June

Got to go see Wicked with

Mom and Callie-it was so fun! I loved it!

A Sunday at the temple.

Father’s Day

Playing “Daddy'"

Playing detectives.

Introverts v. Extroverts

A true or false quiz from the book  Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Won’t Stop Talking. These are my answers:

1. I prefer one-on-one conversations to group activities. (True)

2. I often prefer to express myself in writing. (True)

3. I enjoy solitude. (True)

4. I seem to care less than my peers about wealth, fame and status. (can’t say this is totally true, I am pretty materialistic, but don’t care too much about status or fame-False)

5. I dislike small talk, but enjoy talking in depth about topics that matter to me (Definitely True)

6. People tell me I’m a good listener (Not sure)

7. I’m not a big risk-taker. (I was a risk-taker as a child, but not anymore)

8. I enjoy work that allows me to “dive in” with few interruptions. (if housework counts, then True)

9. I like to celebrate birthdays on a small scale, with only one or two close friends or family members. (True)

10. People describe me as soft spoken or mellow. (not sure)

11. I prefer not to show or discuss my work with others until it’s finished. (True)

12. I dislike conflict. (True)

13. I do my best work on my own. (I guess-not sure)

14. I tend to think before I speak. (Most of the time)

15. I feel drained after being out and about, even if I’ve enjoyed myself. (True)

16. I often let calls go through to voice mail. (True)

So, this means I’m an introvert! Introverts and extroverts differ in the level of outside stimulation that they need to function well. Introverts need less than extroverts. It doesn’t mean I’m necessarily a hermit or antisocial, or necessarily shy (Shyness is a fear or public humiliation)-just a preference for an environment that is not over-stimulating. The book doesn’t claim to be a final diagnosis of personality types, but it does give good insight to how we function in the world. Just thought it was interesting.

School’s out cont.

Lucia had a great year in 2nd grade. She made lots of new friends, she ran 125 miles for Trajan Trackers, she advance 2 grade levels in reading, got an award for responsibility, and learned lots of stuff.

Here is her life timeline.

With her teacher Mrs. K-a teacher who truly loves what she does and loves kids. I’ve never heard her speak to the kids in anything but a sweet soft voice.

See that smile on his face? Those are the twins in his class and it’s pretty obvious he has a crush on them.

Marco with his teacher Mrs. F-she went above and beyond for her class-so many neatly made projects and books she put together for keepsakes. Marco got into all 5 of his clubs this year-counting to 100, recognizing all letters upper and lower case, reads 30 WOW words, recognizes numbers to 30. He did well in kindergarten-got over his anxiety from the beginning of the year and did great. He is ready for 1st grade!

School’s out for summer!

So, Lucia and Marco have been out of school for exactly one week, and it seems like forever! It’s going to be a long summer. I did make up charts for them to keep busy doing jobs, practicing reading and doing homework, playing outside every day. We have also been swimming at Grandma and Grandpa’s several times and spent time with family. Here is Sylvie on her last day of preschool (she got out 2 weeks earlier):

Sylvie in her head start classroom

Performing songs with her class. My favorite was “Slippery Fish”

Getting her certificate from her teacher and Aides.

With her best buddy, who unfortunately, is going to kindergarten next year. Sylvie had a great start at school and is looking forward to going back in September.

(more to come on Lucia and Marco’s last days of school)

Lucia’s birthday

She’s 8 years old! Lucia wanted to have a swim party at Grandma’s house this year. She wanted it to have a beach theme. Here is my attempt at a beach cake-copied from a cake I saw at a friend’s party a couple of years ago (somebody stuck their finger in the frosting).

They decorated visors

They played pin the goggles on the swimmer

Cheese!

It was super winder and kinda cold that day, but the girls didn’t care! They enjoyed splashing around anyway.

The babies observed from their highchairs.

We had pizza for lunch

Opening presents. She got a couple of movies, a gift card, make-up, stuffed animals, doll set, clothes, a necklace.

Blowing out the candles-wow 8 of them now!

All the kids enjoying the cake. I think she had a fun party. It was small, but simple and not less tiring for us.