The Updike's

 Crew was super excited for the chance to be the goalie and wear all of the special gear.  3 little roller hockey musketeers!  ------------------------- Crew and Presley had a few weeks of swimming lessons.  Unfortunately, during one of Presley's lessons her teacher sent all of the little kids (4-5 yr olds) ahead of her to go down this giant slide and didn't realize what would happen when she wasn't prepared.  The kids are used to their instructors staying in the pool so they didn't hesitate to go down the slide.  Much to my dismay, the teacher decided last minute to go up to the top of the slide. Before she reached the top, however, the kids started to go down the slide.  Presley came down first. I watched her for a minute and then realized the teacher was not coming down after her.  The water was too deep when Presley slid into the pool ... So I had no choice but to jump in fully clothed and save Presle...

Oh Presley!  Our sweet wild card!   She is our Drama Queen, Boss (or in her words, "Judge"), Independent- I do everything myself girl, Jokester, Best Smoocher, Cutest Laugh and Smiler!   "I don't want to talk to you now . . . "  This moody 4 year-old will make it fully known when she is grumpy and doesn't want to talk.  Oh brother! Lately we have had to remind her that she is not the boss over everything.  Lots of time-outs and talks . . . I really do think that Heavenly Father sent us strong willed children for a reason.  Not only for us - but as this world gets crazier and crazier - our children will need to stand strong in the face of opposition that will abound them.  For this, I am so grateful for her stubbornness.  Please just let her use it for good!  :) As much as we tease about her feistiness . . . Our Presley girl can be the most fun-loving girlie around.  She loves to make up her own jokes ...

 Lily has been loving reading through all of our blog posts that have been printed into books.  I love how excited she is to tell me about all of the things that I wrote about her when she was little.  Lucky girl!  Even though I have tried really hard to keep up with pictures and highlights throughout the years . . . I do feel bad that as the years have gone by, I have become less detailed and the other kids don't get to read about all of the funny little things that they said and did.   I also love reading the blog books and having the sweet reminders of all of the memories that have been made throughout the years.  Good and bad.  It is in these moments where I can see how fast time flies by.  The days are sometimes slow - but the years go by so fast!   I want to try and capture and record some of the kiddos highlights that I know they will love to read years down the line.  Just as Lily has.    ---------------...

 So this happened . . . She was playing with a splat ball that shouldn't have broken.  But it did.  Even a professional carpet cleaner could not get the grease that was left behind this horrible mess.  UGH!  I can't remember if I posted this or not - but Boston no longer has to wear glasses.  I am both sad and happy for him.  He has worn glasses since he was about 4 years-old and it had become his signature look.  Hallelujah for a new sense of freedom!  Still looking so cute!!  Pre-teenager . . .   Garbage bag fun!  Boston earned his Bear award for scouts.  Mom and Lily day at Color Me Mine.  She was in 7th Heaven!!  And of course, ICE CREAM!  Dad is such a trooper!  He tried to make me heavenly crepes on Mother's day and accidentally spilled it.  It's definitely the thought that counts! ...