Pool to Ourselves TODAY?!

How do you get an entire pool to yourself on a record setting heat day?!  Go at 9:00 in the morning!

I was planning on getting in until I watched Jon take the plunge.  BRRRR!!!  Perhaps this is why we had the pool to ourselves.  I decided to just take pictures from the side lines instead.  The kids didn't seem to mind and enjoyed splashing with Daddy. 

I'm thankful that Jon's schedule allows us to do some of these family activities before he goes in for work.  Sure, we have to get an early start sometimes, but at least we are able to do them. 

 

 

ALL Aboard!

My dad and I took Scott to see Thomas last year.  Scott asked about it throughout the year, and he made it clear that he wanted to take Natalie along this time.  She has become quite the little train fan herself and surprised us one day during a train pop quiz.  She could name SO many engines.  She doesn't watch the shows (and ironically, rarely does Scott), so she must have learned most of their names from playing with Scott.  (College app material, I know.)

We went on a 25 minute train ride and then enjoyed some of the activities. 

This was Scott last year with Sir Topham Hatt- very unsure!

Having Natalie helped this year.  They went right up to him, and Natalie gave him a high five (even though the big fellow wasn't aware). 

Jon helped the kids do this hand car.

The petting zoo was very impressive!  The kids went right up to the animals.  Scott was uncharacteristically very brave when it came to petting them. 

They even got to ride ponies! 

And, much to my delight, they came away with tattoos from their day.  Scott chose James and Natalie chose Rosie.  They've been the cause of much discussion during bathtime and handwashing, as the kids are not wanting them to fade.

It was a memorable day! 

Birthday Bash (from a few weeks ago)

Scott was SOOOO excited about his 4 year old birthday party!  

 

Scott talked Natalie into choosing a Thomas cake for them to share.  She was very agreeable until we were on our way to actually pick up the order.  She then said, "Elmo cake!  Elmo cake!" all the way there.  She didn't discriminate at all though when it came to eating time.  

Natalie's hat barely lasted for the picture.  Scott seemed to enjoy sporting his birthday hat.

They enjoyed playing with their new toys!  What a fun day!

Park at the Crack of Dawn

We've made a few trips this summer to a great new playground that was put in at the local park. 

One morning we met Jon there right after his workout (which took place in the park).  The pictures below make me laugh because both kids have "morning eyes" and look like they just woke (because they just did).  Not only did we beat the heat for the day, but we also enjoyed having the entire playground to ourselves.   

After snapping this picture, the pregnant momma joined in on the swinging fun.  You know what they say about a family who swings together.  (Okay...well...maybe you don't know, but I'm sure it's gotta be something good!) 

Museum!

 

Jon's parents took the kids to the Children's Museum yesterday.  From the stories the kids told and from the looks of the pictures that Grammy took, Scott and Natalie had a great time! 


Jon had the day off work, so we had planned to tackle cleaning the basement while the kids were away.  After dropping the kids off however, the idea of going home to clean didn't sound quite as good.  Instead we did a little shopping, had a lunch date, and enjoyed some uninterrupted conversation.  Not sure who had more fun...us or the kids! :)

 

 

Natalie's New Mantra

The last few days, Natalie has been walking around the house saying, "Obey Daddy.  Obey Mommy.  Obey Daddy.  Obey Mommy."  She hasn't necessarily been adhering to her words, but perhaps she's just giving herself pep talks for the future.  Wishful thinking?! 

It's a good thing for her that she knows right when to flash her little smile.  She's also learned to say, "Sorry, Mommy" right after she does something mischievous.  What a stinker!