Summer Fun

This Summer will likely go down in the records as "Things we did before Brooklyn's birth (BBB) and things we did after Brooklyn's birth (ABB)".  That's pretty much how we broke up our summer.  And I'm guessing MOST of our fun and activities will be dated 'BBB'.  Maybe the activity of "stay holed up in the house all day" will be dated 'ABB'?  Well let me get on with the details.  Here's what we've been up to this summer!

While this is not necessarily what you would consider a fun summer activity - it's still just as exciting.  Addison paid tithing for the FIRST time ever!  And we are definitely so proud of her and her choices.  She's SUCH a good example for always wanting to do what is right and what would make Heavenly Father proud.  I'm so glad her younger siblings have her to set an example.  I couldn't be luckier to have her as my oldest.  She even loves to point out when people make good choices/bad choices (i.e. smoking, drinking coffee, etc).  AND when people are modest/immodest.  And believe me, there is lots to make commentary on when you just watch regular TV commercials.  I think she's realizing just how many people are immodest out there.  Most Sunday's she'll bring her dress to me and ask "Mommy, does this dress make Heavenly Father happy?"  She's very good about making sure she's modest and I'm positive Heavenly Father is very happy with her.....because I am!  

Anyway, after an FHE lesson about tithing (which Daddy taught) she was curious about paying her first tithe.  For the activity we filled out a tithing slip with her and Daddy helped her count her money in her piggy bank.  They separated out 10% and sealed it up ready to be delivered on Sunday.  Sunday came and Daddy walked with Addison so she could give it to the Bishopric.  She was very proud (and a little shy) but she did great.  And of course....I had to get a picture.  Big moments like this MUST be documented!  So proud of our girly!

Addison's first tithing!

Also, this summer we've had to be a bit creative when it comes to staying cool and still having fun.  There isn't much this pregnant Momma likes to do in the heat of the day.  And the kids would prefer I don't get hot and sweaty since I more than likely will get cranky at the same time.  It's no secret our kids love watermelon.  And it's no secret that Mommy abhors watermelon juice all over the house.  So, what are we to do?  Jump on the trampoline, splash in the hose, and eat watermelon, ALL at the same time!  Creative genius I tell ya!  Then, just hose 'em down when we are done and dry 'em off and put 'em down for naps!  We've spent many a morning (and evening) doing this.  Especially when just playing outside in the backyard can get my overheated kids all sweaty within minutes.  What better way to cool off?  Plus, this Mom rather enjoys a little target practice with that cold hose.  And watching your babies run around in their underwear/diaper while giggling away?  Priceless.

Happy kids = Happy Mom!

Another thing we've started doing to beat the heat (and stay out of the kitchen) is to swing by Mary Mae Jones Elementary for some free lunch!  In past summers, I was hesitant to participate since I assumed it was provided for low income families or kids that didn't get a hot meal during the summer.  However, this year I decided to look into it and find out for sure.  Nowhere on their website or signs or anything does it say only for low income.  Even the first time we went, there was hardly anyone there and it seemed like they had a TON of lunches.  That was all the convincing I needed.  One less thing for me to do while being hugely pregnant - I was game.  We've managed to go quite a bit before Brooklyn was born and the kiddos love it.  At least they did in the beginning - now they don't get a choice because I love it.  Addison enjoys getting her lunch at a "real live school" and Jonas just likes to eat so he's on board too.  The kids are the only ones that get the free lunch but of course Jonas can't ever finish his so I get to help him.  Needless to say, it brings back some memories of school lunches in my past years.  They are probably more nutritious than they are tasty but luckily my kids haven't figured that part out yet so we keep going back.  :)

For the days we stay in the house, Jonas gets a bit creative with expelling his energy.  Anytime I have my legs propped up on the coffee table for a break - you can bet Jonas will be doing this within minutes.  And I may or may not take breaks rather often.  ;)

He crawls up, he crawls down, and sometimes he purposely falls through the legs just to mix it up a bit.  And he's a heavy boy folks!

