Pool time

The kids are enjoying having a pool in their own backyard. 

Unfortunately, so is someone else.

Here is the typical day.

Ella pretending Jackson is a seahorse and riding him across the pool.

"It's okay, I'm used to it...You want a ride too?"

Then comes the jump contest....

Splash!

Which goes well until you-know-who shows up. Yep, that's her in the back. The one with the black fur. She thinks she's our 4th kid and should do everything the kids do.

Including going for a dip in the pool...

"Maho, No!" (because then we will have to cease with the jumping)

Maho likes to swim laps and not come back to the steps until she is really tired and almost not swimming anymore so Ella pulls her in for safety.

And then it's time for a snooze on the lounge chair. And the kids get their pool back.

Down but not out

The mood surrounding us the past few days has been one of uncertainty, anger, disbelief and hope.

While us adults are putting the pieces back together the kids have continued on as if nothing has changed.

That's a good thing.

And, in spite of everything, I was invited to a party; sure to lift my spirits!

(Just in case you can't read 1st grade spelling it says: To Mom From Ella, I am going to have a wild party. Every one will be there. I hope you can make it. p.s. wear a funny costume.)

The kids have a whole big bucket full of dress up clothes; me not so much, so this was the best I could do on short notice. Introducing: Jamaicanme Crazy!

Ella had planned out a welcome cheer when we came to the door and we had to do a dance down the fashion show runway (in front of Daddy and Jackson) and played a game.

Good times even in not so good times.

Look before you leap

Yep. Should have heeded that advice a little more.

We will be leaving Key West soon even though we just got here and (seemingly) got settled. 

Not getting into specifics, but sometimes things just don't work out the way you think they will.

What's next?

 You'll know when I know.

Photography

My kids are loving playing with my camera lately. They love taking pictures. They love taking pictures of anything and everything. When I turn on the camera I never know what I'll find. From shots of Barbie, Ken and their family, funny faces, the dog sleeping, photos of the floor and beyond, my kids have felt the need to memorialize all these moments in time onto digital film. 

Last night Jackson went with Patrick shopping at the sporting goods store while we girls chilled at home. Later on that night Jackson came to me wanting to know where my camera was. Groaning inwardly I asked Jackson, "What do you need the camera for?"

"I'm going to take a picture of my balls."

And that he did.

That kid. Pure comedy I tell ya.

Making the cut: 10 Suitcases or Less

Like I've already told you, we're moving. Yes, we've done it a lot in the last couple years. You would think that we have it down to a science by now. There are a few things we have learned to do better, faster, etc, but the truth is, packing is packing and it really does suck. Especially since the last 2 moves I have made I have wittled down all our household goods, clothes, etc to fit into 10 suitcases or less.

Since we can't always take everything with us that means I have to weed through toys, clothes, basically everything. Inevitably we part with things we wish we didn't have to in a sacrifice for space. My kids have had to give up Christmas presents they had received just 6 months before, I have had to leave behind pots and pans I really liked, it's just the way it goes.

As I was cleaning out my dresser (weeding through and tossing) I came to the realization that one thing that always comes with me and is immediately set up on my new vanity or dresser is a photo of me and my college girlfriends.

This photo could have easily been displaced by a photo of my kids or set aside in all the moves, but I've always kept it around. I'm not in constant contact with my girlfriends, but I like having our picture near whenever I am getting ready. Just a little reminder of my best friends even though we're far away from each other. Plus I just really like the way I look in the picture! Ahhh to be 20 again!

So girls, here's to us and to making the cut in yet another move!

In the Name of Cuteness

Sharing a pillow?? C'mon now, so cute!

Gymnastics

As if I didn't spend enough time in the car, I have now signed all three of my children up for a gymnastics class 3 days a week. They are loving it and it gives them a place to run off some energy, so I guess it is worth the extra time in the car.

The beam, the bars, the trampoline...

And they even have to wear uniforms! It's getting serious.

Jackson even has to do the "mens" events like pommel horse, rings and parallel bars.

The instructors are teaching in Spanish, but my kids are doing everything just fine so I guess they are understanding well enough.

And who knows, maybe we have a future Olympian.

Now if I could just get them to remember to point their toes....