When Mike is travelling or doesn't come home until after bedtime, we like to redefine the evening hours.  Changing things up from the normal routine goes a long way and it's a nice diversion for all.  Our new redefined evening hour involves climbing the dirt hills created by the construction of new homes in our neighborhood.  The kids will climb up and down forever, playing games, playing star wars, imagining all sorts of things.  A couple weeks ago, we were so covered in dirt that I took the kids in the backyard, had them strip to their undies and hosed them down.  Then, they ate dinner in their underwear and all jumped into the tub together!

 We had a calm start to the bath, but then we turned on the jets after everyone had been washed up, which created bubbles galore!  We busted out the goggles and I though the kids were hilarious.  I took at least 50 pics of their bath that night.  I think I was feeling nostalgic, it was a perfect evening.  The kids played hard, were starving and ate their dinner without complaint, were happy, didn't argue, etc.  By the end my bathroom was a little wet, but totally worth it!  They were tired, tummies full, bodies clean, a great end to my day.

Amelia has moved to her big girl bed and Tanner was so cute and excited for her!  He really wanted to sleep with her on her first night in bed.  I love the way these boys can be so tender and sweet with their sister.

Lest you think it's always ideal in our home, tonight we had major crazies at dinner, which resulted with two boys screaming, and then long timeouts in their room.  And, another child had a complete meltdown at bedtime.  Just keepin' it real.