Ellie the Nanny

We have entered the stage of life when our home seems to be an ever evolving door of kids coming and going. It's a good thing, but sometimes it's challenging  transitioning back to an empty house after the goings have happened.    Shortly after our family reunion in Idaho and us getting back from our semi-spontaneous trek to California, we sent Ellie along with Cam and kids back to Alabama, so that Ellie could help watch the kids while Cami transitioned to a new work schedule.  With Emma and Adam back to school, our house seemed VERY empty after everyone left! 

Despite feeling a little lonely, though, I was happy that Ellie got that time with the B family before heading out on her mission and also happy that Cami got a sweet built-in babysitter who loves her kids fiercely! 

It seemed that Ellie very much enjoyed her month in Alabama and I enjoyed hearing about their escapades together.

Her and Lucie became quite attached to each other and Lucie still requests that Ellie be added to drawings of her family.  

And there's nothing quite like Oliver snuggles.  He's about as sweet as sweet comes  and looking at these pictures makes me miss them tremendously.  

I'm glad they had the time together, but I'm a bit jealous about having to watch the fun from afar.   Ellie is home now, Cami back to arranging childcare on her own again,   and I am shopping for airplane tickets.  💗

Hurrying Time

We've gotten to that  busy end-of-the-school year time when our schedule  goes into overdrive.   It is filled up with  a bunch of  "extra" events that get heaped on in addition to our normal busy life.    This past week, in particular, has made me start  to get really excited for this last month of school to be over so that we can finally get on to the more laid back days of the summertime.  

Here's a small glimpse of a few things we've been up to:

Cupcake Order:

At only seven dozen cupcakes, it was far from being the biggest cupcake order Cami's ever had, but it definitely  was one of the more stressful ones.    The order was due at 8:00am on Saturday morning, but after a full day of school on Friday, then one of her last lacrosse games of the season that evening, she didn't get home until nearly 10:00pm.    The cupcake making didn't even start until I was ready for bed.  I attempted to sleep, but the banging around in the kitchen meant that it was fitful.   She finally finished up around 3:00am and collapsed into bed.    At 5:55am I awakened and realized that Cami hadn't gotten up for her 6:00am babysitting job yet.   Cami jolted awake and ran out the door  unkempt and still in her sweats.    My sleep had been so interrupted, that I attempted once again to go back to bed, but alas I did not really fall soundly back asleep until right as it was time to wake up for my 8:30 YW camp meeting.     

Civil War Days:   

Because my sister's roommate has been in charge of the children's activity tent the past few years, we get the inside scoop about all the fun things they're planning for the Falls Church Civil War Days each year.  Ellie's become quite enamored with the event and it's now something that she looks forward to all year long.    She was an official (costumed) volunteer this year that went  to assist AnnaLisa and her roommate.   We didn't have a whole lot of time, but Adam, Cami, and I  dropped by to say hello and try out some of the activities.   As per usual, their favorite activity was making and dipping their own candles.   Cami brought along the cute little boy she was babysitting, who  really enjoyed himself as well! 

Emma's Spring Voice Recital:   

Emma's been singing for us since she was a small child, but recently has been very interested in developing this talent more.  This school year we decided to sign her up for voice lessons with our favorite 6'3" opera singer that lives in our ward and it's been amazing to watch Emma grow in confidence as the year's gone on!  I love hearing her sing! 

Here are videos of her performances: