Robertsons Galore: August 2014

6.20.14: Sea Squirt Camp

While in Santa Barbara, the girls got to go to day camp. The first week was all about the ocean. They learned about all types of marine life from seals to plankton. They pet sharks, stacked decorator crabs and investigated the bottom of the ocean. After lunch each day, they spent time playing in the ocean, jumping waves, and building in the sand. Each day culminated in three soaking wet children, happy as can be.

Fiona, Daphne, Stella petting a shark

Fiona, Stella and Daphne wearing their camp shirts over hoodies...because 70 degrees is cold when you are used to 100.

When walking back from the ocean on the busy pier, all the campers held onto a rope with handles to make sure all of the little ones stuck together.

6.14.14: Adventuring to Santa Barbara

Today was a very big day for us girls in the Robertson family. We were flying to Santa Barbara to see Brant after two weeks apart. A lot has changed since we were with him last....including turning five. Looks like we have to celebrate again! Stella, Daphne and Fiona were very excited to ride the shuttle to the airport, I was excited for the activity bags full of snacks and new coloring sheets.

What do you do when your flight is delayed and you are at a tiny airport in a tinier terminal but are really excited? You find an empty seating area and make your own obstacle course. Sure, we got a few looks - but honestly trying to force kids to sit still for hours would have been worse.

Upon safe arrival and reuniting with Brant we were off to visit with Uncle Ragan and Auntie Christina in Santa Monica. First stop, the ocean, because honestly - we were all excited to play in the water.

Daphne, Uncle Ragan, Fiona, and Stella playing with Lexi.

6.11.14: FIVE

Stella, Daphne and Fiona are FIVE!

HAPPY FIFTH BIRTHDAY GIRLS!!!

Our dear sweet little ladies, you are amazing! Your creativity, enthusiasm, and inquisitiveness is contagious. We are constantly overwhelmed by your compassion and generosity for your sisters and friends. You have your own personality and preferences yet understand the necessity to share and take turns. We are so very proud to be your parents.

In the past year, you have learned to write all of your letters, sound out words, swim, hike, ride bikes, play board games, sleep in big girl beds, lost some teeth (or gained molars), create beautiful art from recycled materials and even make the perfect mud ball.

We look forward to each and every day with you.

love,

mama and daddy

******************************************

Fiona @ 7:35 (exactly five years old)

41.2 lbs, 43.5"

Daphne @ 7:3 (exactly five years old)

47.2 lbs, 45.5"

Stella @ 7:39 (exactly five years old)

41.0 lbs, 43"

6.9.14: Feeling 'off'

Have you ever had one of those days where you were feeling 'off'? Just not yourself. Well Daphne was having that kind of day today. I had been in contact with her preschool teachers to determine if I should come and take everyone home early. No fever, nothing - just having a tough day. After lunch, when the day didn't get any better, I decided to bring the girls home. I walked into school, gave Daphne a hug and within one minute - she vomited all over me. Not all over me (a little bit), but ALL over me. I immediately began looking for the biggest kid in the school to see if I could squeeze into their extra clothes but no luck - I drove home absolutely covered. With Brant gone and some important meetings at work, Nene came down to stay with Daphne in case this was a virus that worked its way around the family. Thankfully it was just a one kid bug and she recovered in time for her birthday. Bonus: Nene got to celebrate the girls turning five with us.

6.8.14: Surprise Party

The girls and I thought we were headed to Nicole's house to have a playdate and help with some baby preparations (aka assist in Nicole's nesting). However, when we arrived, there were decorations all over the house, brownies (with sprinkles!), birthday girl buttons, lunch, toys and so much more. That's right, we walked right into our own surprise birthday party. The girls (and I) had an amazing time and didn't want to leave. I was completely surprised and genuinely touched by the thoughtfulness that went into all the details for our party. Thank you Nicole and Peter - we will forever remember this amazing celebration!

Birthday Girls! (Stella, Nicole, Fiona, Daphne, Peter)

Peter making brownies

Peter decorating everyone's brownies - even writing our names on them

Enjoying our party (and all the decorations!)

6.7.14: Box O' Science

Auntie Kelly decided to send the girls a giant (and I mean over 25lbs) Box O' Science for their birthday this year. We opened the giant box of activities early in order to stay very busy while Brant was gone. Auntie even included the scientific reason that the experiment worked the way it did (which was good because I wasn't 100% sure on some of them). This also happened to align with the girls' new love for the show Mythbusters.

Stella, Daphne, Fiona watching raisins bob up and down in soda

Stella, Daphne, Fiona chasing pepper in bowls of water with dish soap.

6.1.14: Keeping busy

Today Brant left for Santa Barbara for five weeks. We had been talking about his big trip for a while now and I think I was more worked up about it than anyone. Needless to say, we needed to stay very busy - distractions are good. We made tie dye shirts, painted bowls, and established target practice on our wall. I always try to set myself up for success when Brant is gone, getting groceries ahead of time, laundry done, etc - somehow I thought making tie dye shirts was a good idea. I was very wrong. outside wind + 30 little fingers + fabric dye + one parent = not a good idea :)