Diving In!

Our neighbors were kind enough to invite us to share in the fun of their pool today. It was definitely hot enough. The kids absolutely loved it.


Emma was not afraid to get in. She found that she could touch the bottom and soon was moving all around the shallow end, jumping in and kicking about.

Claire was the next one to decide she would try out the floaty inter-tubes and get her feet wet. Our neighbor Jim was so very helpful and soon Claire was kicking around on her own as well.

Paul was reluctant for quite a while. We coaxed him over to the stairs and then into a tube. He got scared when he was too far away from the stairs with no one around to push him back.

Benjamin was content to just throw in all of the pool toys. He gave us many scares because he would reach down in the water from the side to grab a ball or floaty. For the last 20 minutes we were there, he did finally get in and play on the steps. Once again our good neighbor was right there to help him and make him feel comfortable in the water. It was so cute to see him when he first got in. He let one leg dangle in the water and kept the other extended along the side of the pool. Then he got this look on his face like, "I'm cool!"

What wonderful neighbors! We had so much fun. Jason started off swimming with us but he had to leave because he was called out. Today was one of those days that something actually happened during his on call time. Darn!

Library Book Stowaway

We decided to go to the library and check out some books the same day that we finished packing up some of the kids' books. Well, Paul and Emma got involved and before we knew it we'd packed them all plus some of the library books. We didn't realize that we were missing a library book until today. Luckily, thankfully, we remembered which box contained the books. We found the missing book in no time at all.

Cheerios in the Toilet

This is not my original idea. I know someone passed the idea along to me. It works great however with Benjamin and using the toilet (the times that he's not just going outside). All I have to say is,"Let's go shoot some cheerios," and he comes willingly. He used to fight me before bedtime, not anymore. It's great!

Stacking

And so the stacking madness begins once again. We have found another place to rent here in Othello. We won't be moving far, but we'll be in a different ward. Sniff, sniff! On to new opportunities!

Sock 'em

I returned from some errands to find the kids clad in socks on their hands having a good natured fight. It was so funny. I have no idea where they got the idea.

Muddy Buddies

Summer Sleepover

There's nothing better than a sleepover in the summer with cousins or friends. Cousin Katelyn is our guest of honor for a few days.

Paul, Ben, and Claire were camera shy

Cutie-Patooties

Being Silly

Baby Blessing & Chubby Bunny

We blessed Lainey today in our home. It just worked better that way with Jason's current schedule. Plus, we celebrated the 4th of July today here in Othello, so we were going to invite the whole family any way.



After we ate, we had a few games in the back yard. We started off with I'm a chubby bunny. This is an Erickson tradition to play at their family reunions. Jason and his cousins talk about the fun times had playing this game. So naturally I thought it would be a big hit. Notice that there are only a few from my side and all the others are brave Ericksons. I was so thrilled that they played. It was fun! The idea is to see how many marshmallows you can get in your mouth and still say, "I'm a chubby bunny."

Alex and Ethan

The final three - Shelly, Wade, and Dad E. I was surprised that Shelly played, but she won the event with a whopping nine marshmallows in her mouth. Crazy! They were really stuffing them in.

Marble Hop

The kids had to grab marbles out of the buckets of water with their toes and then hop back and drop them in their bowls. Very fun! Thank you Molly

Wheelbarrow Race

Three Legged Race

Parade Fun

On our way

Fireworks Show
The show was amazing this year. Way to go Othello!

Little Miss Drool

Lainey loves to spit up. I don't care for it as much. This is how it's done.

This Clean House

So my sister Cherice gave this advice for having a clean house. "Just put your house up for sale and schedule a showing." There was a showing of our home scheduled tonight and so we cleaned really good. Look! Nothing on the counters or strewn down the hall. The dishes are done and put away. The laundry is done and all sorted in baskets to be put away. The kids' rooms are all neat and beds made. It just makes you feel good to have a clean house. And if it takes moving to accomplish that, so be it.