We’ve been seeing all sorts of insects around these parts! From our first lightning bug sighting to pulling ticks, it feels like we’ve seen it all. Along with some bugs, we’ve been keeping busy around the house and also getting out and about!
Here’s a look at life lately around here.
All the Bugs 🐛
We went on a trail walk one evening recently and Sadie stumbled upon a moth! She was convinced it was injured and wanted to nurse it back to health. It was sweet seeing her gently pick up the moth and care so much about its wellbeing.
Jimmy explained to Sader Tot that moths usually do better if we leave them alone, so she gently placed the moth back in the grass and we went on our way to the creek! Her heart for animals (and everyone) is so tender.
I so enjoyed holding hands with Dakota as we walked. Little miss independent doesn’t let me just hold her hand too often.
On the night of the official start of summer, we saw our first lightning bugs glowing in the yard! Would you believe I took the above picture at exactly 9:00 pm?! It was so bright out! The brightness late at night totally tricks me and the kids because we’ll think it’s still early and then look at the clock and it’s waaaay past their our bedtime. 🤣
The kids quickly got the hang of catching the fireflies and it was one of those quintessential summer moments that I dream of all year—Jimmy and I relaxing on the porch swing in the warm weather while watching the kids play in the yard. There’s something so innocent and pure about kids just catching bugs in nature.
Another insect Sadie “caught” was a tick. Actually two! She was playing in the woods near our church and the next morning told me she had itchy spots that wouldn’t go away. I ended up using tweezers to pull two small ticks off of her. We’ll be on the lookout for the classic bullseye rash again. 🤩
In the Kitchen 🥧
I’ve been baking away as I prep 11 dozen cookies for a wedding this weekend! I baked up some raspberry thumbprints.
And cranberry white chocolate chip cookies. I need to share this recipe soon because it was a slam dunk!
I also baked an apple pie for Father’s Day. I had some “help,” as you can see. 😉
Along with the baking, I also used my mini waffle iron to prep some cinnamon waffles for Dakota. She has a waffle every morning and it’s so nice to have a bunch in the freezer all ready for when she gets hangry. 😂
I still have a few more varieties of cookies to tackle before the wedding this weekend. After they get picked up, I will be thrilled to have some freezer space back!
Out and About ☀️
Jimmy and I celebrated our 12 year wedding anniversary and instead of getting him a physical gift, I booked us an appointment for couples acupuncture! We love doing things like this together.
It was my second time going to acupuncture and Jimmy’s first. He enjoyed it and I loved it as much as I did last time! I loved it so much I plan to go back again. After the appointment, we stumbled upon a street festival and wandered around for a bit.
It was such a lovely date! We enjoyed being able to just chat and ended up coming home with coffee beans from local shops and some small trinkets for the kids. Yay for shopping local!
We went to our homeschool room at Jimmy’s work and the kids loved when Jimmy’s brother threw them on their bean bag between lessons!
Dakota rolled around on the mat. She is so much more silly than she used to be! We really noticed a difference in her personality after she had ear tube surgery. She went from being super serious to a lot more goofy!
We went to our neighborhood’s Family Fun Night and it was such a great evening. We got to relax with neighbors, play games like ping pong (check out Mordecai’s serve!!!), and Dakota had her first popsicle!
While we were at the Family Fun Night, local paramedics and police had stopped by to hang out. Sadie was super interested in touring the ambulance so we asked some friendly EMTs if they would give us a tour and they gladly did!
Man, they have a tough job. I think it takes a special person to be able to do that type of work! I was so thankful they gladly answered Sadie’s questions and showed her everything inside the ambulance.
Dakota learned how to go down the slide and proceeded to go down it about 100 more times that evening. I think she’s a thrill seeker.
We had church on Father’s Day! That morning, I reminded Mordecai to tell Jimmy Happy Father’s Day. He did, and then he disappeared into his room. He came back out with the card and gift he made for Jimmy at the library a few weeks prior.
I was so surprised he remembered he made that because even I had forgotten! He had it tucked away in his closet just waiting for the big day.
Sadie went to the orthodontist and had her expander placed. She took it like a champ. She had some pain and was able to take Tylenol. She is also on a soft food diet for a few days, so she has been chowing on noodle soup, applesauce, yogurt, popsicles, and ice cream. She also has the cutest lisp!
We had a pool day! Sadie made some new friends and Mordecai got more brave at the splash pad. There’s a big bucket that fills up and then dumps water out. He was terrified of it, but this time he got closer and I told him I was proud of him! Dakota tried to wear other children’s shoes. Nothing new there. 😂
Life at Home 🏡
Life at home has looked pretty relaxed lately!
Dakota impressed me with her downward dog pose. She loves to see the world upside down lately.
Mordecai has been doing well with his school lessons. We’ve been working on writing his letters using a beginner pencil.
Sadie made fairies out of my clothespins. She is so creative!
Other Notes and Thoughts 📝
- Scripture I’m loving: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 🙏🏻
- We were driving past a construction site and Mordecai said “Ooo, that’s a good job site! Let me know if you see more good job sites.” 🔨
- I was wearing a brown shirt and blue athletic shorts the other day when I went to take Dakota on a walk and Jimmy asked “Are you going to wear that in public?” I most certainly did. 😅
- Sadie has been using this kit to grow butterflies and our whole family is invested in this process. We started with live caterpillars and watched them encase themselves in their chrysalises. Now we’re waiting for them to emerge as butterflies! 🦋
Thanks for catching up with us! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have cookies to bake, butterflies to check on, and probably another bug to identify. 😜
Living My Full Life 