This is a great word to sum up our summer thus far. We've had our share of visitors and I am always so greatful when friends and family come to visit us. We of course had my mom and Chas. come in June and then just last week several weeks ago now as I started writing this post earlier this month! we were very blessed to spend time with two families that are very dear to us.
On a side note, this is Sara at the park yesterday. She's wearing a new dress and shorts and socks and a coat if I'd let her. She's into the layers these days which crack me up.
But anyway...
The first were friends from California. The four of us all went to undergrad. together in WA, she was my college roomate, maid of honor at my wedding, and close friend ever since. They have two kids about the same ages as two of our kids and the week they were here it was HOT!, HOT!, HOT! We spent a lot of time outside in the water and generally just having a good time. Sara was my partner in crime in college and we hold dear some very special (and crazy) memories from that time. So glad to get a chance to reconnect with her family.
Later that same week we also enjoyed the company of friends who live in Maryland. Jim and I spent 4 1/2yrs. there before we moved back to the midwest and the move away from MD was one of the hardest things I've done to date. We left behind some very special friendships so to hear that this family was coming to visit was a real treat. Patsy and I took a lot of adventures with our kids when they were young. Up to D.C. a lot to take advantage of the museums, riding the train, and then exploring locally around us as well. We've logged a lot of time in her van and I was more than thrilled to see it pull into our driveway with her husband and now 7 year old son. Weren't our boys just two the other day???
So I guess being in the middle does have its advantages. Well, and knowing people on each coast who are willing to road trip in the summers! Thanks to you both for stopping by for a few days.
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On another note, this is what our deck looks like just about every afternoon/evening. Strewn in towels and/or swimsuits. We are loving our little kiddie pool on the back deck and who knew the kids would end up enjoying it as much as they have? We've had it for a few years and use it every summer but this is the first time they've played for more than just a few minutes at a time in it. Thanks to our CA friends who ran out and got goggles for everyone, they now put their heads in and our oldest now SEVEN (we had b-days last weekend) is really taking to the water.
Here is Matthew earlier this week at swim lessons. This is his first go at a sport or activity of some sort and it's amazing to see his confidence and independence soar. He's loving it.
C'mon now, look at this kid! Just this summer he's started to get that long and lean look. I'm loving it!
Last weekend the big kids turned FIVE and SEVEN. I'm on board with Matthew being seven. But five is such a big age for Ella Jane. She starts Kindergarten in the fall and to see her beginning to print is a whole new world for us. I can't wait to see what she does with these new skills.
Well, to wrap it up; in a nutshell, it's been a very full summer. We've had a lot of fun with camps and lessons and family and friends. I've also (and I think the kids have too) loved having themes to our weeks. It gives a bit of focus to the day and some learning time too. Next week is all about the Art Museum, artists and styles of painting.
