Summer activities

Summer is in full swing here and I think you girls are really enjoying it! We have been really busy with activities and it's so exciting to watch you both! Keely had vacation bible school at our church for a whole week. Every morning from 9-12 she would be at church learning new and cool things. She was very excited but came home with a new worry everyday. Oh how I wish she were not like me in that way. She gets so nervous and anxious about new things, but she is trying really hard to be brave. Keely also started t-ball this week. It's fun to see her learn to throw better and even catch the ball in her glove!! She doesn't like to drop it and gets grumpy when she doesn't do it perfect! (a little bit of her perfectionist father I think!! gotta love them!) Mali has started soccer and t-ball. They have a sampler class that she really likes so far. She got to pick out her favorite color t-shirt to wear for her jersey. (blue of course!) She loves to "trap" the ball and do a "sweep" kick and "pencil" kick. She really is very good and so independent compared to the other 3 and 4 year olds on her team.

This summer is just full of steps that are making the girls more independant from mom. We are both going to have quite and adjustment! Mali had her 3 year check up at the Dr this month. She did so great and Jeff and I were so proud of her! When I was talking to the girls about Mali going to the doctor, Keely asked, "Mom, is Mali going to get a booster?" I asked her what a booster was and she said, "you know, a SHOT" Only she whispered it to me so Mali wouldn't hear. So funny! Mali did end up getting a shot, but not one tear fell from her eye. She wanted to and was trying to be so brave. What a trooper! She passed the hearing and vision test with flying colors and the doctor was really impressed that she could write, not only her name, but mom, dad and Keely's as well.

We are battling with sibling rivalry right now. If I praise one girl, the other is jealous that I'm not praising her as well. It's going to be hard growing up! I can only pray that God gives me the patience and guidance to help them be self confidant, but not boastful. Respectful also, but not a push over! It's so hard! Keely has a little friend that is going to all the summer activities with her. It's great for her to have a friend and someone she is comfortable with, but she is too comfortable with him and forgets what the task is and tends to misbehave. This is hard too...explaining to a 4 year old why some kids get to act out while she has to behave. How do you say, "well, honey, they just have different rules at their house!" Yet another thing to pray for guidance about.

We got to get away to the cottage for a couple days in June. It was fun for the girls to be there, but the bug situation was not good. Keely and Mali are both afraid of bugs and don't want to be anywhere that bugs are. So, it's hard to be at the cottage! Hopefully this will pass also.

My mom and dad went to South Dakota to visit family and friends for a week this month. My brother just moved there and Mali doesn't quite understand the meaning of "move" She is still waiting for him to come home!! When I told her that grandma and grandpa were going to SD on vacation, she got a very worried look on her face and aske me, "Are they coming back?" Boy do you girls love your grandparents!

I love you girls so so so much. You give me the greatest life ever!
Love, Mom

Summer?

Well, it's officially June, but we have yet to see much summer weather. We had a couple of warm days, but it's now back in the 50's and 60's. We did get a new pool for our yard thanks to grandma. It's WAY fun for you girls and you love to play in it! We had our first big storm of the season last Saturday. We got a lot of hail, about quarter size. Both girls were standing at the window laughing as the hail hit the ground and bounced back up "like popcorn." We then saw the brightest rainbow and it was all good! Before the storm hit, mom and dad were wandering outside looking at the sky. Mali would come out and take mom's hand and tell me to come back inside before it rained! She doesn't like it when "Jesus bowls" or when "somebody takes her picture". Just like her mommy!

Keely had her last day of swimming lessons today at Foss swim school. She really is quite the little swimmer and loves the water. I hope she continues to love this as she grows. I also hope some of the excitment of lessons rubs off on Mali when it is her turn!

We recently traveled to Mitchell, SD again for my other cousin Kayla's wedding. Mali was the flower girl this time and did amazing, just like Keely did back in October. Mali was so proud of herself when she threw her petals and everyone was watching her. Good thing Keely did it first to show her how it was done. You girls both LOVE to dance at weddings and you learned the "cha cha slide" especially for this wedding. It is so fun to watch you!!

Unfortunately, your Uncle Brian moved back to SD and you both miss him like crazy. Mali asks me almost everyday when he is coming home. I always tell her that "Uncle Brian lives in SD now, not at grandma's anymore." One time, she banged her fist on the table and said, "HUMPH! Uncle Brian NEVER comes home!" He is her best buddy!

Daddy has also been gone a lot this week with work meetings and school. It's hard to have him gone so much and you girls certainly miss him when he is not home. He works so hard for our family and we are so SO proud of him and thankful for all he does.

I love you girls! You continue to make me smile and laugh and learn everyday! You are my sunshines!!!!
Love always,
Mom