk her to class on her first day and she didn't even blink before responding, "No, I'll be fine. Have fun at work and I'll see you later!" I told her that I was going to take her anyway since she had never been to this school and didn't know where her class was ;). The other kindergarteners looked so nervous and scared when I walked in. I thought some of them were about to throw up. Alexa immediately started playing tag with a 2nd grader. She didn't even look back. That's my girl.
Tad is as cute and tall as ever. He has won us over with his drooly smile.
I was scribbling down some notes and Tyler commandeered my notepad so that he could write a "secret language"--which he later told me was Chinese--just like Grandma (who writes in shorthand). I had a good laugh at his awesome secret language / shorthand copycat.
The kids still love to jump on the tramp, but have recently added a new element with dancing to the keyboard music. They jump for a lonnng time doing this, laughing hysterically together the whole time.
We had a fun visit this month from Richard and Megan. It was great to have them stay with us for a few days. Our kids loved having extra friends around to play with! And we loved visiting with them every night after our kids were in bed.
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