We have been back from vacation a couple of weeks now and settled back in to our summer routine. But that does not mean it has been boring... The Sunday after we got back, our YMCA hosted an Sundae Pool Party, where there were delicious ice-cream treats, water games and a "cool" princess. This little outing was just what we needed after spending all day in the car on Saturday.
On Tuesday, Chick-Fil-A hosted their annual Cow Appreciation Day, where you can get a free meal if you dress up like a cow. We have participated in this event a few times over the past few years but since the kids outgrew their cow costumes, I had to make new ones. So on Monday, we spent the afternoon making our headbands and on Tuesday I sewed the costumes. I think, they turned out pretty good. And we were rewarded with free food and a delicious peach milkshake.
Summer is in full force, which means our vegetables are growing like weeds: This is one big pumpkin plant.
On Saturday, Derrick and I had a day date. We were so overdue for some quality time together, it didn't even bother us that it was raining. We went to the Sate Park anyways and walked on the trail for an hour, chatting and watching some deer graze and some ducks in the water.
While we were out, the kids loved having Ms. Janet play with them. We finished our date off with some delicious Thai food and some back-to-school supply shopping (might as well make a chore less painful when you can do it with your partner in crime). The rest of the day, we hung out at home with the kids and relaxed. Amelia loves reading and is mastering chapter books already. This view never gets old:
During the summer, she is supposed to either read, do some math exercises or write a page in her booklet each day so when school starts back up, she has an easier time adjusting. So far, she completed a first grade addition and subtraction booklet and almost filled an entire notebook with little stories of her own. This is what she wrote the other day all by herself. A few spelling errors but not bad for a 5-year old. I'm so proud of her.
Of course, there is a lot of playing too and our cat doesn't mind when she has to play ponies once ain a while with Amelia.
Elliot loves helping out in the kitchen:
On Sunday, Amelia requested a picture with me on our way to church as she was so excited to have picked out a long dress and sparkle shoes as well as got a bun and some lipstick on. I love my little girly girl:
This past week has been hot, hot, hot. We are enduring a heat wave and temperatures have been rising up to almost a 100F/ 38C daily with an heat index of 108F/ 43C. The only way to stay cool is to be indoors or in the water. Fun under the sprinkler:
Friends invited us to come swim at their pool one afternoon, and we happily accepted. These two were in their element. By the way, Elliot only wore the puddle jumpers after he has been swimming and diving in the pool for an hour and I needed a break from constantly watching him as the shallow end of the pool was 3+ft deep.
Since Amelia's birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks and I wanted to spend some one-on-one time with her before school starts back up, I picked her up from camp right after work while Elliot stayed and napped. We went to the toy store so she could use some early birthday money to choose a toy. A little dress-up had to be included:
It took her an hour to find the right barbies and then we went to have a little treat before picking up Elliot from camp. A happy little girl with her newest toys:
I can't believe I will have a 6 year old in just a few weeks. It is almost time for her first day in first grade and I'm not sure how to handle that. While she is all excited about turning a year older, loosing her baby teeth and going in to first grade, I'm sitting here wishing time would slow down and my little girl would stay little for just a while longer. To always remember these days of ponies, barbies and being almost 6 years old, I have something special planned for this girl this week. I'm sure it will be a sweet memory for her but also for me.
After a week of business travel, we were delighted to welcome Derrick back home on Friday afternoon.
Nothing is better than the four of us all being together:
Even though summer break is almost over here in TN, we still have lots of fun things planned. This is the last week of summer camp for the kids and next weekend, we will be visiting friends in Cincinnati, OH. There is also a special trip to the zoo on the calendar as well as a pirate pool party. And of course, a little birthday celebration for our favorite girl.
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