You know it's HOT when...

You are soooo sweaty your hair can do this...

...Ha!

My new daily reminder:

"Don't look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled by the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering."

Cleaning Machines

A few weeks ago we began having the kids help out around the house. They each have been assigned a chore and, so far, they are doing a WONDERFUL job at keeping up with their chores...yay! Usually they ask Jake or I before we even think of it if they can please do their chore. And if they don't ask, all they need is a simple reminder. They gladly do their work and proudly put a pebble in their jar.

Emma is a master at cleaning the bathroom. The best part of assigning this job to Emma, is she not only cleans up the bathroom daily but she helps keep it clean throughout the day as well by wiping up water puddles and spilled toothpaste on the counter. She is doing that all on her own! She also very kindly reminds (sometimes more kindly than others!) her brother & sister to clean up properly after themselves when they are in the bathroom, because if not it makes more work for her...ha! Want to know Emma's new favorite thing to do? Clean the toilet. She thinks it's the coolest thing and loves how the toilet cleaner smells like peppermint! She even had Nate come watch her to see how cool it was!

Abby is spectacular at putting away the clean dishes. She organizes and lines up all the items that are to difficult to put away herself on the counter for me or Jake to help. She also is in charge of wiping down the counter, oven, fridge and trash can. I seriously think she would spray Windex and wipe down everything in the house if I let her! She is a hard worker!
Nathan's job is to sweep the kitchen floor. The day I introduced him to his chore, he said to me, "Awww, Mickey, why do I have to sweep the floor?!" Hmmmm....I wonder why?! I told him it was the best job because he will get to climb under the kitchen table. The real reason why is because he is the one who drops most of his food on the floor and under the table! He loves his job too does it everyday. His favorite part is when he finds dropped food under either of his sisters' chairs. He always announces to me that one on the girls spilled food on the floor. He is such a typical little brother!

Great job kiddos! Keep up the good work!

July, so far...

It's been a busy month! I can hardly believe we are halfway through the month of July...these past couple of weeks have flown by! It's been hot, humid and more hot, humid here in PA!!! I must say I'm starting to get a little sick of this heat, but I hate to complain because I much rather be too hot than cold:) Despite the unending heat, we have been having a busy and fun summer.

Fourth of July weekend, Jake and I had the opportunity to travel home to MA to visit family. We had some very special guest fly in all the way from London that we were so thrilled we had the chance to spend some time with. My little sister, Denise (who has been studying at Oxford University) and her fiance, Ross spent 10 days at my mom's house. They brought along with them Ross's parents: Ann & Jack. It was so good to see my little sister (who I haven't seen since last September!) and Ross and such a pleasure to meet Ann & Jack.

The newly engaged couple :)
Me and my little sis...
Connor, Chris & Renee...

The grill masters, Ross & Jake...

Digging in!

I just adore my Pepere :)

Connor had lots of fun entertaining us with these festive beads...

Chris, Renee, Jake, Nikki, Ross & Dee. With one couple in Massachusetts, one in Pennsylvania and one in London...these pictures don't happen often!

And of course we had to celebrate the birthday lady, Renee, who turned the big 3-0 in June! Happy Birthday Renee!

The next day we had a blast celebrating the 4th of July at Jake's Uncle Bob & Aunt Norma's house. It was an all American day filled with family, swimming, food & boat rides.

Tim & Dawn...

Burt & Christine...

Logan, Joe and Beezy enjoying the water...

Uncle Bob taking us out on a boating adventure...

Dawn & Larry...

Jake & his little brothers...

Logan & Luke had so much fun on tubing, that I decided to give it a try! Here I am on my very first tubing experience....

After I tried it out, Dawn gave it a whirl. She was a little more daring than I was...

....which ended her up off the tube and in the water!!!

It was such a fun day!

And back at home, we have been enjoying spending lots of extra time with the kiddos. We recently went mini-golfing...

Don't they look like movie stars?!

And have enjoyed one of our favorite summer treats....making s'mores! Yummy!

And that's what we've been up to lately.

We hope you are all enjoying your summer as much as we are!