Where has the time gone?

Busy few weeks! Nona and Grandpa arrived last Monday for a wonderful week of adventures and intense playing. The kids were in heaven! We hit the seal sanctuary, the playground, the beach, the mountains, the town pool, the harbor, and the front sidewalk (of course). Out for dinner twice for fried fish and burritos, our eating-out staple. We made cupcakes for their June birthdays (half of which were eaten by Angus, who snuck up on the counter while we were in the other room.) Great fun had by all, despite mediocre weather of mostly grey and 65 degrees during their 7 days here.

Nona and Grandpa were incredibly helpful, as always, watching the kids while Roo went to the doctor for an infected toe, while I had a dental check-up, and while I worked endlessly on configuring my new computer, a Mac. Delightful, hardworking, and uncomplaining guests; a true joy! Some photos below:

Our little swimming fish

Swim lessons this week! First time doing this with the kids and everyone is loving it. There are three kids in Monkey and Roo's daily, half-hour class (the third kid, Mason, is about Roo's age) and the teacher is awesome. "Mrs Colvin" lives in WA state on a working farm - right up our alley- and comes down to our county for 12 weeks each summer to teach at a swim club where she's been a regular fixture since the 80's. Her own kids are 7, 11, 12, and 17; she was off to spend a long weekend at home this weekend to see them. Unique situation, but she is a very cool lady and a fabulous swim instructor.

Can't believe how much the kids have learned in four days. And they love it! We're doing another week with her at the end of July (in the normal, warmer pool which was having some upkeep done on it this week... So no wetsuits will be necessary next time). See Roo streamlined with face in water, top pic below, and then Monkey swimming solo to Mrs. Colvin below that!

Pray Creek lingo

A few amusing expressions frequently heard around our house... We do correct them, but I must say that I find these adorable and hope they don't disappear too soon

Monkey's:
Tavel (as in, "the kitchen tavel")
Cajamas (as in, "I can put on my cajamas all by myself")
Fly swapper (this is a big activity is our house just now... Keeps the monkey busy for good chunks of time)
Hockey-talky (every night and he and Roo go to opposite yards, under Dad's direction, to compare notes as to whether any pigeons have been spotted on the roof)

Roo's:
Hippee! (as in, "Ice cream for dessert? Hippee!")

Birthdays and anniversaries of all kinds...

Independence Day today, and the kids and I did a little after-breakfast craft, making flags with cardstock and glue to celebrate America's birthday. They were very into it, and I was pleased as it was a last-minute, use-what-we-have endeavor. Results were cute (confirmed by dad).

It's been an intense few days. Thursday I was pondering the marker of our two-year residence in California and preparing for HF's and my 11-year anniversary, which was Saturday... when suddenly a much bigger event than either of these occurred early Friday. Our nephew, Samuel Robert, was born in the wee hours of the morning - 14 weeks early and weighing 1 lb 15 oz. My sister-in-law Gina had been in the hospital for two weeks because of early dilation, so she was certainly in the right place when he made his sudden appearance. Praise God for modern medicine, MA General Hospital, and the skill of today's neo-natal doctors.

The sweet boy, 13 inches head to toe, is doing well considering his circumstances, and he is surrounded by prayer, thankfulness for his life, and devotion. He has a long, long road ahead of him, and it is a supremely difficult and anxiety-ridden time for my brother and sister-in-law (the whole family, really - I have been rather a teary wreck myself). They are asking for prayers for their wee one, so please join us in holding him up before his Maker.

Sonshine Beach Blast

First experience with Vacation Bible School ("VBS") this week at church, and so far it's been a big hit. It's a family affair: I'm volunteering in the craft room; the monkey is the pre-K class; Roo is with the 2's, and the goose is hangin' in the nursery (taking her morning nap there and then crawling around with the other babies). The theme is beach, which couldn't be a better fit for our aqua-loving kids.

There are several hundred children, mostly older (since the old preschoolers participating are those whose moms volunteer as helpers); the program-time in the sanctuary is, as the monkey pointed out, the 'first time we get to go where the grown-ups go' for church. Very exciting. The songs are very catchy and I've been surprised at how much some of the themes and teachings have penetrated, especially those related to fear and trust in God.

Crafts are a huge hit; here you see the esteemed "crab visor" and, hanging above our kitchen slider, jellyfish and starfish selections on display. It's a lot of programming for our little ones (9 - 12 five days/week), so they are exhausted but enthused.