Summer wind-up

Where did the summer go?  We only have an official week left of summer.  It was at least a successful and productive summer.  Roadtrips, family fun, playdates, and I think Robert and I even got to have a couple of date nights somewhere in there.  We made the high temps a good thing by staying in or near water for a lot of the summer.  The weekends were full of time at the pool or lake with the Flynn's, hanging at Gram's pool, or the splashpad for playdates during the week. 

Emma, Grandma, Ethan, and Dad swimming

With me home all but one day during the week, we have been keeping busy so far this month.  The first two weeks of the summer we had swim class in the morning each day.  I don't have any pictures of this since it is parent participation activity.  The class is great for the little ones.  It helps get them used to being in the water.  We would sing children's songs for each new skill taught.  We would sing ring around the rosy.  When you get to 'we all fall down', then it was time for a good dunking.  His favorite part was climbing onto the ledge, kicking his feet while he waited until he could "jump" into the water where I would catch him.   Hopefully, we will jump right back in next summer!

Most days now are spent on playgroups and running errands with me.  We spend a lot of time either at the splash pad or at McDonald's playground where it is nice and cool. 

You can't go to Ikea without playing in the beds and closets

Toddler area at McDonalds

Brave boy going to down the big kid slide

Splashpad

Somedays we ventured out to places like the zoo.  Please take my advice.....DO NOT GO ON $1 DAY!!!  It is not worth the $11 savings.  Scratch that, just go to the Ft. Worth Zoo.  It is 100 times better.  The landscape is beautiful, the patrons don't dress like they are going to the club with their kids in tow, there are actually animals to see, and there are more kiosks for opportunities to get a cold drink. The Dallas Zoo in general is not worth the $12.  The good parts of the day included a happy baby that didn't fuss once even though he was hot, the giraffe exhibit does give a good view of the animals, and we had a good company.  We had a fun day even given our circumstances. 

It is too hot to be wearing clothes, Mom

Checking out the giraffes

Abigail and Sarah

Me and my boy his first time at the zoo.

The rest of the summer, I wanted to get a few projects done around the house and prepare for our long Florida vacation (more on that up next).  I can say I have successfully finished TWO room redos for the house and made a few fun items for the trip. 

And my first two Road Trip crafts:

Car Caddy

So far I love it. It has a place for the iPad, wipes, snacks, any other car essentials you might need.  Once little man gets a little older, I plan to move it to his side for easy access to books, pencils, and such.

    

Take anywhere high chair. 

I was hesitant at first as to its funcationality.  We tested it out first on our short trip to Austin to visit our friends, Lindsay and Sean. It worked so well!  We were using it on a barstool that has a back so we had to put a pillow under the chair so he could reach the bar, but it worked like a dream.  Of course, only to be used under adult supervision.  We used it again on our trip to FL.  Of course, I forgot to get a photo.  But, at least he was able to join us at the table for each meal.  I have thought of making a few to sell.  Any thoughts on that?