Letting go...

Libby getting ready for her first day of Kindergarten Camp.  I love that they do this to help the kids get used to the school and teachers before school starts.  

Thanks to Grandma Susie for the cute dress!

Sarah doing some interpretive dance for joy that we were taking Libby to Kindergarten Camp.  Sarah is quite content (so far) to play without Libby for a little while.

Libby starts kindergarten in less than 2 weeks.  I am excited...except for one thing.  Her bus comes at 8:15.  I teach a class that I LOVE that starts at 8:00 am.  Bodystep.  To a group of ladies I have been teaching for 5 years.  I had planned on hiring a nanny to put Libby on the bus.  But, Derek urged me to reconsider.  So, I did.  I gave up the class (and the two circuit classes that I hadn't planned on keeping) so I can be here to put our Libby on the bus every day.  I am sad, excited, relieved...and think we made the right decision.

Ben-isms

I have been trying to teach Ben animal sounds.  It hasn't been going well.  Then the other day his sisters were doing a "bock bock bock" chicken.  I heard him doing a great "bock bock bock" right along with them.  So, all I had to do was help him connect the sound with the phrase, "What does a chicken say Ben?" and now he gives a great "bock bock bock" in reply.  So cute!  And the girls are the ones that taught him the sound.  Good big sisters!

Sarahisms

I feel like lately I have been giving lots of posts to the things Libby says.   She says a lot.  But Sarah sneaks in some cute ones too.
Monday night we went to Harbor Square for FHE.  I was subbing a 7:30 class, so we went early and were going to play with balls in one racquetball court.  It was a bit of a disaster and Ben and Libby decided they wanted to go to the daycare.  But Sarah wanted to stay and watch Derek and I play racquetball.  We haven't done this in forever.  No surprise, he still beats me.  Anyway, Sarah stuck her head into the court several times and said, "Mom, you are the best.  You are the best."  It was so cute to hear when the score was 1-10 :)

Tonight I asked her if she had gone potty again after her bedtime snack.  She said, "No, but I have a plan about how I will not need to go, it's called (switch to singsong voice) SLEE-PING."  Well okay.  We'll see how that works out.

Her most common phrase right now is "I need help!"  With everything.
She also doesn't want me to leave her.  If I need to go to the garage, she comes.  If I need to go to the bathroom, she comes with me.  If I am going to buckle her into the car and then run back to get Ben she comes back into the house with me.  I am NOT in love with this phase, but it is kind of cute I guess.  Hopefully it wears off soon.  I am not that fun.

Discovery Park Hike

We had a great day hike adventure today.  It was an adventure for several reasons.  1.  We had no idea how many strollers to take for our 6 children.  It seemed like one double stroller would be sufficient since 4 of the 6 children are 3 (almost 4) and 5.  Turns out we could have used a 5 seater.  Only Libby did the whole thing without being "tired."  Sarah was by far the biggest complainer.
2.  We didn't exactly know the route to take to the beach.  We did eventually find it, but walked quite a bit more than we needed too.
3.  We saw a bald eagle.  Amazing.  Incredible.  Up pretty close!
4.  We used one of the grossest port-o-pottys ever.  It didn't have toilet paper, but it did have hand sanitizer.

Ben got a bit tired of the stroller, so he did some strolling along the path.  He really enjoyed the walking around.  When we  were leaving he kept trying to walk back up the path.

One of our many rest breaks.

Lunch time!  I should have brought lots more food for my kids.  Turns out hiking can make even Libby hungry!

Our Bald Eagle Friend (yes, he deserves CAPS)

Sarah strutting her stuff (when she wasn't howling about how tired she was)

Me trying to get them to turn for a pic with the lighthouse.  Impossible.

But I did get 5 out of 6 looking at the camera.  Miraculous!

