Summertime begins

with a trip to our favorite park!

The kids went surfin

We hit up the ice cream truck

And zonked from all the fun

A Poem

As the school year winds down, all the artwork is starting to come home. It's amazing to see Dylan's progress from the beginning of the year to now. His drawing, writing and reading have improved immensely. But today I came across something in particular that instantly had me choked up.

It was a typed packet of poems entitled: "I Like Poems." I assumed it was poems they had read in class over the course of the year that the kids liked and the teacher was sharing them with us. But in fact, the poems were written by the students. Now let me preference this by saying (a) most of the kids selected things such as ladybugs, bikes, ice cream, and the color yellow and (b) the assignment had nothing to do with Father's Day.

This is what my son wrote:

I like my dad.
Ask me why.
Because he is smart.
Because he makes the best pancakes.
Because he wrestles with me.
That's why.
I like my dad.

The fact that he is the most amazing father to my children paired with the Ashley's ice box ice cream he brought me home last night, I'm so in love with my husband!!!

Field Trip

Dylan's class took a field trip to the submarine base and John got to go along as a chaperone. Unfortunately, the day they went was so hot, they were not able to tour the actual submarine. Dylan was really interested so went back on a family trip. This time Dylan was the tour guide, showing me and Camryn around and rattling off facts he had learned on his field trip. John was impressed at how much he remembered.

Round 2

Today we brought Camryn to meet her pre-school teachers!!! As I pulled in the driveway, it felt like not too long ago I was dropping Dylan off and carrying my new born in her bucket seat. And now I'm dropping her off!!!

The good thing about the second one going off to the same pre-school is it is somewhat familiar. She remembers picking Dylan up there last year and going to some of the family functions. She immediately engaged in playtime and even used the potty!!! The playground was a huge hit and when it was time to go, she gave both her teachers high-fives.


Where does the time go? How is it possible that my baby is going to pre-school?




As her excitement builds in anticipation of going back, I'm dreading the drop-off. There will no doubt be tears, I just hope Camryn doesn't cry!!!

Hobbies

We camp on our friends property in the middle of the woods. It's a good thing the kids enjoy each other because other than collecting sticks and avoiding poison ivy there isn't much to do. Hence the "grown-up only" lemonade!!

So when Dylan caught sight of a segway off-roading towards our campsite, he was ecstatic. It was their neighbor coming over to have a beer and hang out with us. But first he kindly guided all the kids for a ride on his segway.

After his hard work of being the carnival ride operator, he rewarded himself with another cold beer. My observant son took this opportunity to engage in the adult conversation:

"So is this your hobby? To drink and drive this thing around?"

The laughter erupted from all the adults as my five year old had just called this guy out!

Looking at his beer in hand the guy replied, " Yeah buddy, I guess it is!"

Neglectful

I know I've been neglectful. I know because someone actually asked me what happened to my blog....

Summer happened!!! I can't get enough of this weather and I haven't wanted to waste a second of it indoors.

Although my blog may have been neglected, rest assured my children have not. Summer activities are in full swing and we are taking advantage. Beaches, picnics, camping, fishing, lemonade stands and sprinklers all included. Here's the proof:



Stay tuned for some funny stories that occurred during these events!!

Blog Worthy

I've had a bit of a dry spell with nothing too interesting to write about. But last night after the turn of events, my husband looked at me and said: "Well, at least you have something to blog about now!"

It started out like any typical Monday evening. The kids were in bed and John and I had settled on the couch to watch a movie. My eyes were glued to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and John was dozing off un-interested in Harry's latest adventures. The sound of Callie's barking had my ears perked but suddenly accompanied by another animal's noise, John and I leaped from the couch and hurried to the door.

In the pitch black and rain, it was hard to see what was going on from our back deck. Callie's cries had sent me into a panic, screaming for her to come to me. John, assuming our dog was being attacked by a coyote, ran to get his rifle.

Once Callie ran inside, it was hard for me to assess her injuries. She was soaking wet and covered in mud. I hurried her upstairs to the shower where I could wash her off. Halfway up the stairs, I heard a gunshot that shook the entire house. It was followed by a second one which made my stomach was turn. I focused on Callie. I scrutinized every inch of her and couldn't find any evidence of a bite mark or even a scratch. I was relieved and couldn't believe our luck.

Returning back downstairs John informed me that it had been a raccoon. It was coming up our back steps when he shot it....with a gun not intended for such a small animal! Rabies and scenes from Old Yeller immediately entered my head. A phone call to our vet eased my mind.

Our hearts were still racing from all the excitement when we heard a knock on the front door. Two police officers were on the other side. Our neighbors had called when they heard two gunshots! My husband calmly explained the situation to them, which spawned the sharing of their own animal encounters which included gunshots. After recording the details of our story, one policeman handed John rubber gloves and a plastic bag. He started to walk away then turned around and handing John another bag said: "On second thought, you might want to double bag that one!"