June Things.

A monthly recap is in order because we've been so busily filled with summer things that I haven't had a single free minute to record our memories.

The summer started with a Super Hero Training Meeting so we could start a new summer chore system. The boys have both been doing so well on their chores--Tate especially loves wearing his super hero gloves!

I mustered up my courage, and chopped off all my hair (or at least 11 inches!!) I felt quite a bit like Rapunzel, but was easily able to part with it knowing it was being donated, instead of being thrown away!!

On the first day of summer we made homemade popsicles and had a picnic lunch outside on our new lawn surrounded by our new fence. It was heaven. Perfectly serene.

On my second day of summer, girls camp began. I had a blast with some of my favorite people in the whole world!!! I love all my girls!!!!

(And this is what they labeled the Leader's Tent as....thank heavens I didn't have to sleep there!!)

The hike was one of my favorite parts. Hiking is probably on my top 10 list of most wonderful things to do....

This boy. This sand. They are inseparable.

Eating at our favorite local restaurant (actually only one of two restaurants in our town...) [But it really does have amazing food and is decorated so cute!!]

Baseball games...

The first prize Maylie chose from Mommy's Store as a reward for doing her chores, was a crown. Of course. This little princess is my favorite girl to be around in the whole wide world!!!

Last weekend, I had a wedding to photograph in Lehi (my very last one--yay!). Inbetween the events of the day, my parents and I went to the Outlets at Traverse Mountain! I am definitely returning! They were amazing!!! And even though it was a completely stressful day, I absolutely LOVED spending time with my parents. We drove down together and spent most of the whole day together. I can't remember the last time I have been alone with my parents. We laughed until we nearly cried and made so many fabulous memories. My parents have always been and will always be my dearest friends and I treasured this time more than I can express. I hope we can have another day together in the future!

And this is Easton. :)

This week Maylie chose sidewalk chalk for her prize. I am in love with this box of endless possibilities!

And lastly, Easton lost his tooth a few days ago. That makes #6!

Summer is in full swing. I have checked off so many things from my summer to-do list. All that's left is to relax, enjoy each moment, and go on at least 5 fun summer trips!!!! I hope this summer never ends.

Swimming Lessons.

I decided to knock out all of our crazy-fun-busy activities right at the beginning of the summer so we could relax and enjoy all of our vacations starting the end of June! So this whole month has been somewhat of a blur as we've been going to baseball games nearly every weeknight and swimming lessons every morning. The littles have loved every second, but I for one, am grateful to be done with swimming and almost done with baseball.

I have been so wanting to do swimming lessons for several years, but with our transient moves I didn't when the boys were little. Then last year our town's Natatorium was closed for construction so we had to wait another year! I was a little nervous starting the boys out so old, but they did so well! It took Tate several days to get comfortable with the class. The first day I left him with my mom and sister and went to get in with Maylie at the baby class. Well, he was so nervous, he wouldn't get in the water, but ran around and around the pool until a kind, patient, inspired swim teacher named Robbie came to the rescue. He spent the first two days with Tate, swimming him around and helping him feel more comfortable. And on the third day, I waited with Tate by his class until he felt comfortable enough to join them. And when he was ready, he said, "Okay, you can go now Mommy!" And he never looked back! Both boys skyrocketed!

I knew Maylie wouldn't want to sit on the bleachers and watch the boys swim. It would have been an all out battle--she would have felt so left out! So I did the Mommy-and-Me class with her and she loved it from the very first second. I was skeptical of the class at first, because what could they possibly teach children 2 and under except to blow bubbles? But, I was amazed! The songs, the skills, everything was so sweet and perfectly geared for the little ones. They learned all kinds of safety skills and I'm in awe that Maylie learned to climb out of the pool all by herself, climb along the wall, and nearly float on her own. The second to last day they even had her go under the water. The whole class was a magical experience that I am so grateful I was able to share with my sweetie. I just wish I could have done a class like this with my boys when they were little too.

Here are the pictures that my mom and Natalie took on the second day of lessons. (My mom and sister were so sweet to come help me with the first few days!)

Until Next Year Dear Swimming Lessons!!!!