Summer Snapshots #3

Independence Day

Matt came off a 24 hour call at 8 a.m. on July 4th, so while he caught up on sleep I took the kiddos to the YMCA and worked out then played at the pool with our friends, the Haynie's.

At last minute Matt and I hosted a BBQ that evening and a few families from the ward joined us for the festivities. It was hot, HOT, HOT, and due to the drought no residential fireworks were permitted. Below is proof that we rebelled and used up a few sparklers from last year.

I didn't take any pictures all day, but my friend kindly took a couple of Sky with her rockin' iPhone. Poor Kaitlyn. I feel like I don't take as many pictures of her as I should. I feel a little better knowing that at this point in the evening she was snuggled tight in her crib.

 Bath Time

If there's one thing my crazies have been lacking this summer, it's baths. Between regular trips to the pool and playing in the sandbox, I sometimes wonder what's the point of bathing them. We've been averaging two baths a week for the kids. At least I shower daily (usually). That counts for something, right?!

Parties

Sky's got some great buddies in the ward and neighborhood. "Peach" (pictured below with Skylie) is one of her best buds. Okay, I'll be completely honest. Skylie absolutely adores Peach and talks about her more than anything else combined! I am regularly begging Peach's mom to let Peach come play so I can get some work done around the house while the toddlers play.

Peach's mom describes the buddies best: "Whenever they see each other they will scream out each other's name and then run to each other for a big hug.  Peach will often try to pick Sky up and then they fall into a pile of kid."

 

These pictures were taken at Peaches birthday party. It was quite the event, and Skylie's expectations for her birthday went up about ten notches. (Thanks a lot, Crystal!) Just yesterday Skylie told me, "Let's have water, and swimming, and treats, and kids, and food, and cake, and presents at my birthday party!" My plans had been to have a low-key family day.

Below are a couple more pictures at the birthday bash. The girls were playing doctor. Kitty (in polka dots) is another favorite buddy.

Chick-Fil-A

A couple of my Iowa girlfriends came up with a fun idea to give their children's friends for birthdays. Instead of buying a toy for the birthday girl/boy, they take the birthday girl on a special lunch play date to McDonald's to get a Kid's Meal and play in the play place. I decided to give it a try this summer, and I honestly think it's been the highlight of the season for Skylie. She is still talking about it and asks daily when she can take her other friend, Kate, there. Matt had a weekday off so I got to leave Kaitlyn with him while I took Peach and Skylie to Chick-fil-A. The two buddies spent almost three hours eating and entertaining themselves in the play place.

I remember when I left Iowa a little over a year ago I didn't have too many concerns. Moving hasn't ever been too hard on me, but everyone in our family--Matt, Skylie, and I--were leaving behind a lot of great friendships. I remember thinking and praying, "Skylie and I don't need 20 best friends like we have here. But if she could just find one or two buddies and if I could find a friend, I'd be really happy." I am grateful to know she--and I--both have certainly found more than a friend or two in Indiana.

Swimming

Taking the kids to the pool is my go-to activity in the summer. We've spent many a day at the pool in our community or at one of the YMCAs nearby.

Marion County Fair

In June our friends from church invited us to go to the Marion County Fair with them for Family Night. I had committed to watch two of Skylie's two-year-old friends that evening, but we decided to brave it and take four girls two and under to the event. By some stroke of magic all the children behaved well, and we had a great time checking out the animals and going on a couple rides.

I love a good summer. And this has been a great one.

Good thing it's not over yet.