Summer, So Far

Summer is long past half over, and we have been busy!  Simply trying to soak up as much time together as we can, while at the same time avoiding too much together time so as mother doesn't start mumbling quietly to herself and chewing on her hair. 

So far, so good!

Here's a bit of a picture recap of all that we've been up to.

The weekend after school got out, Brad was off to Minnesota with the youth on a week-long mission trip, so I did what any in-control and totally capable mom would do - I called in reinforcements.  Grammy and Papa were here for five days, keeping the boys occupied and happy and working on a couple household projects. We had a great week together!

We signed up right away for the summer reading program at the library.

The theme is "Dig In" so the boys signed their names to the worm wall.

We have successfully completed the program, collected all of our prizes, and have now extended our reading challenege for the remainder of summer.  My favorite?  Drew reading to me.  I hope it never gets old.

Fun at the Children's Garden in Dow Gardens.

 

Backyard Water Fun

 

A Sunday afternoon with friends at Sanford Beach.

Having some really great moments playing well together.

 

More backyard water silliness.

 

A new box of sidewalk chalk.

Trust me, an incredibly thrilling moment worthy of it's own glory.

It's like opening a new box of crayons...it gives a strange kind of joy. :)

Reading outside.

 

Reading inside.

Exploring local parks.

Frog hunting and exploring the trails at Chippewa Nature Center.

Saturday morning bike ride and park fun.

This past weekend, we enjoyed time together with Brad's family, and as Brad and I returned home, the boys took off for some time at their grandparents' homes.  When they return next week, we have just a few short weeks before school starts....and we have a lot to do before then!  Our August will be full of local events, a mini-vacation, back-to-school shopping, and a whole lot more of what we have been doing since June!