4th of July weekend

Here it is, 10 days later, and I'm finally blogging again. Sorry for the lapse. Here is an account of our 4th of July weekend. I think this was probably the first weekend since we've lived here that we haven't been in Montana for the 4th. Since we were there over Memorial weekend, and plan to be again for a much anticipated trip to the farm at the end of the month, we decided staying put sounded pretty good. And it was... although I admit I did feel a little "homesick" once or twice.

We spent the weekend doing a few of our favorite things: shopping (well, that's one of mine, anyway), eating Thai food, hanging out with our kids and our friends; and a few traditional holiday things as well: watching the Riverton fireworks (great show), going to the carnival and parade, and watching our own fireworks while eating yummy snow cones.

vinyl wall decals

Here is a free plug for Stampin' Up! The past couple of months we have been working on launching this new line of vinyl wall decals. You can order them as of July 1. My favorite is the design pictured on the left (the overlapping flowers), and I get it for free for working on the launch! We are adding to the line in the fall. Click on the link to see more and download a brochure.

things to remember

Who said the twos were terrible? We are cherishing this age (because we know 3 is coming! Ha.) I just wanted to journal a few things we'd like to remember about Sarah at this age. When she gets angry, she shouts "Ever". Probably her abbreviated version of "You're the meanest mommy/daddy/sister, ever". I don't think it gets the effect she wants since it usually cracks us up. The other thing she does is when were trying to get her to come. She says "one time" and holds up her finger". When I'm trying to get her out the bath—"one time". When it's time to leave the playground—"one time". I love how she gets her point across. She is certainly starting to strut her independence whenever possible, but when we are wallowing in a fit of tantrums, it's good to remember to cherish the moment.

kindergarten graduation

Abby has officially graduated from Kindergarten! Well... she will be starting K. again in August at public school. We decided not to rush things, even though she is educationally more than ready for first grade. She was one of the top students in her class this year and finished on D/E level reading and well into 1st grade math. Here is Abby in her cap and gown:

The kids were so cute during the ceremony. They each read a little line, and they finished by saying their motto and throwing their caps in the air. Their motto sounds a little something like this, "We can do anything we want as long as we make good choices and do our best. Kindergarten kids, who are they? The best darn kids in the U.S.A.! Kindergarten, Kindergarten, yay!
Abby with the other girls in her class: Emma, Olivia, and Audrey.
The graduate with proud mom and dad! (Sarah was jumping in the bouncy house.) Debbie had rented that for the kids to play in, and we all had a barbeque after the ceremony.

a lovely weekend

It was a great weekend for yard work (albeit a bit hot...). I snapped a few photos around the yard. Here is our new patio furniture:

Our potted garden. We planted tomatoes, peppers, basil, cilantro, and few flowers.

Flowers in the front yard. The big bush is lavendar, but I can't figure out why it looks more white than purple.

These are Fourth of July roses. Appropriate for the time of year.

I can't remember what these are called. Pink fantasia or something like that, I think.

And finally, another video: