Summer 2018 Good Times

While at the beginning of the summer I was envious of my friends who had already had their babies (I had three friends who gave birth to baby boys with in a week or two of each other), I actually became really glad that I was still pregnant for much of the summer and could enjoy time with the family and make memories. Besides a lot of yard projects and work projects, Michael was able to spend a lot of time with the kids as well, which was so fun. They love him so much and everything is more fun when he's around (I agree!).

 My bucket list was not too long for this summer, which was good. One day we made stress balls by putting thinking putty that we had made inside balloons. The kids enjoyed those.

 Robbie participated in his first year of Junior Barracudas swim team and learned a ton. He didn't have to compete or anything, which was nice. I hope the boys will want to do it each summer, although it is a pretty significant time commitment. We'll see what happens. Henry learned to swim this summer (doggy-paddle) and wants to keep up with Robbie and Clara in the pool. He can even jump off the diving board and swim to the side, which pretty much blows my mind (and the minds of other incredulous people watching him!). I am really grateful for the pool as it is an activity that all of the kids enjoy (although Clara enjoys it much more with a friend--I don't blame her). I went to the pool a lot more than I have in times past despite my being pregnant and was proud of myself :-).

 One morning we took a trip to Cub Run Elementary and played on the playground--Robbie is ready to be a big Kindergartener.

 We also enjoyed a fun visit from our friends, the McAllisters, the last Saturday in June. We went to Storybook Trail and then to Riven Rock Park.

Grateful for dads who can help keep track of busy boys around high rocks.

 Rivne Rock was cold but awesome as always.

 Very grateful for Henry's floaties here, though.

 On the 4th of July, we went to the trip-unit breakfast and Michael participated in the 5K beforehand (coming in first at a less than 7:30 min mile--what a stud).

 He also was a good sport participating in a contest where teams put shaving cream and on heads and then threw cheese puffs on them.

 I believe Henry ate a few shaving cream-flavored cheese puffs. But hey, we won!

The garden was a semi-bust this year--we have gotten some good tomatoes, a batch of green beans, some cucumbers, and some short but fat carrots (looks like I need to have looser soil next year). This year's zucchini squash I believe is actually butternut . . .

Of course, the highlight of the summer is the arrival of Benjamin Grant, which I will post about separately . . .

Robbie's 6th Birthday

I can't believe it is nearly August and I have failed to mention the happenings of July. I think my mind has been focused on the arrival of baby Benjamin.

Anyway, Robbie turned 6 on July 11th. Wow! He is growing up and is such a fun, interesting, creative boy. He is passionate about his play and also what he wants to do (which currently is either an artist or an astronaut, I believe), and he is responsible and hard working (even though he hates his chores . . . but he does like getting an allowance). I love his drawings, his energy, and his enthusiasm.

Lucky Charms in bed--woohoo!

He requested a Hulk cake this year. He was super stoked about picking the toy to fit inside (but of course, I had to take him away since he and Henry were fighting over Hulk and being a bit too "Hulk smash!" violent).

 Happy birthday, buddy!

 Blowing out six candles--how can that be?

 He also requested candy inside (note to self--don't use soft candies like Sour Patch Kids--blech).

 For his birthday, Robbie got a watch (which he still absolutely loves and wears all the time--I got a time update every few minutes for the first day or so), a Nexo Knights Lego set, a Rescue Bots transformer, and a pair of ear buds for when he listens to audiobooks during quiet time.

 He was a little bummed about not having a friends party this year, but we put out the slip 'n slide and invited our neighbors over, which he really enjoyed.

Happy birthday to our favorite six-year-old!