While the van was in the shop (getting the A/C fixed) I decided to be adventurous and walk us ALL up the hill to the neighborhood pool.  Yes, this was me in my pregnant state...pushing a double stroller packed to the gills in the heat of the day.  By the time we almost got there I realized we forgot the kids puddle jumpers (floaties) and Addison said "Mommy, we can go back and get them!"  Um...NOPE.  This pregnant Mommy barely survived the first climb up the hill - there was no way I would be doing that again by choice.  Without puddle jumpers it made for a very NON-relaxing swim at the pool for me.  Addison had plenty of amazing tricks to show me and Jonas did not like me following him around (waddling behind him) keeping his head above water while he flopped and flailed in the pool.  I wasn't a fan of it either but it beats the alternative which would be my heart rate jumping every time he fell over or tripped since he's not quite coordinated in the water yet.  Needless to say, this pool visit didn't last too long.

Enjoying lunch after a nice little swim.

Addison hamming it up for the camera - while eating her ham.

We've also been known to venture out on a Saturday morning to enjoy a few garage sales.  Technically, I'm the only one that enjoys the garage sales but these kids are always game for a stop at the donut shop.  It's a win-win really.

FACT: Donuts are always tastier while still wearing pajamas.

I think this little guy is finally figuring out how to cheese it up for the camera.  Have you seen anything cuter?

Some days after Daddy gets off work and we eat dinner, we venture out and watch this cute little girly ride her bike.  This is the gift Santa brought her for Christmas but we haven't had much energy or cooler weather to spend a lot of time riding it.  It's always more fun with Daddy since he follows her around the block as she rides.  She LOVES riding her bike and I must say she has learned rather fast considering the little amount of time she's actually been on it.

Such a pretty girl!

While sister bikes, Jonas and I hang out in the backyard where he can run free.  This particular day's activity had me throwing a ball and him fetching it.  I sent him through the sprinklers a few times just to cool him down too.  He's such a good little puppy! ;)

On a few occasions we've headed off to the splash park in downtown Bentonville.  It serves two purposes.  One is to get Mommy a crepe at this delicious food stand across the street.  And the other is to watch these two cuties run around splashing in the water streams.  They love to play together but Jonas also loves to run around like a crazy boy all on his own.  I pretty much spend all my time just keeping an eye on him.  

Brother/Sister love.  I hope they grow up to be best friends.

Addison is a great Jonas retriever as well when it's time to go home.

A few weeks ago, Mommy got a crazy idea to take the family to the drive-in movie theater.  There was a special church movie playing for FHE night and I figured what would it hurt?  Daddy and I could watch the movie while the kiddos played in the van (they like to do that on a normal day).  The preparations were quite exciting.  We popped LOTS of popcorn, packed some drinks, cooked some cookies and headed out.  The kids enjoyed playing on the playground that was about 60 years old.  Shortly after the movie started it all began to go downhill.  Apparently, we didn't get the memo that you can't leave your car running during the movie.  We had all our lights off but apparently parking lights don't turn off.  And car neighbors don't like it when they're on?  People, the Huffords NEED their A/C!  We finally felt bad enough to shut the engine down.  At one point John was holding Addison in the driver's seat.  I was holding Jonas around my huge preggo belly in my seat.  Popcorn was flying everywhere.  We were ALL sweating.  And Jonas was repeatedly trying to jump out the window to go play (I probably would have done the same).  It was past their bedtime so I kept telling Jonas to lay down and go night night on my lap.  All the while growing frustrated that he couldn't do that simple command.  Um, it was rather weird sounding since we were in a CAR, with no A/C, and all watching a huge TV screen that none of us could hear with all the complaining of the heat.  Addison kept saying "Daddy, I need more wind!" and with no A/C to provide John merely blew at her head hoping that would suffice. Within a matter of minutes we were starting up our engine and heading out.  Thankfully, John and I enjoyed several good laughs on our way home at the whole situation.  What was I thinking exactly?  I'm guessing drive-in movies are NOT in our future for several more years.

Waddling off to play on the the playground from 1965.

Addison trying to get comfortable.

 And last but not least, the Sunday before Brooklyn joined our family, was Addison's FIRST time ever at giving a talk in Primary.  She was very excited as were John and I.  We spent a few days beforehand talking about her topic - Baptism.  Which was perfect for her since she learned so much from going to both of her cousins baptisms earlier this year.  She did most of the prep work and I wrote it down for her.  When it was time to talk in Primary she got a little shy but she did manage to talk into the microphone enough to let all the kids hear what she had to say.  She did SOOO good for her first time ever!  We are so very proud.  She knows quite a lot about baptism.

This was the picture she drew during Sacrament - her giving her primary talk.  She's such a good artist!