Hmm. June.

I really am working on getting this blog caught up for journaling purposes, but I need to be better at just writing about what's happening right now, or it's all just a somewhat-distant memory of what was going on at the time.
Summer is killing me. May was nice. It was fun (mostly) to have them home, and we were having really mild temperatures, for Arizona. Then June hit, and it has about wiped me out. Somehow, we had someone sick for at least 2 weeks straight.

And by the time we got back from Pima, Jeremy was working on recovering from his accident for a good 2 weeks (at least) too, and was sometimes in a good amount of pain, which was worrisome. (Thankfully, it got better after about a week and a half to 2 weeks, and he has been healing up just fine.) Plus, I just don't do well with the temperatures that averages around 110º and never cool off. It's true that we have access to a nice pool, but it already feels kind of like bathwater, so it's not very refreshing. It's not forever, but it does kind of wipe me out, especially if we go anywhere or do anything. Which is necessary with a small-ish house full of 4 busy kids and no real yard. The refereeing alone is enough to do me in some days! There are few moments when no one needs me or wants something or is asking something, and I find myself looking forward to school, and being sad that I feel that way. It's a constant struggle, but I keep trying to look on the bright side and enjoy the little fun moments. We have done quite a few fun things already and had a busy summer so far, despite all the sickness in June. The kids love June because the schools here do the free lunches most days. They love the variety of options, and mom is a big fan of not getting the kitchen all messy at lunch time. We got a really good deal on a membership to the Science Museum in Phoenix that we just started. We have been twice, and it keeps the kids pretty busy. I'm not sure if I'll do well going without Jeremy though. Shawn himself is a handful to keep track of there! Maybe if we go on a quiet day, if such a thing happens.We have also been to half the splash parks in the East Valley, I think, and been swimming quite a few times at our pool. Last week we took a morning and went to Makutu's Island, which is a big indoor play area. We have really gotten a lot of use out of the POGO passes we got for Christmas so far, and we're looking forward to checking out some more places. The kids are especially looking forward to Sunsplash later on this summer. :)

One of the more exciting parts of the month was definitely Katy's 5th birthday. She is such a fireball. Her indomitable will should really help her succeed in life. She keeps us on our toes, and doesn't know how to take "no" for an answer. She is getting very excited to start school in the fall. Hopefully it will be exactly what she needs. (She's just going to do half-day, mornings) She had her first "friend party" and they had a lot of fun! I think we have pictures of that on the Canon. And I'm lucky to get this post up today with all the laundry I have sitting around, all the picking up there ALWAYS is to do right now, and dinner time looming soon...

Mr. Shawn is about as busy as they come. Also, adorable, and learning new things each day. He turned 18 months last month, and is our sweet little mess-maker. He liked nursery the first week, but the second week there were a bunch of kids crying, and it kind of traumatized him. Week 3 did not go well. We'll see. He has started getting into a little more trouble lately, but also understanding more and trying to communicate a little more. He doesn't have very many words yet, but is doing well at making himself understood anyway. 75% what he wants is a snack, but figuring out what he wants is hard, because he has very definite ideas about what he will eat! We are still staying away from dairy and corn, and some of his favorites are cereal, applesauce pouches, chicken, and anything peanut butter.

Also, throwing a picture of the kids in here that we managed to surprise Jeremy with for Father's Day. This is a big deal, because I can never surprise him with anything. I'm forgetful, and a bad liar, and he's exceptionally good at putting clues together without even trying...