THE BELLS: September 2011

September 9, 2011

Fun Times

This has been a really packed month with a birthday, family visiting, education week, end-of-summer trips to Seven Peaks, etc. I was able to go to a few days of education week which I'm so grateful for- I loved it. My Mom came to town a couple times which is always fun, and we went swimming a TON because my kids have turned in to little fishes.

Amelia practicing her floating with Daddy.

Amelia's pretty much learned to swim this summer. It's been SO fun to watch her little body squirming around in the water.

Amelia has also been training all summer to be a Mommy. She even sings a song about wanting 6 kids someday.

Oliver speeding along on his scooter that he loves.

We spent a couple days at my parents' cabin up at Sundance for Labor Day. And what a Labor Day it was. I spent 9 hours doing deep cleaning up there for my Mom.

I love Sundance. I think it has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. My kids played and played all day.

Oliver's Bday Party

So, after our family birthday celebration for Oliver on his actual birthday, we had friends over for another birthday party that weekend. I didn't realize what I was getting myself in to and perhaps there are people that are reading this that also don't know about parties for kids so I'm going to include a few helpful tips that I learned from this experience: 1) invite only as many kids as your child is years old (ex: Oliver is 5, I should have invited 5 kids, not 10) 2) no kid party for any sane parent should last any longer than 1 1/2 hours 3) lunch is not necessary and will most likely not even be eaten 4) kids know how to entertain themselves, let them do it as much as possible. ...and you're welcome.
Alright, so Oliver really had a ball. We had a lady who does face painting come and paint all the kids arms/faces. Her work was incredible. We had a bubble gum blowing contest, a balloon-popping contest, the kids decorated and played with swords, they made their own pizzas, and then we had cake and presents. Whew- sounds like a lot. It was. I'm afraid the rest of our kids aren't going to be having parties until they're 12 years old. :)