Signs of Summer

Summer Staples: splash pads

Technology hasn't been kind to me lately.  Between broken laptops, a hacked Google account, and a broken (brand new) camera lens, I haven't been able to post here at all lately.  I had intended to do a "wordless" post to catch up on photos, but you are doing so many new things!  You're morphing from a baby to a kid right before my eyes.  I can't possibly do a post without addressing it!  Besides, it's summer vacation and we've jumped in with both feet.  All of the things that just scream summer to me are just waiting to be checked off of a bucket list. We've gotten a running start, but we're nowhere close to being done yet.

We brought swimsuits, but I opted to let you guys "just be kids."

You really like this place.

So much rain this summer!

Sydney and Daddy went to a One Direction concert.

You, Kylee and I hung out in the hotel.

With the coolest whirlpool bathtub.

Daydreaming about her close encounter with 1D, no doubt.

Playing on the hotel bed.

Summer vacation is in full swing by now.  We've been attempting to maximize these lazy days while still being unstructured and pressure-free.  So whether it's a day of park-hopping or beach-going or simply just playing chicken with the vacuum cleaner while I catch up on housework, I've enjoyed every single day.  Some are more productive than others.  Some are more fun than others.  Some are more memorable than others.  But they've all been enjoyable.  I dread returning to reality this fall.

Beach visits every time the sun makes an appearance.

Looking for sea life at the rocks.

Daddy is the most fun.

Our beach baby.

Digging for coquinas.  Always.

Syd went to the driving range with daddy on Father's Day.  Cutest golfer ever!!

We finally have a hammock again.

Catching a driveway sunset when we can't make it to the beach in time.

Little sentences have made their way into you vocabulary.  Your newest phrases are among my favorites.  Possibly because they're new, but probably because they speak so much to who you are right now.  Every other sentence out of your mouth is "I do'd it!"  You are so independent and refuse to let anyone help you until you've exhausted all of your patience.  You are also quite fond of "My turn", which sounds just like "action" for some reason.  You're also starting to randomly put words together.  Just yesterday you saw Dora the Explorer on the tv guide menu and you said, "I like it, the Dora."  No lie!  We just got back from Disney for the 4th and you were so excited to see Mickey...until you did.  You just buried your head into daddy's shoulder and said, "Shy."  You are really able to communicate these days.

You've finally mastered bubble-blowing!

It takes a lot of effort, apparently.

So we turned your newfound skill into art.

A date with my three youngest to my favorite coffee shop.

We packed in a park visit.

Some time by the water.

And pottery painting into the date.  It was a good day.

Watermelon on a stick.  It must be summer.

We take splash parks really seriously!

We might've played a little trick on your sister with the water fountain.

 There's so much to catch up on.  A Disney trip is a post in itself.  But I'll be satisfied with the fact that my computer actually turned on and save it for another day.  Housework calls.  Laundry is piling up.  And we still need to think of something fun to make for snack today.  It must be fun being you.  It sure is fun being your mommy.