Frantic Feet

To say that Owen has enjoyed soccer camp and talks about it ALL the time is an understatement. He walked downstairs (not so quietly) from his rest time, wearing his shin guards, socks and cleats. His rest time is over at 2:30 and he won't leave for soccer until 4:45. He just paces around all afternoon.
Yesterday, EJ was later than usual getting home. This put Owen in a panic. I finally told him to go outside b/c by this point his anticipation and enthusiasm had quickly turned into anger and he was mad at EJ for being late (which he wasn't). He waited on the front steps, so Mason and I didn't have to listen to him complain and fret.
I hate to say it, but I am not good at waiting either. I do not like to be late. And I do tend to plan ahead. Ugh!

Three's Company

I really need to get my camera fixed. This was such a cute moment and the pictures didn't turn out very well. While EJ and Owen have been at soccer camp, Mason and I have had the evenings to ourselves. Ryan makes his appearance in between naps. The time 4:30-8 isn't my best "mommy" time. I am usually calling it quites at least in attitude. Not that I am proud of this, it's just the truth. Needless to say I've made a conscious effort to step it up and give Mason some extra attention. It doesn't take much: A picnic dinner in the family room, volleyball with a balloon, Popsicles on the front stoop, playing "trash truck," etc.

Mason and Ryan shared a bath, a rare and fun treat for both of them.

While the tub was filling, Mason read to Ryan.

Mason is really good with Ryan. When Mason was a baby I had to always keep an eye on Owen, b/c he was so physical, his hugs were more like tackles and his pats more like hits. Mason is just naturally gentler. He loves to make Ryan smile and give him hugs and kisses. This morning I caught him talking to Ryan in a real high pitched goofy voice and he kept repeating the same words over and over. Hmmm... do I sound that ridiculous when I talk to Ryan?

GoodSports

EJ and Owen have been participating in a soccer camp this week. A ministry of our church, Good Sports, holds a camp each summer. They attended last summer too.

Mason, Ryan and I went to watch last night. The groups take turns rotating through stations. We got there just in time to see Owen at EJ's station. Owen is in the long green shorts.

Each night one of the coaches gives 2 short talks during their water breaks. EJ spoke last night on "teamwork" and shared some bible verses about respecting others. I was so glad I could be there to listen too.
Our summer days have allowed me A LOT of one on one time with Owen, but not very much with Mason. A big contrast to the school year. This week, however has given me plenty of extra time. Camp runs from 5-7:30, but b/c EJ is coaching they have been gone from 4:30-8. It's been fun hanging out with Mason and Ryan. Pics coming soon!
ALL 3 are NAPPING, gotta enjoy the moment :)

Beating the Heat

Over the weekend we had more record breaking temperatures. 105 on Sunday. I don't even know if that is counting the humidity which is insanely high.
It reminded me of the endless days of snow we had b/c we could not be outside. The boys (and I mean the biggest one too) were going stir crazy. So we went bowling. The boys had a blast. It was Mason's first time. I can't remember the last time I bowled. It wasn't pretty. Mason and I almost tied.

I am pretty sure they are holding hands.
Just now noticed this rare moment.

Ryan didn't seem terrified although his eyes tell a different story. About 5 minutes later he was asleep. The monkey blanket he is griping is awesome. I ordered 2 of the exact same "lovie" online. He LOVES it. He holds it up to his lips when he is tired and licks/sucks it until he falls asleep. When he isn't tired he plays with it. I introduced it to him as soon as he was able to hold things. (Mason has his "baby" that stays in his bed and its been a lifesaver).

Art Lesson #1

I decided to put my art degree to use. Dad, if you're reading don't get your hopes up, it's not a paying gig. My hope is to give Owen one art lesson a week. We usually have 1 hour - 1 .5 hours alone in the afternoon and its a great use of our time. We did the first lesson yesterday, he was a little hesitant at first, by to my surprise asked for another one today. He'll just have to look forward to next week.
I found this great site that helped me narrow my focus. One evening, I went through and choose the most age appropriate and Owen appropriate lessons.
The first lesson was Pointillism, we studied Georges Seurat (the basics from a library book) and tried to paint using his methods. Obviously, Seurat didn't use a Q-Tip, but that was what the kinderart.com suggested.

Our paintings don't look a thing like Seuart's, but we had a great time together.
That's all I was really hoping for.