Friday Five

Our first week of summer is under our belts. It has been glorious!

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This week, we had a somewhat lazy schedule established with very few limits on anyone. During the week, they got a little iPad time in after they got up, but iPads went up until early evening. Other than that, we only asked that everyone get dressed and put deodorant on. LOL. (Hey, during the time of pandemic and online only school, pajamas became the welcomed norm.) 

It went well! lol

Next week, we'll start adding in a few more demands of their time. I am loosely formulating a schedule of 1) do something academic, 2) do some reading, 3) do something around the house, 4) do something you want to get better at doing, and 6) do something you love. 

Once something has been checked in each box, they'll get to earn their coveted iPad time. They seem relatively agreeable to this idea. Fingers crossed that my vision plays out well in reality. :)

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We got a bigger pool this year to accommodate our bigger boys. They love it! 

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It was pointed out to me that we haven't got a Summer Bucket list going this year. We're going to have to get on that, too!

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We pulled out the ping pong table this week, too! That has been an adventure for sure. lol.

It's That Time Again!

It's pool time!

Country Jack

Although it hasn't exactly been hot because of the wind, the sun has been very intense lately. Poor Jack even got a sunburn on his nose! 

This made me chuckle because I think it gives him such a country vibe. lol

Last Day of School!

These guys made it through one of the toughest school years ever. Made it through and excelled! We are so proud of how they all tackled online school!

They've grown SOOOO much this year!

Friday Five

Today was my last day of school. Team Lopez is now all out of school for the summer. Whoot! Whoot!

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Yesterday, Jack's school had a parade for all of the students. The teachers and staff were all out in front of the school, and all of the families drove through saying goodbye to their teachers. Jack and Jason went with dad to do the parade. They had so much fun! I'm glad they got the chance to say goodbye to everyone in person.

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While the other two were at the parade, Shawn and I took a stroll around the neighborhood. Shawn LOVES to walk around our neighborhood. I sort of tease him and tell him he's like a little old man. He stops and admires everything...and I do mean everything! Look at that plane, mom. Do you see the bird, mom? Is that poop on the ground? EW! Can we find some pine cones? What do you think those people doing, mom? He is talking the entire time. It's so cute.

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We finally went out and purchased a new couch and love seat this week. It appears that all of this staying home due to quarantine was enough to finally push our furniture over the edge. They had a good run, though. I got them before we got married!

Now we just have to wait for them to come in and get delivered.

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California now requires masks for indoor public spaces. Here is Shawn practicing...

He says he's ready for Target now. lol

Bring on Summer!

The boys are out for summer vacation! We now have a 4th grader and 2, 7th graders in the house! Woohoo!

Can't believe how much these guys have grown!

Men's Camp Out!

The one thing that Shawn has asked to do all summer long is to have a camp out. This weekend, we were finally able to make that happen. He was beside himself! So excited!!

Putting up the tent!

So. Excited!

Hanging out by the camp fire. :)

Cooking some hot dogs on the grill.

More cooking.

We ate a lot of hot dogs. lol

Then we had to make some smores and cook marshmallows!
Can't have a camp out without that!

Shawn all snuggled in the tent.

Jack and Jay snuggled up in the tent.

We all hung out together until it got to be time to get ready for bed. At that point, mom went inside so the boys and daddy could have a fun night in the tent. Everyone made it through the night, too, which made the boys quite pleased with themselves. When they got up, daddy turned the camp fire back on so they could sit outside and warm up a little before breakfast. (Even breakfast was done like they were in camp -- granola bars and fruit. lol!)

They had a blast!

Friday Five

We picked up the school issued iPads today. There is no denying it now; school is on its way. The boys start on the 16th.

We are not ready for summer to end.

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Jack was putting on a circus show in the pool today. LOL. Even though he has never even attempted to do a cartwheel on land, Jack was bound and determined to do them in the pool. It was too funny.

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We found that Shawn was having trouble seeing clock on the cable box that everyone else uses because the numbers are too small. We got him a larger digital clock for him to use, and he absolutely loves it. He loves it so much, he enjoys telling me the time minute by minute. "Mom, it's 8:30." and then "Mom, it's 8:31."  Lol

He's fascinated by the time. I feel bad that it took us so long to realize he was struggling to see it. :(

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I cut Jack's hair this week. I got a little short on the sides, but in the end, I think I like his stylized look. That said, I think he'll be going back to the shop for his next cut to even up his do.

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We're going to try to sneak away for a little mini vacay before the boys go back to school. Fingers crossed that we manage it!

This Face!

He LOVES to swim!

He (and his brother) also LOVES his new nose plugs. LOL

Up in Here

Thanks to a new commercial on TV, I now have a new theme song...



Shawn is less thrilled about the song than I am, but he humored me (sort of) this afternoon and sang a bit of the opening lines with me. LOL

Relaxing With My Boys

Summer is the life...

Getting Ready

We've been getting ready for summer around these parts.

New, bigger trampoline - ✔️
Pool set-up - ✔️

Tomorrow, we'll be testing everything out. We can't wait!

Friday Four

We are now all officially out for summer! I got out today. :) Let the celebrations begin!

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Looks like we are in the midst of yet another growth spurt. Jason's feet are now only 3/4" smaller than mine...Yikes!

Shawn's also growing. He feels so solid all of a sudden, and his shirts are now a little short...he's moved up to size 10. (Jason is size 12. Jack is size 8.)

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Our Monarch butterfly caterpillars are back in full force! It truly is so much fun to watch them grow. I think we all love searching for chrysalises, too. ❤️

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Jack has decided that summer vacation means we are going somewhere. When I got off of work today, he promptly went to go pack his backpack. He was ready to take off for our "summer vacation" now that I am out for summer. Ha! It's been a bit challenging trying to convince him that summer vacation isn't exactly what he's thinking.

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It's been a long couple of weeks around these parts. It's a Friday Four kind of day. :)

Summer Vacation

So far, summer vacation means...

• staying up late
• sleeping in 
• playing outside
• fighting with brothers
• eating picnics in the living room
• blanket forts (and circuses, depending on the time of day)
• Xbox live and playing with friends over the internet
• an attempted campfire outside (unsuccessful, so next attempt will be this weekend. lol)
• iPad play
• reading
• more fighting with brothers
• snuggles with mom and dad
• movie watching

I think they're doing it right! Besides, we're only two days in! lol!

Friday Five

The first day of summer vacation is down for the boys. The slept in, watched some tv, went for Burger King for lunch, and played outside. They're doing summer right!

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Shawn got to go to a new Target today. His summer may have already been made. LOL

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It's been warm, so we really do need to set up the pool this weekend. The boys can't wait!

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Yesterday, Jack performed in his class play. He was the cutest little alligator around!

He's in the center doing his alligator chomp here. :)

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One more week of school for me and then I get to celebrate summer with everyone else. I can't wait!