I think it's quite obvious by now that I am not good at updating this blog! It just seems like if there's any free time these days, I don't want to spend it in front of the computer. Well, any more than I already have to (read further for an explanation). Let's just see if I can bring you all up to speed on life at the Bingham house over the past couple of months.... all in one blog post!
Back in June, Jordyn officially graduated from Pre-Kindergarten at Vineyard Christian Preschool. She had a graduation ceremony where she received her "diploma" and had pictures taken in cap and gown. Jordyn is going to miss attending school with her good friends (one very special friend in particular, Marlee Shoup). She is however, excited to be attending Kindergarten just a few blocks away at Bryant Ranch Elementary! Mommy looks forward to her being super close and to helping in the classroom!
Shortly after school ended and summer began.... so did the OCPAA dance recital. Jordyn and Tyler had a blast dancing with all of their little friends in 4 different shows! They each performed a jazz, ballet, "competition routine," and opening and closing numbers. Needless to say.... they were wiped out (and so was I) once the show finally came to an end.
Knowing our lives were about to become a little more hectic, we decided to take off for a quick, 24 hour getaway to Rancho Las Palmas in Palm Springs. We swam, floated down the "lazy river," and had a great time! Hopefully we can "squeeze in" a couple more of these quick get-aways during the next couple of years.
4th of July is always a blast at the annual Saratoga St. celebration! The girls were very excited to flaunt their decorated bicycles in the "parade" that takes place right in front of Auntie and Uncle Jeff's house. It was a perfect celebration, complete with BBQ, drinks, water balloon toss, water slides and over an hour of fireworks!
(PS- Mommy made the tanks!)
Tyler continues to make us laugh each day. She has a very witty side to her personality! She also just does things that are "off the wall." Those of you who get to spend time with her know what I'm talking about. She is thoroughly enjoying her summer. She loves to swim (and is an awesome swimmer), ride her scooter, her bicycle and always wants to know if we can "go do something fun." She's very outgoing and loves to be busy (like from the very second she gets out of bed in the morning!). Thank goodness the girl still loves her naps.... because when she's not sleeping, she's moving 100 mph!
Jordyn Nicole.... doing an excellent job of continuing to keep us on our toes! Never a dull moment with this girl! She is continuing to stay busy with all of her activities throughout the summer. Just a couple weeks ago, she received her second "promotion" in tae kwan do to an orange belt. She broke another board... this time with a powerful kick (I think it's called an "axe kick?"). I would say she likes to practice dance, but I think it's more like "perform" her dance moves. If there's an audience, you can bet that her and Tyler will be putting on a show (consider that a warning!). Although she is constantly requesting to go somewhere, do something or go see someone... she is still the little girl who is always up for a lot of cuddling and a good chat.
The girls had an amazing week attending VBS at The Rock Community Church (where we attend). It was a full week of bible lessons, arts and crafts, water play and great snacks (one of their favorite parts!). Each day there was a different theme. "Crazy hat day and "crazy hair day" are pictured here.
And now, to bring you "up to speed" with the most current event in our life..... Mommy went back to school. For those of you who don't know, I started an accelerated BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) program. The program is two years in length and when I'm done, I will be an RN (well, after passing the NCLEX)! The program is through Western Governors University and is actually almost completely on-line. Everything but our skills lab and time spent doing clinical rounds, is completed on line. I've just completed two weekends in a row (8 hours on Sat and Sun) getting passed off on skills that will allow me to work in the hospital for my first clinical rounds in just a couple of weeks! While the idea of working with real patients excites me, it's freaking me out as well! Stay tuned for more details......
I must say, I never imagined that at 32 years old, married with two kids, I'd be going back to school. Some days I think "what did I get myself into?!" The hardest part about it isn't the school itself (which is pretty dang challenging), but the "other stuff" that I have a hard time sacrificing. I'm not talking about sleep.... that's a given! I'm talking about the time with the Bryan and the girls. Fortunately, I have family and friends who have offered to help in so many ways. I am more than thankful for each of those offers. Nana is definitely using her "free time" this summer to be with the girls. Don't know how I'd be doing it without her.
I try to remind myself that in the "big picture, " two years is nothing. And, while I want it to go by quick.... I don't want it to go by quick! These girls are growing right in front of my eyes. I just hope they will look back on this time of their lives (if they remember), and see a Mom who went through this to better their lives, as opposed to a mom who was tired, stressed and grouchy! :) Wish me luck with that!
Until next time...............