5.  We had a blast!

Cheerleader Extraordinaire

I signed Libby up for the Edmonds Woodway Cheerleading camp.  It was rough getting her there, and I don't just mean making sure someone could drop her off while I was teaching (although Derek had to do it one day, the Enterprise Rental car guy and Derek did it one day, and I paid a girl from the gym to do it another day) but she cried a lot!  The night before she had a massive melt down.  Then the next morning she told me she was sorry she cried, she was just tired and grumpy, she really did want to go to cheerleading camp.  Anyway, I signed her up partly as a test run for kindergarten.  She was great once she got there, but a bit manic about going.  She also was unhappy about things that she missed while she was at camp.  We had a splash party at a friend's house on Thursday.  She said later (about an hour after she found out about it) "Mom, this is what I have to say to you for going to a splash party without me, I HATE YOU!"
Oh, the transition to kindergarten isn't going to be easy.  Hopefully the main changes will be that I will be home 3 out of 5 days to get her on the bus.  The other 2 days either Derek or a consistent nanny will be here.  I think that will help things.
Kindergarten camp next week.  I am trying not to be nervous.
Now take a peek at the skills she learned.  I was crying and laughing while I was filming, so it isn't great cinematography (or cheerleading for that matter) but I think she is pretty amazing.

Ballinger Lake Day

We had a fun chance to go Ballinger Lake with our cousins on Friday after Libby's dance performance.  Grammy and Grandpa also came for the picnic.  I wasn't sure how any of them would do swimming in the lake water.  Libby did okay until she got cold, but loved playing on the beach.  Sarah LOVED it.  She kept plugging her nose and dipping her face in.  Ben also LOVED the water, but especially the sand.  He would pick up handfuls of sand and throw them into the water.  Then, when he thought I wasn't looking he would stick one in his mouth.  Yuck!  He liked having his feet in the water and walking and then reaching down and cleaning his hands in the water.  Even after he fell a few times walking around and was extremely startled, he still had a good time in the water.  I left everyone but Libby at the lake and we went to the eye doctor.  Then we came back and played some more.  By the time we left, Ben was so tired.  He went right to bed at about 6 and slept all night (except for 2 bottle wake ups...11:30ish and 5:30ish).

Taste of Edmonds

The girls'dance studio, Alderwood Dance Spectrum, did a mini-recital at the Taste of Edmonds.  I really wanted them to do it, but I knew it was going to be tight to get there after my Saturday classes.  I got them all ready at the gym waiting for Derek to come and meet us.  I figured he would drop us off at the entrance and then we would have time to make the performance.  Of course, he got a late call.  Not only could he not come, he couldn't drop us off.  So, we were late.  I had to park super far away and by the time we got there it was in the middle of Sarah's number.  I tried putting her up on the stage without her shoes and hat but it was a no go, she came back down.  At least Libby got to dance.  Grammy and Grandpa Norton came and met us there.  We had a good time "tasting" the fair food, trying rides, etc.  It was a fun afternoon minus the epic fail in the Sarah dance department.

 

Sprinkler Day!

We had some 90 + degree weather days this week.  I let Libby and Sarah run in the sprinkler.  Ben woke up from his nap in the middle, so he had is first sprinkler moment too.  He walked up and touched the edge of the water.  Then he followed it as it moved away.  He was pretty surprised when the water came back at him.  Gasping he quickly made for the safety of his blanket.  

Ben with the drips running down.  

Libby doing a little sunbathing to warm up.  Since she essentially has 0% bodyfat, she gets cold super easy.  She will be shivering and blue lipped even in tepid water.  This water was COLD.

Sarah, on the other hand, could stay in all day.  She likes to take her towel in with her.

Love this close up.

Sarah loves putting her "bummy" into the water.

This is Ben's comfort mechanism.  He not only likes to hold the blanket, but he strokes the embroidery floss.

Life Changing Checkup--Libby's Stats

Libby had her 5 year old check up on Monday.
One amazing thing happened.
She went from being in the 5% to the 10%.
She weighs 34 lbs. 10 oz.
She is 40 1/4" tall.

Awesome!!!!!

But, during the eye check, it was clear that her vision wasn't up to snuff.
So, we went to the eye doctor yesterday.  She is pretty seriously farsighted.  For people who understand glasses, she is a +7 in both eyes.  But the doctor said that she probably couldn't handle glasses that strong so he would start her with a +5.

