Sprinklers

Generally, once we're past the newborn stage, I can expect an outfit to last all day, or at the very least, it can usually make it to lunch time. This one didn't even make it to 9:30 in the morning. I turned the sprinkler on and ran inside to do something and came back out to find Peter standing right in the middle of it.

He was completely soaked, but also completely happy, so what could I do but get out the camera?

Duffy thought it looked like fun and joined in. (At least she had the good sense to go put on a swimsuit.)

Once the sun went behind the clouds, they were done. Now, off to get dressed for the day - again.

After School Swim

Definitely too early and hot to be in school when the temperatures are in the 90's and the kids come home red-faced and sweaty. Only one thing to do - go to the pool.

We met the cousins there so the Moms' constant attention was not required.

A swarm of Stringhams:

Jonas worked up the nerve to dive off the high dive. I don't think I ever moved past the basic jump, myself.

And for dinner - homemade pizza. Mmmm.

It wasn't the boating trip we had planned on, but there was no way we could have handled another late night tonight, so the pool was the next best thing.

Back to School Blues (and Excitement)

Seriously, who decided that school should start on August 23rd? Last time I checked that was still summer. I feel like I've had part of my summer vacation stolen from me. But like I've been telling Jonas, we can't change that school is starting, so we might as well try to be happy about it. (I'm still working on my attitude a little.)

Jonas looks much happier here than he actually is. He has been dreading this day since school got out. I really hope his 6th grade year is as fun as I remember mine being.

Samantha - claims to not be excited about school but I think she really is. She is definitely excited to see her friends and she loves getting new pencil boxes and glue sticks and especially, new clothes. I hope she loves 4th grade.

Amelia is really, truly excited about starting school - as all first graders should be.

She has grown enough that her backpack even fits a little bit better this year.

Headed off to William Penn.

Samantha lining up with her class.

Amelia and her best friend, Hallee. Not in the same class, but at least get to walk to school together.

Ready for class to start.

Now Peter and Duffy and I have to figure out how we will spend the day all by ourselves. (Sigh.)

On His Way...

Jonas set a goal this summer to try to earn his First Class rank in scouts by his 12th birthday. He has been working really hard (giving up most of his Mondays to work on scout stuff.) Yesterday, Shawn took Jonas and Robbie to finish off his last few requirements. First, an orienteering course up at Solitude.Lots of hard work using a compass and a map to get where they needed to go. Jonas thought it was pretty fun, although a little frustrating too, since a couple of the flags were missing.

Then off to the pool to finish up some swimming/rescue skills. Nothing more fun than trying to stay afloat while wearing jeans.

He had a deadline to finish it up this weekend so all the paperwork could be turned in. We are really proud of him for setting the goal and working hard to accomplish it. (He's made it with 9 days to spare.)

Snowbird Hill Climb

Shawn rode the Snowbird Hill Climb for the 6th time today. Peter, Duffy and I went up to watch him finish.

He beat his last PR by 3 minutes, so he was pretty happy about that.

One of his Young Men also rode the race.

At the end of the day though, when he came home to the yard that has been neglected all summer while he's been training, he wondered if a whole summer of neglect was worth only 3 minutes of improvement. I guess that's always the question, isn't it? One quick(?) mow and the yard will look like new again, then maybe it will seem worth it.

Easy Entertainment

What started out as one of the girls watering the flowers turned into pure entertainment for Peter. He laughed and splashed for a really long time. He was soaking wet and shivering but was not interested in putting the hose down.

Happy Birthday to Shawn

Growing older, but not up. Shawn turned 38 today. The girls were anxiously awaiting his return from his bike ride this morning so they could surprise him.

He chose fruit tart over cake. (Amelia was not happy with this choice! She wanted cake, not this "dang fruit thing".

And just to add to the list of obscure activities that Shawn likes to be involved in, I gave him a slack line for his birthday. Now in addition to being a professional lawn bowler and a state kite flying champion, he can become a slackline guru or something.

Thanks Shawn for keeping us busy and active and always adding an element of fun to life. Happy Birthday!

A Day at the Park

Not a bad deal, it was overcast and cool and we had it all to ourselves.

We finished it up with a slurpee stop and made it home before the downpour began.