Summer

I thought about entitling this post: "The Lazy Days of Summer" but it wouldn't be true! We've had a GREAT summer, but I don't think there's been anything "lazy" about it! The past few weeks have been a whirlwind that have brought us to the dreaded "August"! Which makes us all go, "wow....school is almost here!!" :( Wah!

Anyway, here are some highlights:

We've been spending lots of time out in the yard and pool. D and I have been working around the yard some--continuing to make landscaping plans and work a bit in the flower beds. All three kids love the pool and spend as much time in it as we will allow.

July 4th weekend had us in T.C. to visit all the family. We had a wonderful time hanging out on the Lake Michigan beach with H's family, eating Moomers ice cream, enjoying "Gramp's spectacular fireworks show" and having a four wheeler parade in the woods with Ds family.

Mom and the kids have been busy with several playdates and trips to the library. It's been great catching up with lots of friends, mingling at area parks, and visiting the library regularly. Both older kiddos finished the summer reading program at the library and won a few fun prizes, including free meals at Texas Roadhouse. P has become quite the bookworm--she's working through the Boxcar Chilren series as well as Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" series. She reminds me so much of myself as a young reader! It's hard for her to put her books down, and if you ever wonder where she's at, chances are you'll find her curled up with a good read! :)

K continues to be enthralled with tractors! He and his Dad pretty much eat, sleep and breathe them, I think! :) They recently went to a tractor show about an hour away from our home. They came home with all kinds of John Deere souveniers and lots of fun photos and memories. They signed up to become members of the tractor club and are already planning on involvement for next year. Plans include a tractor train equipped to give kids rides. I'll be sure to update with photos as that project comes together!

N is saying and doing more and more each day. She really works hard to keep up with the older two as much as possible! She LOVES to sit and look at books and she loves to be outside. She asks to go "side" a lot, and also asks to go on bike rides and walks. It's hard to believe that she's 17 months--soon to be 18! A few of her favorite newer words are: squirrel, flower, pool, what, Melanie (friend's name), Joslyn (babysitter's name), bug, walk, and go. I know there are more I'm forgetting, but those are a lot of recent additions. She climbs the five foot ladder up to the slide/playhouse and has virtually no fears. Save for the vacuum--which is a pretty recent addition!

Another favorite of the summer is "swap day". Most Thursdays a friend and I take turns swapping kiddos. She takes mine for about 3-4 hours while I get some things done, and then I take her three girls while she gets some things done. The kids all get along well and we have all really become close. One of them told me last Thursday evening, "I never like the end of the day on Thursdays. I just wish it wouldn't end!" It was so cute! :)

We look forward to more summer memories for sure...the fun isn't over yet! We have a camping trip ahead of us and a bathroom remodel. Not to mention many more playdates and bike rides! I'll be back with some photos soon. Hope your summer is going well!