Summer time

It is officially summer. We are falling into a new routine having Miss Emily at home with us and learning to cope with the rising temperatures. One of the first things that happened was putting the three kids in one bedroom so we would have the other open as a playroom. And so we wouldn't have to pay to keep it cool at night.
They love it - it's a party every night - but I do feel like they are pretty well packed in there like sardines.

My sneaky middle-of-the-night picture of them sleeping.

We have been spending a lot of time at various pools and splash pads.

This pose was all Emily's idea, I promise. I love Elinor peeking out around Caleb.

We are excited for our first summer trip to Utah.

Emily has Utah pegged as a very cold place and is preparing accordingly...

and dragging the siblings in with her.

Does summer seem like a casual time to anyone else? My kids have definitely been feeling that vibe.

The traditional Living Scriptures viewing on Sunday morning.
These guys built a nest. I love Emily's scarf and ankle adornments.

Caleb's usual after-church getup. I'm sad his t-shirt is covering the half-tucked-in-edness of his white shirt.

And here are a couple of randoms.

I loved this play dough Garden of Eden Joseph and the kids put together for FHE tonight. He's definitely the creative one in our marriage!

Elinor loves her babies. Here is the whole family (minus El) gathered for a picture.

So, yeah, we've been taking it easy, but every one has been having fun.
I am working trying to step up home instruction of letters and math for the kids which has been so fulfilling for me and I think enjoyable for them. I have been surprised by how much difference a little bit of one-on-one time makes for them every day. Piano lessons have been going well. I have been learning about how vastly different Emily and Caleb are, both in development and in learning styles. I feel lucky to be able to teach them myself at this point, since a hired teacher would not understand their personalities as well or be able to coach them throughout the week. Joseph is working extra hours on conference and journal submissions, which we hope will help him get a good postdoc position after he defends. I can't believe how quickly the kids are growing and things are changing! For now, all is calm, but I expect some big changes will come to our family in the near future.