{finding joy in the journey...}: Week in the Life {High Temps, Glow Swim, Books, Birthday Buggy!}

The last week of August brought warm temperatures.

Sunday, August 23rd
Before we got out the door for worship, the kids slipped outside to watch the backyard birds. They were loud and busy on Sunday morning!

Ev styled her own headband.

After worship we all did some different projects around the house. Kea and AJ called and we got to catch up with one another - AJ is so excited to start preschool and I can't wait to hear all her adventures!

Natalee helped dad put a new long arm out for her bird feeders to the squirrels can't access them.

After we worked some, I filled 100 quick fill water balloons for the kids.

It takes about 5 minutes for 4 kids to go through 100 water balloons.

Ev was toddling around, reached, and fell into the large laundry basket of balloons that had about an inch of water in the bottom. We were right there to get her out, but she was real mad.

Dramatic falling when he got nailed with a balloon.

So mad about her dunking!

We finished our play with popsicles and sprinkler trampoline, and then the kids ran through their showers and got on comfy clothes for the rest of the night.

Ev's popsicle made her silly.

Monday, August 24th

Classes began at Mike's university and he worked like madman all week long!

Good morning!

The big kids and I did week 2 of our history lessons on the Eastern Hemisphere, and then the rest of the day was spent playing! Mia showed Zayden how to use the stapler and make a book.

Evalynn has discovered the joy of bringing a book to a person, holding her arms up to be lifted, and reading. All the day long. She's a sponge - learning so much everyday!

She has also discovered playing "chase."

Bedtime books...

Look at her facial expressions. Such a card.

Tuesday, August 25th

Tuesday became a busy day!

Natalee was supposed to have hippotherapy on Wednesday, but because of the forecasted high temps they called and switched our appointment to earlier Tuesday morning instead of the noon time slot we were supposed to have on Wednesday. They don't work the horses if the real feel is above 95 degrees.

Natalee got to ride a new horse this session, Chief. He is bigger, which worked in her favor when it came time to lay back on him. She is hurting so much lately. Her calf is so tight that she's swinging out at the hip when she walks, walking on her toes, and limping. Please pray for relief from, or answers to, this pain.

The girls especially love the barn kitties at hippotherapy.

Sitting on the ramp, cheering sister on! We try to find our balance between supporting Natalee, not being disruptive, and entertaining everyone for 40-50 minutes.

Natalee was already scheduled to have PT on Tuesday, so after about an hour at home, we left the other kids with dad and went to PT.

Whitney worked on Natalee's calf and confirmed that it is just so spastic and tight. They played 20 questions while Whitney massaged.

After supper we played outside.

Mike moved the slack line to be strung between two trees, instead of having one end on the swing set, and it's much sturdier and even more fun! Some of the kids are also discovering tree climbing and we have so many good trees in this yard!

Since we're taking down the pool this weekend, we let the kids have a glow swim. I told you Tuesday became a very busy day!

I knew they'd be hungry when they got out, so I left Mike to supervise and I went in and made a pan of monster cookie bars for a bedtime snack.

Finally, bed. Everyone slept good!

Wednesday, August 26th

The days heated up fast this week but it wasn't too bad in the shaded back yard in the mornings and evenings. The kids and I did our history outside while the little 3 played.

Grammy and Papa George surprised us with a visit to celebrate and early birthday with Evalynn!

The car buggy they got her was a huge hit. Look at her clap her hands in the last picture!

We introduced Grammy and Papa to our ice cream trailer, Sno Biz and they treated us all. Yep, we took the car. She was happy the whole time.

The visit was too short, but we were so thankful for they made the trip up!

Thursday, August 27th

We played outside and took a walk before Evie's morning nap. She rests so much better with fresh air! While she napped, the big kids and I did our history.

Evie got a birthday package during mail call. Chelsie, who noticed how much she loves the kitty wand toy outside, sent her ribbon wands and princess wands. So smart - she LOVES them.

When Mike got home, I made my first trip to Aldi since late February to do a whole month grocery shopping. The store was not crowded and I was glad to get back this part of our life routine. Masks, sanitizer, distancing - I never felt unsafe. We're thankful for the online ordering we've used through Wal-Mart and Hy-Vee this last half a year, but I've missed Aldi. I had to check out twice (working to restock areas we'd let run low and groceries for 4+ weeks), and my Beeler Bus was full!

Friday, August 28th
We got out and got our walk in before breakfast and then Ev and I ate oatmeal with strawberries in it while the others ate PB and Js and fruit for breakfast. They all worked up an appetite!

Arm up, just chillin'. This girl is the cutest.

My morning was spent working on laundry and finishing with the groceries. Evie got a birthday card from Grandma Num and Papa Curtis with $1. A dollar for every year of age, and now she'll be one!!

The fairy wands from the Sniders also arrived in Friday's mail and she loved them as much as the ribbons!

We got a 5 p.m. windy thunderstorm that didn't bring in as much rain as it did noise and gusts.

I spent my afternoon....and evening (because I'm slow...making Evie's little birthday cake and cupcakes to celebrate her Saturday! I made her a white cake with buttercream frosting, and then made chocolate cupcakes and peanut butter chocolate frosting.

Evie thought the peanut butter chocolate frosting was just great!

I took charge of decorating her personal cake but, after much asking, I let her very excited older siblings chip in on decorating the cupcakes.

Thank you, Aldi, for carrying dye free sprinkles. They really give us much joy!

We wound down our evening with some oatmeal pancakes and sausage, and then little Zayden did dishes for mommy while I ate supper. Such a sweet helper!