Dog day afternoon(s).

It has been a pretty interesting weeks so far, and I think I have adjusted yet again to having Sierra gone. Luckily I have just these three to keep me entertained (tired-busy) for another week. It's all good, but man has it been scorching HOT!! These kids don't seem to care if it is 90+ degrees outside. They have been walking back and forth to the park twice everyday this week!! You can see how red their faces are as they just walked in the door from playing in the park.

To be honest...I haven't even gone with them once! I will spend time with them in the comforts of an air conditioned home, but haven't had the energy to walk to the park with them. I know...bad mom. All of my energy has been on laundry, and dealing with a lot of the mundane moments!

So when they all came home they all got into their swim wear (except Lexie) and began to fill water into the pool. That's when I caught Noah torturing Chelsea with the water house! 

Chelsea has teased Noah since the day he was born, and this is one of those moments in which he is giving her a piece of her medicine. Nonetheless they always have fun together no matter what! 

A few hours later we had a knock on our door and it was our awesome neighbor dropping these off for the kiddos!

A  bucket filled with Flavor Ice pops!

Certaintly saved me a trip to the store (and money.) Yep...these are definitely ideal on a hot summer day!

What are y'all doing to cool off during a dog day afternoon?

a date with my sassy girl

On this hot day I managed to find some much needed alone time with our youngest daughter. She is the one that longs for attention. Although she is confident, and strong willed she yearns for that "one and one time with mom." I do believe I have taught her well, and many times I've have had to nip things to the bud. Her primary teacher at church tells me she's the only who practically listens, and raises her hand in class. All of her public school teachers up until the first grade have told me that she is the cheerleader of the class, a good listener, and everyone just loves being around her.

So why is it that she is a sassy, sometimes bossy, and so strong willed at home? I think it's because she is in the comforts of her own home, and because she knows that she can let it all out here where "she thinks" she won't get in trouble. Uhh, wrong! When I look at her in disdain she knows that the reprimanding is about to come. Overall she is a great kid, and does keep me more on my toes than any of our other kids...including Noah.  Her unique, and spunky personality makes her a special individual, and I love her for it!

Loves her tankini from Lands End.

Love those water sponges!

So on this day we had a lot of fun. It didn't matter if I was too big for the pool, and throwing our water sponges back and forth was our favorite part. Spending time with her and splashing about for three hours put a huge smile on her face. I can tell that it made a huge difference in her young life, and this is proof that if you have more than one child whether male or female...they all need a one on one time with mom or dad.  Knowing that I put those three hours aside just for her, and I to have fun in the sun was worth it!

Love thy neighbor.

How blessed we are to have such wonderful neighbors who have the nicest kids. Living here for four years has been a blessing. A blessing because anytime you need a cup of sugar, milk, a ride, my wonderful neighbors are there to help. 

And when summer comes...

their pool is open!

 The lovely Kayla always invites us, and we really needed this. Temperatures were scorching hot yesterday!

 I, of course am taking pictures proving how much fun all the kids are having. I was able to put my suit on and join in on the fun, but obviously took pictures instead. 

 We need to either have Chelsea take swimming lessons, or have her sisters teach her. I personally am not a good swimmer therefore I wouldn't be a good teacher. She can doggy paddle, but still wears a life vest! She doesn't mind it. 

 When we came over last year for a father's day bbq, Noah was not ready to jump into their pool. This is Noah's first time inside their pool, and was timid at first, but then began splashing his sisters, and having a blast!

I am so grateful for the love that I have for my neighbor. Not just the one that lives next door, but my whole block! It's so important to get along with them, and to introduce yourselves first when you move into a new area so that they can know about who you are.  I believe I am an expert now with all the moving I've done. You just never know when you'll need them, or when they'll need you.

 In our case when summer is here they think of us, and in weather like this makes us extremely grateful. 

We sure love our neighbors, and it's not because of their pool!