Chinese Food

I had some errands to run today. It's getting easier to take all the kids out in public by myself. At least I am feeling more comfortable with it. We went to the UPS store to ship a package. As we were leaving, Alexa and Gavin were complaining that they were hungry. There was a Chinese restaurant next door that I like, but the kids have never eaten there before. I wasn't sure if they liked Chinese food, the only time they have had it was on Christmas Eve because that's one of Daddy's favorite traditions. I asked them if they wanted Chinese food. "Yeah!" they both yelled.
So we tried it and they all loved it. Tysen was trying so hard to use his fork, but finally gave up and started shoving handfuls of chicken lo mien in his mouth!

Grocery Shopping with 4 young children

After we ran our errands and had lunch, I decided to get some groceries. The grocery store was right next to the Chinese restaurant that we had eaten at so we just walked.
I've had lots of people ask me "How in the world can you take four children grocery shopping?" Today I was lucky. The kids were all happy. No tantrums or meltdowns and nobody needed to go potty as soon as I got the full cart in the check out lane. I've had horrible experiences. Maybe that's why I felt the need to take a picture of my happy kids in the cart today! The cart was perfect- Alexa and Gavin loved "driving," Tysen was belted in and couldn't cause much destruction, and Bowen was comfy in his infant seat secure in the main basket (although it didn't leave much room for groceries). It won't be long before Tysen, Alexa, and Gavin start fighting over who gets to ride in the car part.
The best part of the shopping trip was the elderly man who bagged our groceries and insisted on helping me out to the van with them. I was very grateful.

Castle Park

We checked out a new park today. Alexa liked it because she felt like a princess in the castle. Gavin was whining because he said the equipment was too hot. I felt it and it really was hot. I wish there was more shade. We might have to wait until cooler weather this fall before we go back.

Alexa's sandwich face

I forgot to post this last week. I had made the kids turkey and cheese sandwiches for lunch and I cut them into heart shapes to make them fun. Alexa calls out to me, "Mommy, look what I made! Take a picture!" She was so proud of herself for getting creative. It was pretty cute.

Swimming Lessons

Alexa and Gavin had their first preschool level one swim lesson on Sunday. They are so excited about "swimming school." This is the first time they've taken lessons without a parent in the water with them. There were a total of 4 children in their group- Alexa & Gavin plus another girl and boy and they had two college student instructors. Gavin did an excellent job of listening and following instructions. Alexa didn't follow instructions as well because she kept diving underwater and swimming around so she couldn't hear what they were saying. Alexa is very comfortable in the water and has pretty much already taught herself how to swim. She must have impressed the instructors because after class, they approached us and said that they were advancing her up to level 3 next week! Now we just need to work on her listening skills! She just gets so excited and she's also stubborn and just wants to do her own thing.
Matt and I were very proud of both of them. We have visions of us all competing in triathlons someday as a family. It will be so fun and special!

Fun at the pool

After swim lessons, Alexa, Gavin, and Tysen got to play in the fun pool with Daddy while Mommy stayed with Bowen.

Tysen is trying to stand on Alexa as she swims by.

Alexa's swimming suit really stands out! I love that bright coral color.

Tysen is still a little nervous in the water. We need to work on that.

Pool time