Try'n to Beat the Heat

Well it took me longer than I thought to get this posted...this seems to be a casualty of summer and entering into my third trimester. All the things I could get done in a day seem to take more like a week or so to accomplish. That is okay though as I am enjoying this slower pace for now.

The kids just love the pool. It was rather easy to set-up excluding the leveling part, but has gone smoothly ever since. WE love the salt water pump...so worth it to invest in this and it pays for itself the first year over what you would spend in chemicals. The water is so soft and doesn't burn your eyes.

Hope you enjoy the video...Daddy even managed to get a few tummy shots of me too!

Where does all the time go?

Kathlena and her new friend Agnessa from Latvia. Hard to believe a little over a year ago these girls were within 1500 miles of each other and now are over 8000 miles and half way around the world from each other.

I can hardly believe that July has come and nearly gone. It has been a busy month of odd jobs, visiting with friends and just plain trying to beat the heat. Baby Shiflet is growing and it has been an exciting time for all of us as Daddy and the kids have not only been able to feel the baby move but see it too! My stomach is beginning to look more like I have swallowed a basketball that dribbles itself at times. The kids get such a kick out it! Kathlena literally got kicked as she likes to lay her head on my stomach and push and listen to baby Shiflet. If you ask her what she hears she will tell you he says "Kathlena get off of my leg!" Hmmm...it seems a little early for that, I just hope that is not his/her first words...heehee.

This seemed to be the month of repairs. There for a while we were keeping our handy man (Daddy) busy full time fixing stuff. One week was so comical because it seemed everyday at least something broke. I am talking major stuff from plumbing issues to electrical malfunctions and finally the computer going down this past week. Thankfully, I have a man who is an amazing Mr. Fix It and what he can't fix he knows someone who can. So, I am happy to say we are back in business with the computer, kitchen sink, dish washer, garage door opener, vacuum cleaner, swing, Berky water filter, printer, and trash can lever all repaired by my creative, resourceful, and talented husband. Thank you, honey you are the best!

We had a tea party at our house that was so much fun. We had the privilege of having our friends the Renfro Girls and guests over for a tea party. The Renfro's have been hosting 4 kids from Latvia this summer. The two girls Agnese (pronounced Og-ness-uh) and Sintija (pronounced sin-tee-uh) are so sweet. We loved to listen to them talk. Sintja has picked up quite a bit of English and likes to use it. She also knows Russian and was excited to find out that Andrew and Kathlena were from Russia. Although, I think she was a little disappointed that they can no longer speak Russian nor understand it. It will be hard to see them go, but we have so enjoyed getting to know them. Here are a few pictures from our tea.








Peek-a-boo!


Today we are putting up the pool that the kids have been saving up for since February. The pool we bought over a week ago, but had to wait for the salt water pump to arrive which, arrived on Monday. Then we had to wait until the weekend so Daddy would have time to level the ground and go pick up dirt to make the pool pad. I will post some video and pool picks tomorrow or Monday as it will take all night for the pool to fill.

4th of July

We had a wonderful trip to my parents for the 4th of July where we were able to see almost all of our family. This was so wonderful as I am likely not going to be able to travel much in the coming months until the baby is here. Here are a few pictures from the 4th.

The whole clan--Shiflet, Davis, and Martins which thanks to
Emily's genealogy research we have found that we are all from
the same clan out of Scotland 10-12 generations ago!!


Houston we have a problem...we need more pumping power
to launch this rocket. The boys worked hard and the rocket
did launch a few times and it was really cool. Thanks Dodad
you always find the coolest stuff!

Kathlena with cousin Lucas

Andrew working on his golf swing.

Aunt Susie...heading up the decorations committee and kiddie
toys!

Cookie working on those delicious hamburgers and hot dogs
that just scream it is the 4th of July.


PawPaw, Grandmommie, Mema, Dutch and Marilyn.

Grandmommie showing off her glow sticks.

Daddy doing glow stick tricks

Trying to keep our photographer visible at night with her
glow sticks in her hair. Cute Emily...I think that you may
start a new trend in glow stick wear. Thanks Aunt Susie!

Sisters

Sisters are different flowers from the same
garden. ~Author Unknown






A sister smiles when one tells one's stories - for she knows where the decoration has been added. ~Chris Montaigne

Emily dreamed for so long about having a little sister. I love to snap pictures of them together...their smiles tell you how happy they are to have each other. They love to dress alike and do most everything together...it is hard to believe their is 10yrs difference between them. They both love tea parties, shoes, pretty dresses, and having their nails painted. Kathlena is even beginning to learn how to knit which is one of Emily's favorite hobbies. It is so sweet to see Emily teaching her younger sister, helping her to be a young lady who is growing in grace with her big sister.