Blue Sky Summer days

Every Summer seems to pass quicker than the previous.  The days used to be long and relaxing.  I used to wake up and think "what should we do today?"  No longer is that the case.  With 4 kids doing competitive sports, my days are decided for me.  Crazy busy sports schedules.  6-7 days a week!  It's insane.  Seriously.  But they love it and as I have been watching the Olympics, it has reminded me that part of my job as a mom is to help my kids achieve their dreams.  Not that my kids will ever be in the Olympics, but they sure are passionate about their sports.  So for now, I will gladly sacrifice my time and do creative budgeting so that we can pay for their lessons. 

I vividly remember 4 Summer's ago.  It was right after Nate died and we had nothing to do.  N O T H I N G.  The days were long.  So long.  And empty.  So empty.  Although on most days all I seem to do is drive kids to lessons, make meals and wash laundry, I am grateful that I have 5 kids that are keeping me busy.  I am grateful that they are healthy and active.  These are Blue Sky days.  I refuse to forget the perspective that I gained after Nate died. 

Here's a little peek into what we've been up to for Summer 2012:

Flyin' high

Kyla & Kaylee qualified to compete in the Junior Olympic National Championships for Trampoline & Tumbling last month.  They both amazed us and did awesome.  They finished in the top 10 of the best 50 kids in the entire US! 

 A fun night at the circus (had to play hooky from sports but well worth it).

 Performing at our local lake.

 A rare "free day".  We took advantage and spent the day at a local amusement park that the kids have been begging to go to for the past 3 years.

 A fun afternoon at the fair with the twins' gymnastics coach.

 Winning a soccer tournament

(sorry, no pics from the tournament that they lost 3 weeks before).

 Hanging out by the pool in the shade with his portable thrown.

 My swim buddy who absolutely LOVES the water.

Brothers. 

Vacation. 
Very short but very sweet. A much needed break from normal life.

We didn't travel far. We didn't stay long. 

We had to travel to the hot desert in August for a get away that fit into our very tight budget.
(You would never know that we were in the desert from this picture.  It looks like the tropics...but it wasn't).

But our vacation included a hotel with maid service. That's all I needed. I'm feeling much better now.

 A lazy river was all the kids needed.

Oh yah...and a water slide or 2.