Playing Catch Up

This seems to be the theme of my life.  Trying to catch up, feeling caught up, only to turn around and be behind again!!  I guess that is what happens when you have 3 kids home for the summer to entertain.  In all fairness, I was behind before they got out of school.  Maybe it's just the 3 kids!!  Whatever it is, I wouldn't trade them for anything, and we sure have been having lots of fun this summer!!

Before Brooklyn finished kindergarten, I tried to get ready for summer and created a summer schedule.  Could one really expect less from my "type A" personality?!?!?  I don't stick to it religiously, but it sure has saved us from the "I'm bored" phrase - since there is always something  to be done!! 

I also picked up level 1 of her piano books.  She really has improved a lot with her playing and I'd almost venture to say that my patience has improved as I have been teaching her.  In the end I am not sure who is learning more here!!

We have had a few unexpected happenings this summer.  The last day of school brought with it some sad news as I learned my Uncle Walt was in the hospital.  His health declined rapidly and he passed away on June 6, 2009.  I made a last minute trip to Arizona for the funeral and to feel of the strong love of my family.  I truly feel so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful extended family and am grateful for the memories we all share and the strength we find when we are together.  I am so thankful for my friends who watched Brooklyn and Russell while I was gone, and really appreciated how well Whitney behaved for the flight out there and the long drive home.  I still can't believe she never fussed!!

Seriously, this was the best dog.  I can't believe how she let Whitney "torture" her.

When I got back, I was prepared to take summer head on, but was thwarted in my attempts by Brooklyn's case of swimmer's ear.  This was not fun, as I knew it was a strong likelihood and had begged her to let me put drops in her ears.  However, she fussed every time and it just wasn't worth the fight.  Had I know I would have shelled out almost $90 for the antibiotic drops I would have fought this battle.  Oh well, live and learn.  

We waited out the week before we could swim again, but come Tuesday when we could have been swimming, I learned that Russell had an ear infection and Whitney had a double ear infection.  This meant we had another 7-10 days without swimming and my creativity for indoor activities was waning.  

We have been working hard on reading for the various reading programs around town.  The kids completed the Public Library program, so we decided to head downtown to pick up their prizes (which were amazing: 2 Astros tickets, a free Adventure pass to the Downtown Aquarium, a circus ticket, free justaburger from Whataburger, and several free kids meals to Spaghetti Warehouse) and make a trip over to the Museum of Natural Science and visit the butterfly exhibit.  Grandpa joined us on our trip - it was nice to have extra hands as no strollers were allowed in the exhibit and I was uncertain of my ability to contain both Russell and Whitney.  

Grandpa joined the museum, so we also went and looked at some of the permanent exhibits.  Russell didn't like the dinosaurs at first, but must have warmed up to them, because he has asked me to go back.  It will be nice to be able to go back several times this next year, as Grandpa put my name on the membership as well.  

Arts and Crafts has probably been one of my kids' favorite summer days. I can't say that it is my favorite as the mess about does me in every week; though I love that it makes my kids happy and they are being creative. We have done tempra painting, watercolors, figurine painting, stitching (for Brooklyn) and the all time favorite (so far), sun catchers.

The inflatable slide has definitely been a good investment for the summer.  Since our neighborhood pool is closed on Mondays, we typically set up the slide for the kids to play.  It gives them a chance to get out some extra energy, and helps me maintain my sanity.  I even manage to read a few pages sometimes while we are outside. 

Mondays are also game day, and although we miss it sometimes, it has been fun watching my kids play together.  It's even better because we have a few games that all the kids can play.  You've got to love the classic bed bugs game - yep, it was mine as a kid!!

And since this post isn't long enough already, here is a cute picture of Whitney's crazy smile.  I love it.  It's our special practically teeth grinding smile, and when I try and get her to smile for others, she gets all shy and won't.  She cracks me up!!