No Clowning Around

 ( ivy: in the light pink @ cheer camp )

For the past 4 years Rylie has been dancing. And she's good. And I love watching her move across the stage. But she was ready for a change. I was sad and scared for her to give up her spot on her dance team, but after much thought she decided to try something new. And that something new is cheer. She and Ivy got to attend a cheer clinic and then perform for the parents. It was fun to watch. Ivy says she liked cheer, but hated the sun. They were out in it all day long. She is my true Oregon girl and prefers cool weather. Rylie is LOVING cheer and gives us a performance almost nightly. I think it helps that she has a strong dance background. She has practice very single night of the week until school starts again. Then she'll practice two nights a week and cheer on Saturdays.

 ( rylie performing at cheer camp. the cute one with the yellow shorts.)

 ( rylie also attended a stunt clinic. here they are performing some stunts. rylie: the one with the yellow bum.)

I have been HORRIBLE about documenting birthdays this summer. Sorry kiddos! However, it sufficeth (do you like my bible lingo?) me to say that Ivy turned 6 on June 2nd. Rylie turned 13 on June 27th and that Sophia celebrated her 11th birthday on July 30th. And even though I didn't document their special days, I love them still. It's tough having all of my kids celebrate birthdays in the Summer time! I was cool enough to have my camera ready as Sophi blew out her candles at Grammy and Papa's house. Isn't her cake the best!?! She made it all by herself. She is obsessed with swimming!

I should say that both Sophi and Rylie did Summer Swim Team. They swam at 8 in the morning every Mon-Wed-Fri for an hour. Then Eli and Ivy had lessons right after. It was an awesome way to get the kids up and going! It just ended. And while Rylie hated every minute of it, Sophia was in heaven. I only made Rylie do it so she wouldn't sleep until noon everyday. Because I surely didn't believe her when she told me she would go on a run every day if I didn't sign her up. She hates running. And I'm a mean mom.

( close up of barbies doing the arm-stroke. work it. )

Sophia has been hard at work this summer hosting her 3rd annual mini girls camp. Every Thursday we've been in town she has had anywhere from 3-7 girls here. She is so good with them and keeps them busy and highly entertained! This year she named it Tiny Turtles Day Camp and it has been a huge success. This day was Circus Day. And as you can see she got Eli in on the action. He was the cutest clown! Seriously. But he was furious when Sophia refused to pay him for his efforts. Clowns do not work for free, ya know. I think she may have slipped him a couple of bucks after he ripped off his wig and stomped up the stairs. Maybe.

( ivy with her fancy face paint. rylie was the face paint artist on circus day. the little girls loved it. all except the one who refused, anyways.)

( ivy and cousin aayla at the water park )

Matt took off on a business trip a couple of weeks ago. I talked my sister Kari into coming out to stay for a couple of nights, with her three girls, while he was away. We had a groovy time! We went to free lunch every day and took the kids to the park. Just good, cheap fun. 'Cause that's how we like it:)