Memoirs of a geisha/mime

The girls were in the bathroom putting on their play makeup from Morgan's party. Next thing I know Mulan is all up in my face pretending like she's in a box. I laughed so hard. She's actually pretty good at it. *****note to self {don't take Paige to San Franciso pier 39 until this phase has passed. We need to encourage loftier goals}

Shark week

Last Sunday it down poured. It was great. We were desperate to cool off, and cool of we did. It's a strange feeling to be chilly in July in AZ. Playing in the rain is one thing. Taking full advantage of the moisture given to us is another. 

Tyler felt the need to put his whole face in.  We're in the desert folks, this kind of manna just doesn't come around often.  Dirt flowing freely down the gutter. Whatev.  We're chill like that.

At some point Morgan felt the need to shed most of her clothing.  I swear she was clothed when we first ventured out.

Here's where it starts to effect their brain function.

The neighborhood joined in.  Maybe it's because it was shark week  {We LOVE shark week.}  that they felt the need to swim in the gutter like marine life.

And now they've all gone mad.  Faces in. 

Completely soaked to the bone.

Completely happy.

Gotta love a good Sunday afternoon downpour in the sweltering desert.

I say they. . . but really I mean we.   I like a good downpour too.  Shane also succumbed.

Mo turns 3

We had a great little party for Morgan on Saturday. Her birthday was actually on Sunday. On Sunday she was so confused when people said "happy birthday" or called to sing to her.

Saturday morning she got to go to Mabel's birthday party. They were born 4 days apart. Then in the afternoon, Mabel came to Mo's party. Pretty good trade off I'd say. She loved her water party. . . especially the crab cupcakes. tutorial found here. The other kids loved the watermelon shark. Tutorial found here. Mo was afraid of the picture of the shark online, so I tried to make mine smile. Let's just say that things could have gone better. Overall, it turned out really cute though.

watermelon sharkcrabby cupcakes - I was wishing that Marilyn could come help me save my runny butter cream. Apparently 110 degrees and butter cream don't really get along.

Mo, Mabel and Halle in the kiddie pool.

Sweet ninja moves.loving every minute of the happy birthday song.blowing out the candledevouring those yummy cupcakesHonestly, I have no idea what is going on here.Kylee and Halle.
There actually were adults at the party too, but who wants to see that when you can see endless photos of cute kiddies with blue frosting faces!

swim time

What else can you do when it's 110 outside?

In swimming lessons these are called bobs. She thinks it's funny when I say "good job Bob" after she comes out of the water.

Laughing followed by water spraying everywhere. . . and then "the face wipe." I don't know why I bother with the sunscreen on the face.

Diving for rings

Sporting the best looking goggles around.

Practicing kicks with Mabel.

Brushing up on synchronized swimming techniques

Cheese face, of course.

Swimming lessons payed off this year. She's not afraid of the water anymore. . . well, if her feet can touch the bottom at least. We'll tackle the deep end next summer. I've had as much screaming as I can take.

june birthday

Shane and I got to spend a lot of time together on his birthday, which was a nice change. We drove to Scottsdale together and I took pictures of his office building and staff. Then later in the day I drove back to Scottsdale and we had dinner at Ruth's Chris. YUM! When we got home, Paige had decorated for Shane with a little help from the babysitter. We had cookie cake, of course, and Shane opened his present.

The kids always love to snatch up the boxes. Ferb even got in on the action.

Happy Birthday Shane! We love you!

Ferb even sang "Happy Birthday" with us!

Tooth saga

Paige was nervous on Monday. She had to go to the dentist to have her tooth pulled. Happy gas is amazing, entertaining. . . and now, vanilla or orange scented. Are you kidding me? I want scented happy gas! Every time the dentist would touch her mouth, she would scream and then start laughing. At one point her feet and hands were both in the air. 20 minutes later she had her tooth in a little box and we were walking out the door with balloons. Not such a bad visit, all things considered.

When we got home she left a little paper trail for the tooth fairy. The first little note said:

"Please take only the items in this tooth box." (As if she was going to raid the room while she was there.)

The second note was next to it and read:

"p.s. Please sign here."
And she did.

The next morning, I overheard Paige say this to Tyler:

"When my tooth grows in, I'm sure going to miss that little hole."