Summertime Americana Mantle

I wanted to do an Americana theme for my summertime mantel this year, but I didn't really want to spend any money on it, so I "shopped the house" for things I already had. I didn't think I would find much, but I actually surprised myself.

This LIBERTY sign I painted back in my sign-painting days. I used to have an eBay store a couple years back. The star next to it is a Christmas tree topper.
White dishes I already had, picked up from Target and various thrift stores. The apples, books, and star garland were also things I already had.
In my head, I thought this plate said, 4th on it, so I thought it would be perfect (4th of July), but then when I got it out, I realized it said, No. 4. Oh well, close enough.
The big red barn star I've had for a few years. I bought it on a trip to Amish country with my mom to decorate my family room in Ohio. I really like how it looks over the big mirror.

In the end, I did actually end up spending a few bucks on the flags and other small star at Joann's, but they were on sale, so it was still pretty cheap. And here it is with the mountain of folded clothes I should be putting away instead of taking pictures. Just keepin' it real.

Ocean Shores, WA

Saturday was warm and sunny, the perfect day for the beach! The REAL beach, as in, THE PACIFIC OCEAN! It's only about 90 minutes away! So cool!
Silly kids! Logan and Hannah were a little scared of the water and ran away whenever a wave came in...
...but they sure loved digging in the sand!

It may have been a warm day, but the water was COLD! Bryan took the plunge anyway!

Capitol Fountains

Last week, we went with the Yonkers to play in the fountains downtown. They are in such a cool location - the Capitol Building and Capitol Lake on one side, and all the sailboats on the Sound on the other side.
Logan really got into it, despite the cool 70* temperature. He and Dillon especially liked putting their shoes over the holes and watching the fly up into the air when the water sprayed.

Hannah liked the drinking fountain best of all. Or "drinky mountain" as she calls it.

Fun times in with the Thompsons

More Delta Fun!

Strawberry Pickin'

Picking strawberries at Patterson Fruit Farm.

Logan was the best strawberry picker! He was very careful to look for big red ones without brown or mushy spots. Whenever he picked a berry, he would hold it up and shout, "Hey Mom, can I pick this one?!" Funny guy!

Hannah was shoveling the berries in her mouth as fast as she could. She didn't care if they were still green on the plant or mushy and moldy on the ground. Mmmm!Hannah looking so cute and matchy-matchy with her friends Maddie and Bella. (We didn't even plan this!)

Farewell, summer!

Not me, silly, the season! The temperatures are cooling down, the leaves are starting to turn, and sadly, Thorton pool is now closed. The pool is a lifesaver during Cleveland's hot summer months! Several families from Lomond School and our ward have season passes to the pool, so there is almost always a friend or two to splash and chat with (for kids and Moms alike).

Andrew and Logan loved their new goggles (thanks, Grandma A!) and being able to see underwater!

Hannah was adorable in her strawberry ruffle-bum swimsuit. By far, Logan's favorite place to be was in the Lazy River, riding a noodle. This face says it all! He was so proud of himself! He kept shouting to me, "I'm doing great! I'm doing great!"

Logan also liked getting soaked on the Spray Ground!

Andrew was thrilled to relinquish his life jacket to his little brother! Now that he can touch the bottom in the "big pool," he wanted NOTHING to do with the "baby pool!" Here he is practicing his cannonballs with his friend, Noah.Of course, since Andrew only wanted to swim in the big pool, Logan did too. At the beginning of the season, I had a difficult time taking care of three kids, ages 6 months to 6 years, in the big pool. I even got in a little argument with a lifeguard over it (It's a long story; I won't bore you with it). After a week or so, I invested in a Solarveil pouch sling to wear Hannah in. That solved all my problems! It must have been pretty comfy and soothing too, because most days, Hannah would end up fast asleep in the pool!This was also the first year that Andrew took swimming lessons. He had a really fun time! I was so proud of the way he literally "jumped right in" and wasn't afraid of any challenge his teacher gave him. He even jumped off the diving board into the deep end (9 feet) with no fear! Great job, Andrew! He told me, "Mom, I really think water sports are my thing!" He loved watching the high-divers during the Olympics this summer, and one day he surprised me by doing a front-flip into the pool. "Am I just like those guys in the Olympics?"

Yep, just like them!

Farewell, Thorton Pool! We'll see ya next year!