... and so far, ours is a good one!
I totally meant to write a blog post in July, since our summer was already jam- packed with vacations, but as always, time flew by and now it's AUGUST! Time for a much overdue update!
We kicked off the summer with strawberry picking at Butler's Orchard. Despite the heat, the kids had fun helping us pick beautiful, ripe strawberries that disappeared into their bellies in just a few days.
Enjoying a post-strawberry-picking lollipop!
Florida
We had already planned our annual trip to Myrtle Beach and, at the last minute, we had an opportunity to take a quick trip... so off to Florida we went, kicking off summer earlier than we planned (no arguments here!).
We LOVE my parent's house in Florida. It really gives us an opportunity to completely relax... probably because we never really leave the house! Everything we need is there, so why leave?
The pool at the house is perfect for the kids. It has a small landing for the kids to play in, perfect for water toys and splashing Daddy! My little water babies had so much fun splashing around and looking for little geckos that occasionally paid us a visit.
This year, we bought the kids puddle jumpers, to help them to be a little more comfortable and independent-ish in the water. They both loved that they were able to float around and swim in the pool relatively on their own (although Mady initially looked more like a floating piece of driftwood). Aiden especially enjoyed it and became rather good at kicking his legs to "swim" from one end of the pool to the other. (It's also a wonderfully fun way to tire them out... they took some amazing naps!)
Our little piece of driftwood. Poor thing, Mady would kick and kick and kick... and not move an inch. :) She eventually got the hang of it. Yay, Mady!
I think what Aiden loved the most about the puddle jumpers was that he was able to jump into the pool without having to have someone "catch" him... he just popped right up! However, I will say that puddle jumpers give kids a false sense of security... Aiden jumped into the pool on his own, forgetting that he was floatie-less, and sunk straight to the bottom of the pool. We were, of course, right nearby so Vic just reached down to help, but it definitely gave Aiden a little scare. He never made that mistake again.
After Aiden's jumping scare, we made sure the kids KNEW they had to wear their floaties in the pool. Here's lifeguard Mady making sure they're on hand.
The weather in Florida was perfect for mid- June. Even though it was HOT during the day, making the pool uber refreshing, every evening right before dinner there was a big thunderstorm. It would rain cats and dogs for 20-30ish minutes and then clear up, leaving the rest of the evening comfortable and cool.
Our days in Florida were right out of the movie Groundhog day, but in the best way. We woke up, had breakfast, played in the pool, had a snack, played more, ate lunch, played more, kids napped, woke up and played more, ate dinner, then finished the night with a movie or ... yep... more playing.... and repeat. It was so low key... just what we needed!
Brother-Sister Love <3 p="">
The kids loved the pool, and the fact that they were able to play in it everyday, so much that Aiden asked if we could "have a pool at our house". His plan when we came back home was to (and imagine Aiden's hand gestures while explaining this to me) "dig a big hole and fill it with lots and lots of water". If only it were that easy, Buddy!
Snack time!
Mady's pouty face... one we saw daily... when it was time to go inside for the day.
Another thing that makes Florida so great is being able to visit with my parent's best friends, Ray and Carrie. Grandpa Ray and Grandma Carrie love Aiden and Mady like their own and spoil them rotten!! We love spending time with them when we visit! Here they are with one of the many popsicles they ate that night BEFORE dinner! :)
We had such a fun time and the kids did amazing on the flight to and from Florida. We got so many compliments from other passengers about how "well behaved" our kids were and how they "couldn't even tell they were there". :) Good job, kids!
Until next time, Florida!!
More Summer Fun
Our next big trip, the main event for the summer, was about a month after we went to Florida. We filled the time with trips to Rio to feed the ducks, ride the carousel, and take long walks.
Feeding the ducks!
Wheee!
Summer also brings yummy dinners that Daddy grills up! The kids love corn on the cob!
We got this picnic table for the kids on nights we ate out on the deck. For some reason they like it so much that we just keep it inside now!
Mady sporting some cute shades!
Mady talking to Grandma on the phone.
The kids love riding the train at Rio, Mady especially... although I think it's partially because they play "All Aboard the Choo-Choo Train" REALLY loud... and Mady likes to sing along.
Summer morning cuddles
Happy 4th of July!
More train pics..
First paddleboat ride!
Myrtle Beach
And finally it was here... Myrtle Beach! We look forward to this trip every year and this year was no exception. I actually think we were looking forward to this trip more than previous years because we were going for a full 2 WEEKS! Longest trip to Myrtle yet and we loved every second.
Last year was our first time driving through the night and it worked pretty well. We learned a few things from our last journey and changed it up a little bit this time around. The drive down was quick, painless, and a success! The kids were great and fell asleep after watching a movie... staying asleep the entire trip down!
We had a few days on our own before Vic's family arrived and we spent it lounging and playing at the beach. Mady was still a little hesitant about going into the ocean, but by the end of the trip she warmed up to it.
Building sand castles
Pool time (puddle jumpers donned!)
Ready to hit the beach!
A night out at Barefoot Landing
Vic's family came down to spend a few days with us... for the kids, that's when the real fun began!! Here's Aiden jumping off Grandpa's shoulders into the pool! I don't think you can tell how WIDE his smile is in this picture! What fun!
Mommy/Aiden selfie!
It took some time for Aiden to be comfortable floating on his back by himself, but as you can see, he's quite relaxed with it now.
An evening stroll with Grandma and Grandpa
Passed out!
Fishing with new fishing poles!
In previous years, my cautious Aiden was always afraid to go on amusement park rides. It took a lot of coaxing and at times me or Vic just plopping him on a ride despite his protests. He always (well... usually) loved the rides after he overcame his initial fear, but getting him on that first time was always a challenge... not anymore!!! :)
Aiden and Mady loved riding all the rides. We ended up dedicating 3 nights for them to ride to their heart's content.
Boats!
The motorcycle ride... this was Aiden's favorite... Mady did NOT like this ride because it went up and down kind of abruptly. She was a good sport though, no tears and lasted until the end. She only rode this once. :) Rumor is that there is picture of Vic when he was about Aiden's age on a ride similar to this... I'll have to find it and post a side-by-side.
Boats again...
Teacups!
I was so surprised Aiden wanted to try jumping on this trampoline. I was so proud of him and he did a great job!
Running around the condo
Ripley's Aquarium
Aiden building a car at Ridemakerz
Finished product! Avengers!
We love the beach!
Big Boy Bed!!
Our Aiden is like his Daddy... skinny and tall! Vic and I noticed that he was outgrowing his toddler bed and was finally ready for a full-fledged big boy bed. Where did my baby go?!
Before
Aiden and Mady assisting Daddy with the conversion.
After!
Aiden's room might be my favorite room in the house now...
Summer's almost over and Fall will bring the start of Aiden's last year of Preschool and Mady's FIRST day of Preschool. WHAAT?! Although I'm sad the kids the growing up too quickly, I love their ages right now! So much curiosity and personality... and just SO MUCH FUN!!!
More to come, the Summer's not over yet!!!!