She picked out some cute glasses, but the lady helping us choose pulled me aside to tell me that her lenses would be too thick for the ones she picked.  She is ordering in some other ones for Libby to look at.  I am feeling like I am entering a world I know nothing about.  Derek and I both have great vision.  The good news is that Libby is pretty excited about the whole thing.  So, we will just see (literally :).  Libby will be able to read the board when she starts school in a couple of weeks.

(On a side note, Libby told me she wanted glasses awhile ago after reading a book where DW wants glasses.  I told her she definitely didn't want glasses because if you go to the eye doctor they put "drops" in your eyes.  I thoroughly freaked her out.  Imagine my horror when she remembered this threat and was totally scared of the eye doctor. Hmmm.  I should be careful what I say.)

A Truly Outrageous Music Video

Libby and Sarah have been super into Jem, due to Netflix streaming they have watched about 1/2 the first season. (Is there even a second season?) Anyway, when they wanted to make a music video I had visions of me dancing on my parents' deck lip syncing to Belinda Carlisle or Debbi Gibson or someone similar. I had to take a break from whatever I was doing and help them make this video. It was well worth the effort. You even get a good close up of the amazing makeup!

Girl's Camp

When I realized the Emily's wedding would be the weekend before girls' camp I was kind of disappointed that I wouldn't be able to help (and a bit relieved, to be honest).  But they found a way to involve me anyway.  I was the hike leader!  I went up on Wednesday afternoon to scout out the hike that I had only heard about on the phone.  I had to call Larry from Ensign Ranch about 6 more times, but we found and scouted out the hike.  (luckily it was all driveable, right down to the river.)  Derek sacrificed some sleep and the paint job on his truck (the scratches from Libby were nothing compared to the new scratches down the sides of his truck.)  But I couldn't have done it without him!  

I stayed over Wed. and Thurs. night and took girls on the 5 mile hike Thurs and Fri mornings.  It was really fun!  The camp leaders did a great job of making it spiritual and very fun at the same time.  I got home Friday afternoon FILTHY and happy to be done with the many, many trips in a row.  Once I got caught up on laundry and cleaning I started to feel like myself again.  

I am super thankful to Derek for taking care of the kids while I was gone and giving me a chance to serve!

Just before we crossed the river back into camp.  It was a great way to end the hike.

The priesthood making sure all the girls cooled off after the hike.  Luckily they knew better than to get the hike leader wet!

The Wedding

The actual wedding, the culmination of why we went to Utah, was amazing.  We had a great time.  There were no epic meltdowns because I remembered to bring snacks.  The official pictures aren't ready yet, but here are some from Dave and from my camera.

Emily and Soren coming out of the temple.  They look mighty happy!

Libby swirling in her flower girl dress

Sarah in her flower girl dress

The Dynomite Flash Mob

Distracting the girls during pictures

Trish and Nick.  When I first saw this picture I thought it was Rachel.  Crazy.

My favorite picture of Derek and Ben EVER.

Libby with the bouquet.  I love everything about this picture.

The Randall Family all together outside the temple.  

Quotes...

Libby was full of hilarious saying the whole time we were in Utah.  I had people email me their favorites.  I hope I can get most of them down.

Libby was obsessed with the fact that it was her birthday.  She wanted anything and everything in every store just because it was her birthday week.  Ugh!

Libby told Bryn that she "didn't like her attitude"
-Brian

Libby and I were discussing a transaction Saturday morning where she would give be $10,000,000 for the cane I was holding. We agreed upon it and I gave her the cane.... HOURS LATER Libby comes to me and hands me all her quarters. I had totally forgotten the arrangement. She had not! Made my heart melt and I obviously gave back the quarters:)
-Brad

The quote I remember was Libby saying to Rachel, “Okay Rachel, make me proud”, just before Rachel got on the Ferris Wheel.

-Dad

Libby called Sarah an idiot.  Derek reminded her that we don't say idiot.  So then she told Sarah: "Sarah I will not be affiliated with you any more!"

Rachel: "if you want to throw a tantrum you can go find your mom because I don't do tantrums."

Libby: "she doesn't do tantrums either."

-Rachel

My favorite quote was actually right after we got home.  Libby was praying one day at lunch and she said,

"And please bless that mommy will wipe the syrup from breakfast off the table."

