365.3: WEEK 24

How on earth is this year almost half over? Granted, summer often feels as slow as molasses, BUT STILL. What we've been up to: Reading a book to the littlest little (after she sweetly asked me to read this very specific book on three separate occasions). Playing a game with Mr. Potato Head. Spending birthday gift cards at Target. Musing. Eating out at Red Robin. Running errands on a Saturday. Celebrating Father's Day.

June 11th - June 17th

EARNED IT

So, summer with six kids is basically all about survival. We've got a great routine in place, but that doesn't mean our summers run effortlessly. Oh, far from. To help things go a little more smoothly, my six have the opportunity to earn fun activities and extras through behavior. And if they have a perfect week, they get to have a one-on-one date with mom or dad getting a treat of their choice. The first week doing our behavior charts, the oldest earned this awesome extra. We went to Petersen's Ice Cream in downtown Gilbert, where he was treated to rainbow sherbet topped with gummy bears. On our way back to the parking garage, we passed Rocket Fizz and curiosity got the best of me. In addition to the sherbet, the lucky kid walked away with a strawberry Fanta and some red vines (to share). If an incentive encourages better behavior, I am all for it.

FIVE MONTHS LATER

At the beginning of the year, I took on this crazy task of photographing my husband's entire family as a gift to his parents. Just so you know, my husband is one of nine children. And most have decent sized families of their own... Needless to say, it was quite the task photographing 46 people. It literally took months. BUT I DID IT. And, like the awesome photographer that I am, I never shared our images. So here we are: my adorable family.

LAKE DAY

Last week for Friday Fun Day, we went to Saguaro Lake with friends (and their boat). This trip has become an annual tradition and is one of our favorite summer activities. We spent a few hours on the lake, riding on tubes, eating tons of snacks, and enjoying our time together. My littlest little took quite the tumble off of the banana boat (we got momentarily caught underneath), but after a short rest on the boat, she hopped back on with a big smile on her face. I've got a couple of seriously brave kids. So fun.