#dontcrackunderpressure

 

Once upon a time there was this lady who was going through hell. Then she looked up and this handsome man was an angel sent from God.

Farmers Market, Question Mark?

 

This is my favorite picture. Rip Van Winkle, Run DMC, Gun & American Flag... It just screams random to me. And is very fitting to describe what has turned out to be our Sparks Famer's Market.

 

Back in the day, all of Victorian was shut down and it was basically a party. But I guess it got to be too much of a party, and they downsized.

 

And well, yeah...

 

We did get to see celebrity Sparky Walsh. He had a very smooth voice.

Nina was really into his presentation, not so much the rest of us. Doesn't she look like an Elfin Queen?? She just needs pointy ears.

 

 

This is his pure happiness face, when he just smiles to himself. He just radiates joy... and why? Because he got a flag from some veterans he thanked and a free glider airplane. It's funny because when we're winding down at night, he randomly just starts thanking me or the girls for things throughout the day. I think he's a happy boy because he understands gratitude. I hope he keeps that wonderful attitude throughout his life.

 

Makes me miss the Bay Area Farmers Markets.

Every day!!! WILD WATERS!!!

 

I'm not going to lie, Wild Waters is heaven on earth. The sun, the cool water, the smiles.... THANK YOU PAPA!!!!!!

So grateful my children get to have such wonderful summer memories.

 

The fearless one, even goes down the slide by herself. She also enjoys taking her tube and crashing it into other children. The bonk her right back and she laughs like there is no tomorrow.

 

Elijah FINALLY decided to go on the Tortuga tube ride!!!! I knew he'd love it, it was just getting him on. Nina made him Eggo waffles under the promise that he would go with her. I knew that he needed to go first with me, because the height scares him. So of course, we were up there and he said no, but I just held his hand and told him I wouldn't let go.

 

We got in the tube and I let go of his hand.

BUT!!!

I did have my legs touching his back, so as we were going down he said, "Wow. Yeah. This isn't too bad. This is my favorite ride. I love it. I will always go on it. (He chatters when he's nervous) Just I'm done for the day."

Then we hit the bottom, but he didn't get wet or go under, so he decided he loved it. He went on it 4 times.

 

Tortuga man!!!

Hunter Creek Falls - 4 miles

 

On our summer bucket list was a hike... and boy did we hike!

We started out with a bribe, if they made it with no complaints I would buy them Kung Fu Panda 3. It worked!!!

 

It was dreadfully hot and we were not prepared. The kids needed thicker socks and of course we ran out of water.

 

In my defense, I did think it was only a 1 mile hike there and back. I don't know why.

 

It was very pretty and it was wonderful to just breathe some fresh air together. I really feel like nature heals the soul.

 

 

I carried Ella the whole time and rocked it. I felt so strong and energized. It was amazing. DAD!!! Sign me up for half dome!!

 

THE KIDS!!! WOW!!! Can't believe their stamina and willingness to just plug through it. We did get to a point though where I knew it wasn't safe if we didn't have water. It was a good analogy in that we will never make it without the living water- Jesus Christ in our lives. The water was so refreshing and is what carried us through the heat.

 

Eli could have done this all day. This boy!!!!!! Just where his energy needs to go!!! I have to do this way more often. He was literally hopping on the last leg of the journey. I know he will sleep good tonight and I will always cherish holding his hand as we walked together.

 

Poor Nina. She was so done at the end. But she made it!!! So proud of EVERYONE!!!!

 

 

We had ice cream after and large large large cups of ice water!!! Think everyone is recouperated!!!

 

We'll try again in the fall when the weather is cooler!! We'll make it, sometimes it just takes a few tries.

 

I also have to mention there were these really nice ladies that heard we had run out of water and gave us theirs so the kiddos could have some. It was so kind. A guy who ran the whole way offered some to us when we were done (we were drinking out of fountain and he said he had better quality water). Just nice people, such blessings of kindness.

Black Belt in Reading Program

 

Maria read 1,300 pages and Nina threw her a party.

 

 

The cupcakes were really good and they played Electro Swing for us to dance to.

May/June Art Werrrrk

 

OH how I loved Eli's Monet inspired water lilies!

 

Eli circle art. 

 

Maria's dolphin

 

 

Eli chalk pastels.

Ella Oil Pastels.

 

 

Eli's BLAST OFF!!!!!

They Notice. They are kind.

Every day I'm grateful for the blessings that surround me. But I did have to mention just a couple from yesterday and today.

1. Eli: "Wow mom. You got a new shirt. It looks really nice and pretty on you."
I didn't even know he noticed things like that, but it made me love that shirt even more. I think it's my absolute favorite shirt and every time I wear it I will think of his sweet little voice complimenting me and making me feel special.

2. The trunk was full of groceries from my loving Yaya. There really aren't any words. She is so kind. As I was unloading, my Christina (without being asked) just went to the trunk and started grabbing bags. I remember being 12 and running to the bathroom so I wouldn't have to help my mom unload. I'm so grateful for her help.

3. Christina wanted to throw a party for her sister because she is a good reader. She made a banner and cupcakes for her from scratch. It's a little hard for me to be in the kitchen when they cook. It gets really messy but I've learned to just be patient. They do an excellent job of cleaning up! Plus the stuff they bake is actually really tasty!!

4. On the bench at WinCo, the kids were sitting with Yaya while I bagged groceries and they asked her to tell them what it was like in Greece. It was really sweet. One day we will go to Greece.

Whitney's Birthday!

 

My cousin Kim is one of the most talented and kindest people I know. She has been through a lot in life and still smiles. She radiates goodness and positivity. I was so grateful to see her and the family and enjoy some pool time!!