Where does bribing get us?

I bribe my children. With sugar. So today, going on my 5th day with a nagging headache, and knowing that I had some errands to run, I offered suckers to any girl that would not fight, not disobey me, not talk meanly to her sister, and who would stay right by me in the store at all times.

We got home, ate lunch and put them down for their naps. After a 2 1/2 hour nap, Genevieve came out from her room, groggy-eyed and half asleep asking for her sucker. As I took it out of the wrapper and handed it to her, she said,

"And can I have a pepper too?"

I love this girl!

Jocelyn turns 3!

In honor of my baby girl turning 3, we had a birthday party at the park with friends and family. It turned out to be a nice day, relatively hot, but shaded with a cool breeze. Jocelyn asked for a ladybug cake...a pink one. I decided to do cupcakes because they sounded easier...I was wrong.

Jocelyn enjoying a cupcake with Ashlyn and Kailer

The men folk enjoying manly conversations

Opening her loot

Thanking Caitlin for the new Slip-n-Slide

Juliana is such a good helper! She took all of the kids to the other side of the park and was playing a game with them where they sat in a circle and passed the ball. It was an amazing site! 9 kids, and Juliana had them all under control. She is going to be an EXCELLENT babysitter in just a few short years!

We got a used play house for the girls earlier this summer. Even though it seems to be 100+ degrees in there during the day, they have enjoyed playing in it. It is their "coffee house." They specialize in making Coconut Americanos with cream. I teach them young.

Partaking in more presents. Sometimes it seems like they just keep coming!

Jocelyn's godparents, Ron and Sarah, had a beautiful dress hand-made for her. It looks cute here, but it is even more adorable in person!

Swimming Lessons

When I taught swimming lessons, some 10 years ago or so, the water was freezing, we sang the same songs over and over again, and I flat out got burnt out!
So, this summer when I signed the girls up for lessons, I was expecting the same thing. I was actually hoping that Sam would get in with Jocelyn, who at 2, still requires a parent to be in the water with her. But I ended up doing it with her and I am extremely glad I did!
For starters, the water is a wonderful 89 degrees. That's right...a luke-warm hot tub. :)

Each night, the class offers something new so that we don't get bored and both the girls absolutely love their teachers and their swimming lessons in general.

Pretty darn cute girl peekin' over the edge to make sure daddy is watching her

Genevieve really loves to please her teacher. She listens very carefully to what her teacher asks her to do and then does it with a big smile.

Before we get in the water, the kids have to take a shower. Jocelyn helped herself to pulling the chain and drenching herself.

This was a nice bonding experience for Jocelyn and I to do together

In my 6 years of teaching lessons, I don't recall another child as comfortable in the water as Jocelyn is

The following are 3 videos.

Top: Jocelyn doing a bob under water on her own.

Middle: Jocelyn floating and Genevieve jumping in.

Bottom: Jocelyn jumping in.

A Bunch of Animals

There was a lion and a turtle in my house the other day...

But wouldn't you know it, it was my 2 darling daughters just trying to scare me!

Dental Visit

Today the girls got to go have their teeth cleaned at my work. Jenna told us that she was excited for such a special day!

Mandi put cartoons on for them to watch during the cleaning. She's the best hygienist ever! (Well, next to me anyway) :)

Jenna was even tough enough to take x-rays.


Dr. Brown examined her beautifully polished teeth and gave a report of "No cavities!" He is the best Dentist ever! (Oh yes, and the best boss!) :)

Jocelyn was also a trooper! What 2 year old do you know that will sit that still with her mouth open and cooperate? Don't get me wrong, she is comfortable with Mandi being that she is a family friend, but I think that possibly "Dora the Explorer" playing overhead, may have had a lot to do with her compliance!

And again we got a "No cavities!" report on Jocelyn!