Wednesday

 Wednesday was another at-home day.  The girls played in the pool, as did the dogs.  We went on a nice walk with some friends from church in the evening.

Tuesday

On Tuesday we hung out at the house during the day (I still hadn't completely cleaned the house up after Emily's birthday party).  Then we packed a picnic dinner and went to the Wilsonville water park.  The girls had a great time, but I didn't get many pictures because I was chasing Abby who was chasing animals (dogs), and I was afraid I'd drop my phone in the water.

Monday's fun

Monday we went to Eugene to play with the Ubels.  I didn't remember to get a belly picture of our same-due-date kids, but you can imagine it.  Our five girls LOVE playing together. Oh, and they have a patient cat who let Abby absolutely torture him.

While Daddy's gone

Jon left on Sunday for a missions trip to Arizona.  Initially, I thought sticking close to home would be the best plan, but I soon realized that keeping busy works even better.  Sunday after naps we headed to a friend's birthday party.  I didn't get any pictures, but the girls wanted to send Daddy a picture to cheer him up.

 I really did try to get all three looking and smiling at the same time.  We did small-scale fireworks this year: flowers, sparklers, and pop-its.  That being said, it was hard to take pictures while making sure our, um, strong-willed third child didn't burn herself.

 This face: trying to smile for the camera while focusing on enjoying your sparkler.

The Fourth - Bonfire

 We had a rather low-key Fourth this year--just us.  We had a bonfire in the backyard and ate hot dogs, fruit salad, corn on the cob, and s'mores.

 Abby watched me make a s'more, and immediately put her marshmallow between her grahams (smarty pants).  She has already consumed her allotment of chocolate (again, smarty pants).

Big girl bed

We set up Abby's toddler bed this week.  As you can see, her climbing skills had me rather worried.

Miraculously, she has stayed in her bed each night.

And she has proved she is a Steele with her strange sleeping habits.

Dentist

Ellen and Abby went to the dentist this week.  Abby seems a little bit terrified, but I guess that's the point of taking her so young--so she'll get used to it.

Ellen was scared of the suction machine, but overall did a very good job.  She even earned a matchbox car from Target at the end (okay, she really chose a bus).

Prior to going to the dentist, I told Ellen she needed to brush her teeth really well.  She replied, "Um, I just brushed my teeth with a banana."

Kindergarten music program overload #2 (of 2)

Kindergarten music program overload #1 (of 2)

Emily's kindergarten music program was on Thursday night. The kids did a great job, and she had a blast. However, I couldn't see a thing. The kids were on some low risers, but in the sea of parents, it was impossible to see my front-row cutie. I thought an aisle seat would help, but it was filled with parents taking pictures. Luckily, my friend Desiree served as my lifesaver. She was in the third row, and I gave her my camera to take some pictures.

More park pics

The look on Abby's face: we are in TROUBLE.