Summer in a Nut Shell

Wow!! Where does the time go? It seems as though summer came and went in less than a week. Some things that happened since my last post: Seth went to scout camp. Hannah and I went to girls' camp for a day to do service projects with the entire stake. The kids and I went camping at the beach with my parents and my sister and her 2 kids. Hannah and I drove back to Idaho. I stayed with Hannah for a couple of days and met 2 of her latest boyfriends (old news now, of course. She's starting her own reality show called "Next" - lol). Sydnee performed in 2 violin recitals (one was a hoe-down and the other her "trophy recital"). Brent and I went with the YW from our ward to St. George to do tours, temple baptisms and see Les Mis. Seth and Sydnee started school again.
The trip to the beach was one of those never to be forgotten experiences. Not only was it the first time my kids have camped with my parents, but also there were TOO many hilarious stories. Security guards in the middle of the night, children beaten by waves, Marley's first experience with s'mores and phones in the ocean are things we'll always remember and laugh about. Oh, I LOVE summer and family!
A few weeks later my mom and sister and her kids came to Vegas to watch my brother's kids while he and his wife went to Alaska for a week. We swam and played every day. We went to Little Pastry Chefs and decorated cookies and cupcakes. What a mess!!! Sydnee went back 2 weeks later with our wonderful friend, Amy. When she got home Sydnee said, "Mom, I think it's my cousins who are messy. I only got a tiny spot of frosting on my apron this time." When we went with our cousins we were COVERED with frosting. (How do you get frosting under your arm?) More great memories!!!
OK - violin recital- Syd is AMAZING! I can't wait to see what the future holds for her. We are so lucky to have found the world's greatest violin and piano teacher.
Seth recently told me I don't have a sense of humor. That's so sad, because I think I'm very funny. It's good to hear what your kids think - sometimes. I know I get too caught up in the little details and sometimes forget to enjoy the moment. Sadly, my response was, "Well, if everyone would help me, maybe I'd have time to laugh." not really- I didn't say that. What I wanted to say is that I've already heard those same jokes a million times (he called LVA LV Gay- come on, that's pretty old). But this was a gentle reminder to me to LIVE and LOVE THE MOMENT! I guess that's the secret to life...but of course, I have to learn that lesson again and again and again!!!
So, enjoy today. Go out and laugh with your kids. Tickle them, laugh at their old, silly jokes and revel in their discoveries (did you know that you overeat when you're tired? I've learned that and a million other brain facts from Seth's excitement over his science class this week).