Oh What do you do in the Summertime?

Read books in a tree?

We *heart* Catalog Living

"Gary, we were having such a lovely afternoon with the Andersons until you decided you just had to show off your string ball."

You MUST start following Gary and Elaine's adventures in Catalog Living...Hilarity under every picture.

Oh! To be a Kid Again...

Sixth Grade Promotion

Kalli had a 1940s theme promotion (graduation) theme from Bonneville Elementary School.  Honestly, I can't believe I started her there 7 years ago as a cute little kindergardener. Where has my little girl gone? After their smashing program full of songs and dances from the 40s, and a personalized slide show highlighting each of the 6th grade students (forever long!) - we thought we'd make the day extra special for our girl.  Waiting outside after her cast party was a cherry red (rental - of course) Mini Cooper for an afternoon full of fun.  We drove around the neighborhood with the top down honking and celebrating and then took it for multiple spins - even giving the neighborhood kids some celebratory rides.  We took the kids to dinner (can you believe we squeezed our entire family into that little thing?  double buckling anyone?).  Talk about a cheap thrill to make the day feel extra special.  The only problem is setting a precedence down the line...now Ella and Max are plotting a car choice for their turn.

So Long Kindergarten

Absent

Hello dear friends (blogging and otherwise) and family. I am laughing at myself for feeling like a silly school girl scrambling to think of a more creative excuse than "the dog ate my homework" for my absence here at melt by amr... but the truth is my little belly companion has kept me from doing so much more than just a blog post here and there.  January through April were rough! And when I finally began to see the light again this spring, I had so much catching up to do in my life with the kids, the house, my family, and primary...well, let's just say its taken me well into month number 6 to get my feet back under me.  Of course, the irony is not lost on me to think that in a mere 15 weeks or so - life as I know it will once again be tossed aside as we welcome our 5th baby in September. We're thrilled, excited, and buzzing at this news (and still little scared and overwhelmed as she came as quite the surprise!)  

I'm not quite sure how to go about catching up the last several months ... in fact, I told Bryce that my creative bone must be nestled somewhere near my pelvis where this little one has overtaken all space and made herself at home ... I say this because the last several months have seen little to no creative output.  I have not made anything smashing, I've not thrown a great party, and I've nearly given up every outside interest so I could spend some much needed quality one on one time with my couch and my bed - and doing my best to function as the mom and wife my family needs.

So I'll primarily be doing some catch-up posts on the kids ... as this blog has basically turned into somewhat of a family journal anyway. (And if it's not recorded here, it's not recorded anywhere.)  If you're interested in taking a peek at what the Roberts have been up to (at least those of us who haven't been busy growing a baby) then scroll down in the next couple of days as I'll be post-dating (closer to their actual dates) a few events here and there. It's good to be back.

Face Painting

With decent weather only popping up once or twice a week this spring, the kids are taking every advantage with some activities I don't normally let happen indoors.  Take for instance, face painting. Kal got the paints out and worked her magic on the kids...and I love this picture progression as she has taken on everyone, and then after seeing how festive everyone else looks, begins transforming herself!

Spring Break 2010 - La Quinta, CA

My Crew

Max's Sixth Birthday

My baby boy turned 6 today and invited his entire Kindergarten class to celebrate with him at Bouncin' Off the Walls.  They bounced, played ball, slid on the giant blow up slides and had an all around super - star celebration.  We adore this little man and can't believe we've been lucky enough to have him with us for these six short years. 

Herbed Sea Salt

Have I ever mentioned how much I adore the blog Sunday Suppers? It documents a cooking class held in Brooklyn with the most gorgeous pictures of delicious food, impeccable styling, and thoughtful favors. One of my favorite take-homes was a customized sea salt which I decided to replicate for a few of my friends.  It's so easy.  Just a nice quality sea salt, your favorite fresh herbs or spices, and a cute container to give it in.  I've used my roasted garlic and herb sea salt on roasts and loins. So yummy!

Dancing Queen

While dancing over six hours a week (not including weekend competitions) we have deemed our Kalli girl "dancing queen" - at least of our household.  Her dance company did their first round of competitions this spring and never came home with less than a third place - and she's got a shelf full of trophies to prove it!  I'm constantly impressed with her dedication and passion for all things related to DANCE!

Junior Jazzer

       

Max wrapped up his first season of Jr. Jazz with a bang...he loved every minute of every game.  This boy and his sports have added a whole new dimension to our lives - as we have been doing dance and choir route with the girls.  He's learning to put that long and lean body to work and is sure he'll be dunking by at least the 3rd grade! Knowing his genetic possibilities, he might not be too far off!

The Walk Home

I snapped this picture from inside my living room window of my 3 elementary kiddos walking home from school.  (I already wrote about my obsession watching them walk to school here.)  I don't know what my fascination is with this watching - except that its about as close to "a fly on the wall" as I ever get.  I'm really quite smitten with how good they are to each other.  While other school mates have found a friend to walk home with, they generally have found each other - and Ella almost always has her arm around Max (like above) or she's holding his latest art project or his backpack for him.  Now I won't be entirely gushy and paint an unrealistic picture - there have been times that I see Kal and El literally shove each other around the minute they walk out the door. (And you can believe I've stepped outside and had a word or two to say:)  That being said, these three are beyond siblings...they're pals.  And I love it that way.

Using those Pipes

This past week we've been celebrating the pipes on my girls.  They have some sweet little voices and have been able to use them to have some incredible experiences.  First, Ella's entire third grade class gave an amazing performance to our neighborhood community.  Then they had the chance to take a couple of their best songs to the capitol and perform for our governor.  Ella sang her solo just a few feet from our state's leaders. (Sorry, no cameras at that one.)  Lastly, our girls got to sing in the famous tabernacle on Temple Square during Interfaith Week which celebrates the SLC hosting of the Olympics each year.  I'm so proud of my little girls (who aren't so little anymore) and am thrilled they have many chances to share their talents with others.

All images are iPhone pics...not great, but had to do.