(Not So) Quick Takes - Volume 10

Yes, friends, we are still alive -- barely, some days, but alive. And happy. Today, I am so. very. tired. Which is why I'm sitting here blogging instead of packing boxes. Plus, it's too hot to pack boxes. Anyway ... here's a brief look at what we've all been up to the last month.

--- 1 ---
The Baby

The Baby had many "firsts" this past month.

her first time using a fork

Although she promptly took the food off the fork ...


... before putting it in her mouth.

She has since managed to put the fork with the food on it into her mouth.

her first time riding one of these spring-y things
(What do you call them anyway?)


her first time sliding


her first time swinging like a big girl

her first time swimming (or sitting) in a lake


and, at long last, her first steps!

At almost sixteen months of age, The Baby is my latest walker. Her Father's Day gift to Daddy was her first steps. (I think she didn't like the way the grass felt on her legs when she was crawling in it!)

(I have some great video of her first steps, but I can't figure out how to get it easily from iPhoto to Blogger. Blogger tells me it's uploading video, but it never stops. Help anyone?)

--- 2 ---
The Boy

The Boy also had a first in June -- his first time riding a bike with no training wheels.

The Boy also spent a very. hot. week. at Sports Camp. He played basketball.

He played baseball.

And he played soccer (more good videos that I can't post). for three hours every day.

He slept very well that week.

--- 3 ---
The Girls

The Girls spent their favorite week of the summer at horse camp again.


They also attended Young Irish Musicians Weekend.


And they competed at the Twin Cities Feile.

The Younger Girl got to wear a new (to her) solo dress for the first time. She earned two firsts and three fourths!

And The Older Girl got to spend some time with her best friend from Milwaukee. She earned four firsts and a second.

--- 4 ---
Mom

My life for the last month has revolved around carting The Kids to the above events, working, and packing, packing, packing for our big move. There are boxes and dust bunnies everywhere -- sorry, no pictures.

--- 5 ---
Dad

My DH has been working diligently on his dissertation. I've heard more positives than negatives lately. We're all cheering him along. Go, Daddy!!! Say a prayer, please, for a November defense and a December graduation.

--- 6 ---
The Family

We have been to the zoo. Our highlights this trip were playing at the great play area, watching the prairie dogs, and observing the bears wrestle.

We have been to the beach. (I tried to upload a few pictures, but I think I've reached my quota for this post because Blogger won't let me!)

We have been to Bismarck looking for a house. No luck yet. Another prayer please?

--- 7 ---
The Future

The Older Girl and I leave on Sunday for Orlando where she will be competing at Nationals for Irish dance.

When we return on Wednesday, we will have three days to spend with my brother and sister-in-law and my newest nephew.

The following Wednesday is moving day!

Maybe I'll be back here before August ... but, then again, maybe not!

Happy summer!