Summer Adventures

Wow it's the end of June already? It's hard to believe the summer will be over before we know it!

We've been busy going to the pool, the local science museum, visiting with friends, the trampoline park, a cooking class, and for Nolan a few camps. (Unfortunately camps here don't take children less than three, so Conley is out of luck! Or is it me out of luck?) On a side note, I think I've potty trained Conley officially.

We've celebrated Father's Day and my husband's birthday.

And just like that I feel like we'll be hitting Conley third birthday in August. I can't believe by the end of this year I'll have a 5 year old and 3 year old! When did that happen?

This past weekend we had a HUGE family KMB event at the local splash pad. It was a big success with lots of fun and food!

What adventures have you been on this summer?

Natalie

Just a Little Quiet Time

It's the glory summer days...lots of sun, less rigorous routines, and time to sleep in.

But it's also the time where your kids are looking to you for entertainment.

Nolan my four year old can entertain himself quietly with Legos or looking at books. 

The little one? Demands attention all day every day. 

My house is not huge and sometimes their high energy feels so suffocating. I literally can't hide anywhere without them finding me. Not even outside, in the bathroom, or the garage. 

When my husband comes home, they compete for his attention. We have the hardest time even finishing a conversation.

Yes we try to teach them manners and to wait but that is sometimes hard for their ages and the excitement to share.

These moments make me long to just have some quiet to recharge. It can be so draining to constantly be asked for a million drinks, food, toys, or whatever the "need" of the day. Moms, we are freakin' heroes. Literally. After a day full of kid chatter I'm amazed that I can even process one more coherent thought.

It probably doesn't help that I'm potty training Conley which means he needs MORE attention than usual which by the way is already a lot. What's with the second child?

I love my children dearly, but I think I'm due for some quiet time. Thank goodness for some girl time this weekend---my first night away from the boys since one night last December and one weekend last October.  

How do you manage time for yourself when the crazies get you?

Natalie

Summer is Here!

I don't know about you, but even though the official start of summer is not until tomorrow...it's seriously summer here. The thunderstorms and temps in the 90's tell me so.

The boys and I held down the fort this week while my husband was out of town. But we managed to have some fun and make some simple summertime memories!

One of my KMB contributors, Christie, who is an amazing writing share on KMB about having a simple summer. That those are the memories our children remember. Her post resonated with me, and I hope to not over-schedule the boys. Have fun, do new activities, but also be flexible. That's what summer is all about right?

(My wonderful KMB crew, Christie is third from left)

Nolan started Little Gym camp this week and had a blast. We had some late night ice cream, bubbles, a little art, and my first adventure with both boys to the pool.

Today we're having a home day because sometimes it's nice to be home and play without a schedule.

What are you doing fun this summer?

Natalie

Looking Back...

As summer is winding down, I find myself reminiscing about this time of year in years past.

I know it isn't the beginning of the year, but due to the fall and school year I always feel like it is a fresh start. 

I remember back in the days of high school and college days feeling the anticipation and excitement of a new school year. What would happen? What friends would I hang out with? What boy would I like? 

Like hearing an old song, the end of summer takes me back to another time. 

And now with being a mom, I wonder if my children will share the same excitement. I distinctly remember loving getting new school supplies and clothes. It probably was one of my favorite times of the year. 

As I prepare Nolan to go back to MDO, I see a little of myself in him. He can't wait to go back to school and meet his new teachers.  He asks everyday if we are going and will wear his Elmo backpack and lunchbox around the house.

Nolan getting ready for MDO last August

I just hope he always holds this excitement...because for me it was always a new year of possibilities.

Do you have fond memories of going back to school?

Natalie

Back to the Blogging World

I'm baaaack! Well I think I'm back.  It's been great having a bloggy break, but I think I am ready to come back.

It worked out great because my husband was out of town, so I was extra busy with the boys.

Last Sunday my husband and I went white water rafting and had a blast!  I really want to go back soon.  If you have the opportunity to try it, definitely go for it.

I took Nolan to Little Gym and had a cookie date with him:

Then these boys were up to their usual shenanigans:

And we are planning on more fun activities withe local 4th of July parade tomorrow, and the aquarium on Saturday.

I've got a few posts in the work...like Conley's 10 months...even though he's almost 11 months.

I'm going to catch up on my blog reading, but I might only be commenting on your newest post so I don't feel overwhelmed.

Hope you are having a great summer so far!

Natalie

It's HOT, HOT, HOT!

I had a great weekend with the girls and meeting baby Sally.  We hung out at the pool and went out to eat and had some good food.  It was good to catch up before I have this little boy in a few weeks.  We did have a crazy waiter that was all over the place.  When I asked for another drink, he was like what's wrong with yours?  Um it's called a refill my friend.  He was just an odd ball who tried to push his ideas on food and drinks on his customers...then he messed up my friend's bill.  The food was good---but this guy was all over the place! 

Now onto the real meaning of this post---the blazing heat!  When I looked up the weather forecast I saw that it was going to be 101 degrees.  SAY what?  That's just plain ridiculous...and it's basically going to be like this for over a whole week without any rain.  We seriously need the rain or should I say my garden and new landscaping need the rain.  So because we have no rain, I am trying to water all our new plants/flowers/bushes/trees everyday which is a lot since we just got new landscaping this spring.  Even though I water them, they seem to grow and do so much better when it rains.  After a good rain, my garden always looks like it has grown to twice the side. 

Today is the one day that it is a little compared to the high 90's and the 100's we are going to see.  So I'm going to enjoy it while I can! 

Sidenote:  I forgot to mention the strange waiter decided to touch my belly as he was getting our drink order....not cool my friends, not cool!

Spring is HERE! Or Should We Call It Summer Already?

Now that it's spring or SUMMER as I like to call it since it is already been mid 80's in my neck of the woods I thought I would ask my fellow bloggers about their favorite activites for their kids in the warm weather since Nolan will be able to do more this year.  I'm trying to come up with some fun activities whether it's outside at the house or at a public place. 

Here are a few ideas that I have or have done already:

*Go to the zoo
*Go to the parks to play on playgrounds
*Go to parks to go to splash pad
*Play in our baby pool from last year

What are some fun outdoor activities that you like to do?

Summer Fun Show-Off 2011!

If you aren't a follower of Shell's blog, you totally should be.  She's got another great link up this week so head on over and show your summer fun!

 Hope you are having a wonderful summer too! (If you link up, you can possibly win prizes from Ubisoft)