Oh Pinterest, you got me....

So I've been trying a few Pinterest things over the past week.  I am no longer pinning and doing nothing.  I am acting on it!!

1.  Chloe wanted fish themed cupcakes.  So I went to Pinterest.  That was time consuming but easy.

2.  I decided that I would do a search for goodie bags and found what I thought was a great idea.  Candy filled balloons as the goodie bags.  Sounds easy, right?  WRONG!  I tried several methods and ended up with the my holding the balloon open as wide as it could go and the kids stuffing it.  Then I would blow it up.  This took forever.

3.  I've actually had time to do the kids' hair.  So I decided to pin some cute kid hairstyles.  This has actually been fun, I got lots of compliments, and fortunately my kids have always set still for hair.  The fairy braid worked better on Ashlyn because she has thicker hair.  The criss cross style picture was after VBS.  I should have taken one earlier.

4.  I saw a pin about a homemade foot bath.  It was a mixture of listerine, vinegar, and warm water.  I tried it tonight and I must say the dead skin came right off my feet.  It's been a LONG time since I've gone to get a pedicure.  I'll spare you the picture.

5.  I tried a few new recipes but didn't take pictures.  Pinterest is great when you have time.  I'm sure I'll be back to pinning only soon.

Busy June

So we are finally back home.  We had a great trip which included visiting several countries in Europe.  We mixed in some fun, historic, and touristy things which included Anne Frank Museum, Nazi Prison, Heineken Museum, Diamond Museum, Chocolate Museum, Canal and Boat Tours, and a stroll through the Red Light District (for those that know what that is--it was just a walk through the street).  It was a fun trip alone with the hubs.  I wasn't sure how the kids would do without me but they were fine.  We talked each day via Facetime and they hung up on us a few times because they were having too much fun.  I guess that's better than crying.  :)

This week the kids are doing swim lessons at Swim Atlanta and are having a ball.  I was a little worried that Ashlyn was going to be with bigger kids but she is doing great.  There are four girls in her class ages 6, 8, and 10.  Ashlyn is keeping up with them.  The water is four feet so it is above her head while the older two can touch so Ashlyn can't put her feet down while swimming.  I think that has been good for her.  When I am in the pool with her, she is in 3 ft and constantly puts her feet down.  She is learning proper technique with her arms and I'm happy that I let the lady talk me into the grade school class level.  Chloe is in the preschool beginner class.  She has been blowing bubbles in the water and even went under.  She is afraid of the water(well the going under/getting it in your eyes part) so this is a big accomplishment for her.  When she had to jump in today, she stood and shook her head no to the teacher so she put her arms out to put her in the water.  The second time, she jumped in.  This was day 2 and they loved it.  Yesterday they begged me to go to our pool so they could show me what they learned.  Our weather has been horrible lately but we were able to sneak in an hour of pool time at our pool.  I think they will be ready for the beach next week:).

Every evening this week the students have VBS at their school.  Several of their friends are there and they are having a ball.  The four and five year olds are together so Ashlyn and Chloe are in the same class.   Chloe was a little upset that some of her friends were not in her class because they aren't four yet.

So we have had a busy summer so far.  To top it off, we leave on Saturday for Myrtle Beach with my family.  My parents rent a beach house every other summer and it just so happens to be this year so we will see them again.  My brothers' families will be there too so it should be a good time.

Things should calm down in July but I do have things planned locally.  We are going to see Cat in the Hat at the Center for the Puppetry Arts, will go to the Suwanee Fountains, Stone Mountain, and more.  I have a feeling July 31 will sneak up on me.  That is the day I go back to work.  :(

Away For a Week.....

Today Brandon and I are flying to Amsterdam for our tenth anniversary trip.  Yesterday I left PA to fly back to Atlanta.  Here is the difference between my kids:

Ashlyn:  She spent Friday night crying because she didn't want me to go.  She cried to the point of hyperventilating before bedtime.  She was finally bribed with the chance of getting a pet lizard(because we don't want a dog and have tried fish).  When I left on Saturday, she gave me hugs and kisses and was fine.  No tears!  YAH!  However, she snuck her iPod touch to nap and called me via FaceTime without Grandma knowing.  HA HA

Chloe:  She was laying down in bed Friday night while I tried to calm Ashlyn down.  She said, "This is way too loud.  I'm going to bed." Then she proceeded to her room without being tucked in and went to sleep.  On Saturday, my friend came to pick me up to take me to the airport.  Chloe yelled bye and headed down into the yard to play.  She came running back up and I asked her if she was going to give me a hug.  She said, "No I forgot my shoes."  Then she got her shoes and ran back down in the yard.  I found out later that she got out of her room at nap to tattle on Ashlyn for calling me.  :)

I know they will be fine staying at Grandma and Pappy's and have lots of fun things planned including an amusement park trip today with my brother's family.  However, I haven't been gone from them this long.  I'm hoping we all survive.