7.17.11

A few weeks ago my computer suddenly wouldn't go on the internet and ugh! mess of all messes my computer had caught a very very bad virus. It crashed my system and wouldn't hardly allow repair. We finally got it fixed but not without learning to backup backup backup OFTEN! Of course the flash drive I was using I can't find and I never remember to get replacements when I go to town but if you are wiser than I backup your stuff. 

 
So I can honestly say we are in full swing of summer. We don't do much we ride bikes now that the chains and tires are fixed. We go swimming twice a week, we go boating some, we go water sliding occasionally and we read. I would like to say we have a great schedule and the kids are fabulous little soldiers who responsibly do their chores quickly before they play but that would be another house. They do help I love that they do the dishes (FINISH dishwasher Tabs are an awesome awesome product) and help with other stuff. We just so enjoy being on our own schedule or determination. It is good to have summer.

I measured the kids today and Anna has grown about 1/4 of inch in the time that Reed grew about 5 inches, John, Addie, and Mark all grew about 2-3 inches and Aliza 2. Harold was about 1/2 an inch. I told Anna she better get moving or the other kids are going to pass her. It has so been worth the wall space to measure their growth since we have been here. It is amazing how fast they grow in those first two years and in spurts at other ages.
 

Reed had his first day in nursery class all alone today. We have found 17 mos to be the perfect age to start no fear just excitement to go and be big and play without having to be quiet. The leaders said that while he may be the littlest in age he is one of the biggest in size. That he had no problem taking other kids down or running them over to get a toy. Oops. He didn't cry and was just fine and ready for a quick power nap on the way home. I'm pretty sure Grandpa didn't mind sitting in class instead of wandering the halls following our big Mister. We seem to have heavy children. I hear this is a Saunders trait. When Granma Saunders taught the Sunbeams and held each on her lap she said while Mark is not greatly taller than his peers he is much much heavier than them. Now you see from the pictures that they are not large children just dense....ha-ha. Well just full. 

 
That really is a picture of Anna and Harold reading one morning this SUmmer in blankets.

 So far summer has been MILD here. NOt over 95 any day. Well except it may have got close to it on the 4th of July when we went to the Lake and the kids played in the water and boated and learned about sunburns. Anna really toasted her shoulders the burns are just now gone, John also blistered his but seemed to handle it a bit better. Aliza got the backs of her legs from her knees down from riding the tube. We had a great time and Harold to his relief missed the animal clean-up part of the parade. I guess we failed in the service department that day. 

 

We also attended the annual thunderegg festival/show in Nyssa yesterday with my grandmother. The kids great grandmother. It was pretty much the same as I remember it as a little girl when she took me. THe kids really enjoyed all the different rocks. There are so many different formations. God is truly an artist in an amazing way. The boys however were most captivated by the belly dancers that were performing at the bandshell. While I have never seen belly dancing I think it is beautiful and artistic I just think it maybe should be a private showing you know between spouses. They were covered with black leotards and harem pants with scarves and bangles at their hips. The boys were mesmerized...I guess it was working. Thank goodness for a civil war booth that had swords, sabers, rifles, guns, and bayonets to partially draw them away. Yet another reason to take your children into the world to expose them to life right? Now they are that much wiser. It really wasn't indecent well not  until the next act that was way too much movement. 

 
/showing my kids how intricate the body is. While cows have a different digestive system their organs are mostly the same their hides/blood vessels are similar and the whole thing is just COOL! I didn't take pictures because I didn't want to gross anyone out but really just seeing the paunch or the 1st stomach was so cool. Harold and Aliza were brave and touched the skinned animal when they were done gutting it. They said it was warm-cold and soft. I want to make sure that my kids know and don't have misconceptions about where their food comes from and what their work is for. THey of course love steak and while some were sad that the cow was dead I reminded them that's where we get steak.
 

One other thing that must be documented but has no pictures is swimming. Harold and Aliza both have went off the diving board at the pool. We love our Vale pool. I have been making a real effort to go and get them swimming. SO far 3 out of 7 are swimming YEAH!!! It is a trial to take them as the three little ones start in the little pool then move the big pool. Reed loves to jump into the little  pool now he thinks he is so big. However, in the big pool with only two mom  arms it's a bit difficult to hold the jumping in Mark and or Addie and keep Reed's head above water. BUt it works and they are all alive and I stay mostly decent and we have had a great time enjoying our friendly fun pool.
 
So that is our summer.  We are just being, and trying to make the most of life as it happens. We are super excited for the family reunion and ensuing visits. We love our family and sometimes feel sad that so many of our cousins live so far away. But I do tell the kids that makes it more fun when we do see each other. So we are praying for your safe arrival and look forward to seeing you.
Wishing you the best and a happy summer.