The Quinn-Dunlop Family: July 2013

I can't ever remember a time in my life when we were busier. Think of a mini tornado that never stops spinning or making noise, and that is what we have going on in our world. It's called the Piper/Quinn twister. It keeps us on our toes and encourages us to live to our fullest extent every day.

Seth's health scare and getting older were and are mini blessings. Don't hesitate ever at the chance to do something wonderful, or travel somewhere fabulous. Take chances and make change in your life. If you are just a talker, STOP, and DO.

Our summer so far has been amazing. Movies, water slides, and lots of ice cream in the evenings on our front porch.

We are still trying to sell our house, and nothing has happened. I feel like every house around us has sold but ours. I think we have a problem. Not sure what it is. If we are here by Christmas, we are going to notify our family that any present they have for the kids can't exceed 2x2 inches. Seriously.

Seth continues to heal and seems 100% to me. I know he gets tired, but you would never know it. He ran a 9 min mile the other night. He is incredible.

Piper starts kindergarten next month. Holy cow. She is beginning to read and can pretty much swim all on her own without any help. Emily Cannon you are a miracle worker. Piper has discovered yoga this summer. A yoga studio at Trolley Square does a yoga camp. She loves it. It might be her favorite activity she has done thus far. She knows all these poses. My favorite she does is the warrior pose. She is a mini cop and lets Seth and I know when we have said a bad word. Piper went to her first rodeo, and decided she was ready to do the water slide at the pool. She loved it.

Mr. Quinn turned 2 and graduated from his crib. He was fine with it, but I on the other hand had a good cry. He is wild and has a fabulous sense of humor. Quinn has started swimming lessons with Emily. He cries so much she makes me leave the room, and then I cry a bit.

Frankie is growing at an astronomical rate. Great idea. Buy a huge dog for our shoe box house that we were already busting out of. She is a great dog though.

I can't site my kids for being tornados because I think they got it from me. I don't feel like I ever stop. I seriously try consciously sometimes, but it's not in my DNA. Poor Seth. He is the most understanding man in the world.

Next week we are going to Idaho to ride the Hiawatha Rail Trail. So excited. Thanks you Jacbosen/Dunlop family for the inspiration for this trip. In September we are going to Maui, and I am trying to convince Seth to go to NY for a couple days in August to meet our favorite children's author, Oliver Jeffers. If you don't know his work, buy one of his books today. I live for traveling and adventure. I love being at home with my kids and not changing out of our PJs til noon, but I always have a bag packed and am ready to go anywhere just in case the opportunity arises.

Refresh your soul and enrich your mind. Plan your next trip today and GO. I know I know $$$. Get rid of cable, eat out once a month, ride your bike. Get creative on ways to save. We can all do it and it will be so worth it. Your kids will be better because of the adventures they get to go on.