Sunday Summer Stew - chuck full of preservatives!

So, I have A LOT...I mean A LOT of summer blog catching up to do. So, I've decided on the stew again. Like the title says, some of these things are old, so preservatives were necessary. I'll try to get back to my fresh organic ways next time. So here we go...in no particular order!!
The kids enjoyed their goggle clad ride on our friends Ranger. They were in heaven...so easily entertained!
We had a little bit of sickness too. You know it's bad when my "mile a minute" boys crash on the couch.
Ella constantly being an amazing big sister to Nora. They love each other so much and it warms my heart!
Nora continues to forget that we only draw on PAPER!!
Ella and Jack participated in a darling little musical theater camp. The performance was priceless, and if I can figure out how to post video from our new camera I will.
One of my best friends from growing up came to visit with her hubby for a couple of days. Julie is one of my favorite people to talk to. She is one of the few people who gets me and I love her to death. This picture shows what we were doing while this...
was in front of us. We went to a Diamondbacks game and had great seats. That stadium is amazing!
The kids had dentist appointments. They seriously look forward to these things...I'm not joking. I'm sure it helps that none of them have ever had to do anything but cleanings and x-rays. It's a really fun office and they beg me to go back!I love this picture of Max on the table. Notice the shoes. I'll be sad when that stage ends.
Nora now sleeps in the kennel with Maggie. OK, not really, but we often find her in there playing. It's so funny because Maggie doesn't seem to mind.
I put the kids to work.And a lot of the time they actually liked it!
We did a little craft project. My sister in law Sue made some cute mailboxes for her kids and I thought it was a great idea.
The kids had a blast and now I have evidence that I did actually do crafty projects with them.
The sky here in Arizona is amazing. I am always pointing it out to the kids. I don't think I will ever get used to it. We had to catch these shots, but I still don't think they do it justice.
This is another picture of the gorgeous sky, but it also documents Ella's latest swimsuit choice. She prefers to wear her brothers swimsuits and swim shirts. I'm not complaining because it's more coverage from the sun. I think it's hilarious and is SO ELLA!! This girl is much more interested in comfort and fun than in fashion. I love it...most of the time. There are times when I have to nicely ask her to change into something that matches or isn't straight out of the dirty clothes bin.
Here is a picture depicting Nora's fashion sense. (sorry about the picture quality...i took it with my phone) She is VERY picky about what she wears...unlike her sister. It usually has to have pink, sparkles, and an accessory or two. WHERE DID THIS GIRL COME FROM?!! Ella is more like I was as a kid. I'm going to have to get used to this girlie thing. In some ways I LOVE it. In other ways...not so much...and she's only two...oh boy!!
Last but not least are the first day of school pictures. Yup, that's the extent of it. I feel guilty when I see all the cute back to school pictures and activities everyone is doing. I'm just trying to keep my head above water most days. I have my strengths and weaknesses.

I am in semi-shock that I was able to convince Ella to wear a skirt the first day of 3rd grade. I'm sure it was because it had shorts underneath. She hasn't worn them again since!Here is handsome Jack all ready for 1st grade and all day school. He is doing AWESOME. Max with his killer smile all ready for his first day at Pre-K. I will have to post about his amazing class/teacher along with his social antics. This kid's got spunk!

Mix that all together and you get one steaming pot of a great summer, great kids, and happy Mom!!