Big Girl

This summer Lydia moved from a Baby Crib, to a Big Girl Bed. We didn't feel the need to rush her into this next phase, because Lydia never tried to climb out of the crib.

Initially I was worried about what this transition would mean for our uneventful bed times. Luckily, I have a DVR full of Super Nanny episodes that I occasionally watch when Mike is not home in the evening and I am caught up on all of my other shows (Project Runway, Top Chef and Glee, being the foremost).

So I was all geared up to try the "Stay in Bed Technique." The very first night Lydia met the technique with some resistance and frustration, but on the second night, she never got out of bed. She hasn't gotten out of bed since....just like in the TV show. :) Thanks Jo Frost!! That woman is so brilliant!

Haircut

Lydia has had 3 hair cuts in her life. One haircut by her dear brother, Ryan, one haircut by me and one at Monkey Doos. She was thrilled with the royal treatment she got. Sitting in a pink car and having a pink sparkly cape were a novelty. Lydia really loved the glitter that they sprinkled on top of her hair at the end. She has begged me to go back ever since.

"Before" Picture

"During" Picture

And after... with Ryan, who also got a haircut that day.

Nanea

One of the last days in Kauai we had dinner at a nice restaurant called Nanea, right there at the resort. This special night was arranged as a Birthday Party for my Dad. We got a semi-private table reserved and ordered a cake that we could take back to our condo. When we got back to the room it was decorated for the celebration. We watched a slide show and each shared thoughts and well wishes for my dad. It was a lovely and memorable night.

Zipping

While in Kauai I went Zip-Lining for the first time. After several runs among some of the most beautiful scenery you have ever seen, we came to the Zipping Finale. It was called King Kong and spanned a very large valley of greenery and trees. Two at a time we climbed a 26-foot high tower and then raced across the 1,200 foot line.

Angie, Eliot, Mike, Me, My Dad, Natalie

Kauai

This summer Mike and I got to go to Kauai with my family. We went there to celebrate my Dad's 60th Birthday. It took quite a bit of organizing, but all three of us sisters were able to find someone to watch our kids. It was so great being there as adults. Just sisters, spouses and Mom and Dad. It had been almost twelve years since grandkids started joining the family and we had never taken a trip like this. It was such a relaxing getaway.

Mike and I sailing along the Na Pali Coast. Man, I LOVE Hawaii!

Last Day

Here are the pictures of the older boys on the last day of school. As I was creating this post I really wished I had taken a picture of the boys together. This was the last day that they got to be walking buddies to and from Eagle Elementary. They really are the best of friends.

Graduation

Nathan is growing up quickly. At the beginning of June he had his 5th Grade Graduation. Yep, that means that I have a Middle Schooler. He sure enjoyed his elementary school years. Here is Nathan with his 5th Grade teacher, Mrs. Jones. He might appear to be a little weepy. That is because, he is. This guy has such a tender heart. The assembly was full of songs and awards and kind words from the teachers. Let's face it. There was probably not a dry eye in the whole place. Below I posted a video, just to give you a taste. Enjoy!