July Round-Up!

What a month this has been! We started the month with company and Mom and Dad's anniversary party, but that seems like so long ago! Things were certainly derailed when I broke my ankle, but we have been managing around here (thanks in large part to help from friends and family). Here are some of the other happenings from the month!

Bri and Bren were invited to an 80's themed birthday party for their friend and running buddy, Kyrie. The invitation had a cassette tape on it, and they couldn't decide what it was, haha. The party was on July 5th . . . the same day I broke my ankle and they started swim lessons. Chris was already off work for the day, so after he got me home from the ER and settled, he took the kids to the party. They had a blast and looked totally rad!

As part of our Botany studies in our homeschool, we planted a small garden in our side yard. Bri and Bren were SO excited when they were able to pick the first fruit of their labors. The tomato plant continues to do well so far this season!

We've even had enough tomatoes to share with some of our neighbors. Madison's mom sent me this photo of Madison enjoying a tomato we had shared with them :-).

I mentioned above that Bri and Bren started swim lessons the same day I broke my ankle. Mom and Dad were able to take them to their lessons, and they were able to complete the course. They both did great with their lessons! Bren, especially, became a much more proficient swimmer (Bri was already there). 

Bren

Bren

Willingly jumping off the diving board!

 Bri

They both graduated to the next level!

Our neighbors whose backyard is adjacent to our backyard are putting in an in-ground pool right now. After digging the hole for the pool, they told Chris he was welcome to use any of the excess dirt that he wanted. Chris has been wanting to level our yard and fix a few drainage issues for a while, so this was a good opportunity to do just that. He rented a small bobcat for a day to make the dirt work more efficient and easier. Dad came over to help, and he and Bren ended up doing most of the work with the bobcat. 

Since I've been pretty laid up with my ankle, we've been spending more time at home than we normally would during the summer. This means more time for games . . . not my favorite, but the kids love it!

Each of the kids have a Warmie stuffed animal that is made to go in the microwave and heat up. Within minutes of me returning home from my girls trip to Tahlequah, Brecklyn put her Warmie in the microwave and accidentally nuked it until it caught fire. It smelled horrible, and Brecklyn was pretty much devastated. Out of all the kids, she is definitely most attached to her Warmie. Chris immediately took it outside (while it was still smoking) to try and help with the smell. It took a few days for it to fully dissipate, though. 

Poor Warmie :-(

About a day after this incident took place, the other kids came to me and told me that they had decided to put their money together to buy Brecklyn a new Warmie, and asked me to order one for them online. It came in the mail a few days later, and they could not wait to give it to her. As you can see in the photo below, her reaction did not disappoint! 

This whole thing really warmed my Momma heart. I was touched that they came up with this idea all on their own. 

Brecklyn was so happy and just kept hugging the other kids and telling them thank you over and over again. 

Sometimes the twins' drawings are really powerful. This is one that Brecklyn did during church services one day:

And a week or two later, Brooke drew this one:

I pray often that their hearts always stay soft toward Jesus's sacrifice for us. 

A few months ago, Rebekah arranged a field trip for our older church kids (and asked me to invite the Lewellens, as well). The trip was to visit the Port of Catoosa, including a presentation and tour. During this same week, Jeremy, Shawna, and Kaylee came to visit, so I ended up taking my four kids plus Kaylee and Lisa (Chloe was at a third week of church camp). Since Kaylee was still healing from surgery, she waited in the van while we went to the presentation and did a small walking tour. I went to the presentation, but didn't do most of the walking tour. It was a really neat visit, and I was impressed that it was something offered for free to students in Oklahoma! 

Listening to the presentation

So much great Oklahoma history!

Our tour crew

Those who were mobile were able to go to the top of this tugboat.

Brooke and Brecklyn thought it was pretty fantastic!

At the top of the tugboat . . . Avery, Bren, Hayden, Gavon, Brooke, Brianna, Blake, Lisa, and Brecklyn

After exploring the tugboat, we went on a small driving tour of the facility. We stopped at one point to watch the activity on the port. 

Hayden, Bri, Gavon, and Bren

Avery, Bri, Hayden, and Brecklyn

Brooke and Brecklyn

A fun summer outing called for a Sonic stop on the way home. Love my van full of smiles!

That evening, we had the family over for burgers and hot dogs. Always a good time!

Lisa brought her ukulele and sang for us!

At the end of that same week, Lisa and Russ had to drive to KC to pick Chloe up from camp. They invited Bri to ride along with them, and of course she jumped at the opportunity. They stopped at one of our regular stops on the way to camp . . . the Petro station! Lisa sent me this pic of Bri sitting in the cab of the truck that is in the lobby of the station. 

Bri was happy to see her cousin BFF and have her back home. Love these girls!

Good-bye July . . . Hello August!