A Circus/Carnival

Between trips and work, we had delayed Ella's birthday party until almost a month after her birthday. Who knew we would have to worry about the weather in August. Unfortunately it started to rain just as we were setting up.

We moved the photo booth inside...
and I loved the pictures we got.
Ella was a lovely tightrope walker.
Even Evan got in on the action.
We had some games inside
and some games had to stay outside.
There was face painting (we decided they had to stop eating their popcorn when they got their face painted, whoops)
And a pinata.
So in spite of the off and on rain it turned out great. Happy birthday princess.

Block Party

We had our annual block party on Friday.

With lots of visiting,...
swinging, and...
jumping.
The kids decorated bikes...
for the parade,
which, as always, turned into a race.
The rockets were a huge hit.
As was the fishing...
and bean bag toss.

We had frozen t-shirts,

and dads on little bikes.
Water balloons,
a sponge relay
and hopefully everyone had a great time.
Maisy,
Ella,
and Sadie loved watching the show.
But Jack wanted to be right on stage.
Jason put on a great show.
And the turn out was even bigger than last year.
I really don't know how everyone fit. I love to see the whole block turn out and enjoy each others company. These are the summer nights I've dreamed of.

Summer Begins

Every 4th of July we have breakfast at our church building followed by the BIGGEST slip-and-slide ever. It extends all the way down the hill at the school. We took over 100 pictures, but most were not of our non-daring kids, Maisy loved it. We did get a few pictures of Sadie, Ella, and Maisy riding. Jack would not go near the slide, he did attempt to ride his scooter down the hill.

Sadie went once and then she was off to explore.
Ella could be convinced to ride, but she giggled nervously the whole time.Maisy was crawling up to people trying to get them to take her. Brandon and Aly were happy to take her down the hill.
And Evan took her down a couple of times.
No surprise the men all had to compete to see who could slide the furthest.
It is by far one of the best traditions. Thank you to all those who got up at 5:30 AM to make breakfast.

Lately, I haven't felt adequate in anything I do and it has been especially relevant this week.  I like the hymn Have I Done Any Good in the World Today, however the lyrics "have I cheered up the sad or made someone feel glad, if not I have failed indeed" have left me realizing my short comings.  I know I complain about being tired, but this is more about an emotional tiredness.  

I really believe that we need each other, that we need to be there for each other. I believe in the symbiotic relationship of people. I believe that there are things we can't do for ourselves, that we have to have help just to get by.  I think that the friendships we form are what can get us through our days, that we have to be observant of those around us or we might miss our chance. Our chance to help, to reach out, and in turn become better ourselves. But then there are times when I feel so overwhelmed with what is going on or so focused on other things, that I don't see the need.  

I know I'm missing things everywhere. Sadie and Ella are changing so fast and I am so afraid I am going to miss the opportunity to teach them all that they must know. I want to hold them still until they see, but I can't. Some things they will have to learn on their own. I hope that there are those out there that will stand up and shine for them. That teachers and leaders and friends will take an interest in the wonderful girls that they are.  I know I can't do it alone. I'm trying, but its hard.  I need to step back, take a deep breath, and try again; but this time not by myself. 

Getting away from it all

Evan and I took an extra-long, weekend trip out to Charleston, South Carolina. He went to attend a conference and I went to recover from the wear and tear of day to day life. It was the first trip just the two of us have taken in the ten years we have been married. We went to museums, ate meals in nice restaurants, stayed in a beautiful hotel, and visited friends we miss more than we even realized. Evan went surfing and sat in meetings. I shopped and wandered the streets of Charleston and had a wonderful lunch and dinner with some great friends.

Desserts at Saffron's on East Bay

Evan among oaks dripping with moss (after the people, I miss the trees and then the water.)
Me in front of the Manigault house.

Evan waiting patiently for the tour.

The beach on Sullivan's Island at sunset.

The Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park

An alligator on a golf course on Daniel's Island.

Shem's Creek looking out at Fort Sumter.

Fishing boats on Shem Creek

And now I can laugh once again at the craziness of the days.

Friends Forever, Yeah Forever

Last night, when I went to check on Sadie and Ella, this is what I found:

My two girls were born twenty-one months apart, but because of how their birthdays fall they are just a grade apart in school. Sometimes they get along great and other times they fight like crazy. This particular night there had been some serious tears shed. Mostly over clothes and who was going to wear what the next day, (except for height, they are the same size) oh, and there might have been some hanger hitting involved.

I'm surprised at how young the sibling rivalry started (years ago.) I'm surprised that they care so much about clothes. But mostly I'm grateful that, although they fight, they have a bond that can't be broken. They are best friends and even their disagreements seem to strengthen their friendship with each other. And I am so grateful that even though they can reduce each other to tears, at the end of the day they want to be with each other.

Snow Blockheads

Evan has been working almost constantly. It seems everyone wants to either have their babies before Christmas or get their surgeries in before the new year and new deductible. So, we have been home, four kids, one busy mom and lots of snow. I guess I am ill suited for bundling up and braving over-crowded stores with four little ones. I finally relented to having friends over and a little snow fun. Hot chocolate and blankets fresh from the dryer are more my winter style.

I think I threw my own surprise party.

I had some friends over to wrap presents together on Tuesday and they surprised me with a birthday party. Complete with balloons, hats, presents, and a yummy chocolate dessert.
We wrapped presents, visited, and ate treats.

A fun, productive, up-too-late night. The kids were excited to see some presents under the tree.

And play with balloons the next morning.

I hope everyone had fun. Thanks for the surprise.