 

Meeting Baby Cora

I got a chance to sneak away to a park to have a playdate with my friend Laney and her baby Cora.  Cora is only 9 months and already bigger than Ben.  They had a good time playing around each other (still too young to play together) and Libby and Sarah loved being at the park.

Bachelorette Speakeasy

Soren's sister Kiersten (sp?) and Emily's friend Shayla (sp?).

Kelly (one of the bridesmaids who masterminded the event) and Katelin  who was their roommate at Disneyworld.  

We threw Emily a super fun bachelorette party.    The other bridesmaids, Kelly and Rachel came up with the idea, so I can't take credit for that part.  Rachel made a darling Evite.  And the best part was that my good friends Jared and Dana (I know J from my days as a Shopko employee in high school) let us use their amazing house.  J and his friend Dan served as our bartenders.  Dana did a run to the store for us when we ran out of club soda and half and half.  They were amazing hosts!

Here is the text of Rachel's EVITE: 

{A night for the swankiest dames in town. Get dolled up 1920's style and come enjoy some bootleg drinks (virgin style), ritzy appetizers, and some wild, yet classy entertainment.

The password for entry is: GIGGLE WATER.

RSVP by Wednesday August 1st. }

PS: Emily knows we are having  a party, but all other details are a surprise, so mums the word on the theme.

We designed a delicious menu with yummy mocktails including:  Cherry-lime Ricky, Virgin Mojitos , Sparkling Cranberry Punch, Italian Sodas and a few others.  

The food included chips and salsa, Jalapeno Popper Dip (can I just say that I LOVE Ourbestbites.com), Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies, Mini Coconut cupcakes (okay I made those from a mix, but used the Magnolia Bakery recipe for the scrumptious frosting), and PBRCTs with chocolate drizzle (for those who aren't in the know, a PBRCT is a Peanut Butter Rice Crispie Treat.  A Randall Family FAV.)

For the entertainment we played SCUM, only we played it bride style.  The president was the Bride and then the maid of honor, the bridesmaids, the guests and the cleaning crew.  It was hilarious.  

Then, we went to practice the FLASH MOB for the reception.  (We did the Dynomite song, the Just Dance version because it was something Emily and Soren had done for a show.)  Just as we started practicing, a group of very handsome and somewhat scantily clad (t-shirts with muscles drawn on and shorts :)  burst onto the scene.  Soren, Brad, Dave and Brian did a "dressing" show (instead of stripping, get it?) for us.  Emily's face was the best.  When all the boys had finished putting on several layers we practiced the flash mob together and they headed back to Boondocks for more laser tag.  

This had to be one of the best parties I have ever been a part of.  I can't wait to do one again.  I will try to get more pictures of the evening because the outfits were spectacular!

Sister Brides

Rachel had this great idea that we should do a photo shoot in our wedding dresses.  Super fun!  I hadn't put mine on for years.  If you look at our dresses you kind of see a little bit of our personalities.  You can also see our main wedding colors by the umbrellas we choose.  Our sister-in-law Bryn took the pics for us.  She did a great job!

Ben WALKS!

I guess this is probably the biggest and most important thing that happened on our trip.  Until the trip he would only take occasional steps.  He didn't really seem to see any value in walking.  He had been able to stand on his own and balance for quite some time.  But now he is a walking machine.  He still spends quite a bit of time crawling (mostly bear crawling), but he is a officially a walker.  Hooray!

LIbby's Lagoon Birthday

The boats!

Last year Libby got totally freaked out on this Dumbo ride.  So, Sarah went to ride it alone.  After Libby saw how much fun Sarah was having, she decided to give it another try.  They each rode it several times.

Riding the Skyride with Gramps.  This took place while I was supposed to be riding Wicked with the other grown-ups.  But, I rode the Centennial Screamer first and was done for the day!

They loved running in the fountain at the end of the day (I was letting them run in their swimsuits, but the worker made me put their dresses on.  Strange, huh?)

While we were in Utah we celebrated Libby's birthday by going to Lagoon.  The girls had a BLAST!  I was only sorry that we had to go before Derek got there.  The girls kept mentioning how sad they were that Derek wasn't there with them.
(Ps.  So many awesome things happened while in Utah, I am going to try to blog one each day.)