Night Swimming

Last night we went swimming. The kids had a blast! I didn't swim, but watched them and read my book (The Shadow Throne, the final book in The Ascendance Trilogy).
My favorite time was when they went outside and swam in the dark.  It looks so amazing with the lights under the water.
Tony is a great dad. He loves to swim with them,  and teach them techniques and strokes. He also plays with them. It's fun to watch.

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Ogden Temple Open House

We went to the Ogden Temple open house.  It was great, and busy. Mimi and Papa were working there as ushers, so that is why we picked this day.

 We spent a lot of time standing.  It was slow going.

        The girls asked why the temple has so many flowers. 

They asked if it was to make the temple more beautiful, or to make is smell better.

We decided we would have our picture by the fountain.

Of course the girls were the only ones who would stand in front of the Christus.

After we were at the temple for 2 and a half hours, we decided to go eat dinner at Lucky Slice Pizza.

They didn't hand out cookies like at the Brigham Temple open house, so we went and bought some sugar cookies and muffins for Sunday breakfast.

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Canoeing {Unplugged}

Thursday we went canoeing at Hyrum Dam. It was quite fun.  Also hard work.  My arms are quite tired. Jayden and I did most of the paddling.  But the girls took turns and did quite well. 
We went to the other side to see what birds were there on the bank.

Katia,  Delta,  and Emma played and swam in the lake.  

It was definitely a great day!

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Teaching Our Children to Work Pt 4 (aka Patience)

So, I have been lucky enough to learn patience from the Master!
Sir Spoil Her-Highness is so patient that he yells maybe twice a year.
Yes, he is an amazing father and husband. Last night everyone kept wanting help with making their hamburger just like his.  Had that been me, I would have said, "Wait until I eat, then I'll make you one."  But he just helps and smiles with a sigh.
Anyway, some of what I have learned/changed in the past 12 years include:
Letting it go.  Not the song, but the, It's okay if the front room isn't perfect, or the bathroom still isn't clean even though they have been in there for over 3 hours. 
Some things I have noticed and learned from this amazing man:
It is okay to bring in the rear.  It's fine to be last in the line of cars, or when hiking, or whatever.
Sometimes this is hard for me.  Especially when I hear, "We beat you." "We are the fastest." or "We did it first."  But after seeing how Tony is always making sure everyone has what they need, or knows we are right behind them, so everything is okay. That is the roll he likes to play. 
When he went on the 50 miler with the scouts, he was the one who was with the slowest boy.  He motivated them.  He kept them going. 
This is the role I have started playing.  Asking, "Is everything okay?"  "What can I do for you?"  When I think of it as service, then it is easier when I hear those statements.
I use this when housecleaning with the kids.  I don't worry about perfection.  I don't worry about who does the most work.  Sooner or later it all becomes even.  And soon they will be old enough that they won't want me to help them.  It will be worth it.  Pin It

Ward Shin Dig at the Splash Pad

After a long day of getting the house cleaned and ready for the surprise company, it was great to go to the ward activity with the kids.  I loved being able to visit with adults and just sit and relax. Thanks to the Relief Society Presidency for putting this on.

 

Delta

The girls were using their towels as wings and playing faeries.

Kathryn C and Katia eating watermelon.

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