Just getting by

These dog days of summer are keeping me very preoccupied. Where did my free time go????
I am feeling very grateful for dedicated school teachers everywhere! I have a short list of things I want to do....read this, watch that, go here (alone), go there (alone)... SIGH

The summer started off with a trip to visit grandparents, my parents, in Eastern Oregon. Everett and Camille got to stay for two weeks. I came home with Lindsey and Claire after 6 days so that the other two could enjoy their vacation and alone time with Grandma and Papa O.

Now that we're all together again, I'm having difficulty getting "it" together, whatever "it" is. I wish that I could implement a more organized system for my kids, but it's not happening, especially with a toddler. I know I can do better though. Will try....

I am sore. I am learning that I have some muscles that I didn't acknowledge before now. Ow! Since starting Crossfit, I have not had a sore-less day, which is good. It tells me that what I'm doing is working. I have to remind myself sometimes to "Embrace the Pain"! I'm doing things that I never would have done had it not been for Crossfit. I'm feeling empowered by my new-found abilities.

Everett celebrated his 12th birthday!!! He is now a deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood! He's been in Ontario since his ordination so he has yet to pass the sacrament. We'll see how that goes! He's been working hard to earn money for scout camp. He's been excellent about that. I'm very proud of him for his ambition!

Camille has been going crazy with the piano! She's taken to playing so easily. Who knew?! She zipped through her first book and is working on her second book with minimal guidance from her dad. I offer suggestions, but I'm not the piano virtuoso that Dad is. ;) I'm impressed by her talent and desire to do more!

Lindsey and Claire adore one another. They love to play together, reading books and splashing in the pool. Lindsey is excited for her birthday coming up! She'll be FIVE!!! Time sure does
fly...

Everett participated in a flag ceremony today at our ward's Annual 4th of July Breakfast. It was a fun event complete with kids running and chasing one another, kids trying to pet the two dogs present, lots of delicious food, and singing patriotic songs.

We went to Harrisburg today for the 4th of July Parade. There were lots of classic cars, a few horses, and even a handful of tractors. I was amazed at how many people were there! It is a very small town but I think everyone was at the parade, and then some. There was a ton of candy being thrown to the kids, I know, we have a pound or two ourselves! Harrisburg sits right next to the Willamette River with a gorgeous view. Too bad the day was so hot, it would've been fun to have a picnic there next to the river.

Hopefully I will do better at updates here. But where is the time????

Cross Fit

I ran my first 5k today!!

WooooHoooo!!

Here's a short example of what I've gotten myself into recently. Of course, I'm still a novice and the people on the video aren't. But, hey, ya' gotta' start somewhere, right? It's great!

http://www.ecrossfit.com/

Photo summary of the family:

Claire turned 2!! Happy Birthday, Cutie!

Baby bunnies--so cute! (they belong to Camille's friend)

Yay, chocolate!

Easter Egg Hunt in the backyard

Spring arrived!

The Kids...

Silly kids! Here they are on some random evening playing in the backyard. I happened to catch some of their antics. The orange thing is a little bucket. They thought it was funny. This pretty much sums up their personalities.

You can click on the picture to see it larger