Weekend Review

As a mom, I do lots corny things to make my kids smile.  It's the little detail added to an activity that makes memories.  Sometimes, it's a scavenger hunt while grocery shopping, it can be a jungle hunt while cleaning up, or even, like today, a surprise that awaited them if we ate breakfast and got ready quickly.

This weekend was no different.  Saturday morning, we got up, went and got breakfast, bought a new mattress (yay!!) and then Scott left for golf.  It was 11:00.  I toyed with the idea of running lots of errands, packing a picnic for the park or making a play date.  I decided to scrap them all.  We went cloud searching.  We had a picnic in the driveway.  We looked at the shapes clouds make.  We probably looked ridiculous to people driving by.  My kids though, they loved every single minute of it....

Our day was complete with a little shopping, a new princess tiara, naps for everyone and then, back outside to talk with neighbors and enjoy this BEAUTIFUL weather!

Sunday morning it was so nice outside.  Scott rode the bike and pulled the kids as I ran.  

They loved it!

Today's special surprise?  I trip to the ARC for Little Gymers with a bunch of friends.  

They had a great time.

Side note... I've been catching them playing together lately.  

Snuggling, holding hands, giving kisses and really just playing.  I've loved it. 

Here: they were resting.  

Keeping Busy

I feel so lucky to be a mom that is a teacher.  I have the best of both worlds.  I get to work at a job I love and then, I get to spend all the holiday breaks with my kids and then, the ENTIRE summer.  I love it.  Are there times when I want to pull my hair out?  Yes.  But, those times are few and far between compared to the times that the kids and I are laughing and having fun.  

This summer, I vowed to make it about them.  What they wanted to do.  Each day, we get out of the house and do something.  Play with friends, meet someone for lunch, go to the park, hit up Barnes and Noble... something.  But, 9 times out of 10, you can find us at the pool. 

Cohan and Ireland have become quite the water bugs this summer.  Cohan is so independent and just last week starting swimming (with his floater) with his face completely under.  He jumps in and goes completely under and loves it.  Of course, Ireland sees this and wants to try.  She loves it too.  Each day, we pack lunch and meet friends at the pool.  So many of our friends belong to the same pool, so someone is always there.

Last night, on a whim, we took the kids to the Boone County Fair.  I had never been.  

Cohan LOVED riding the rides.  Ireland loved the lemonade shake-up.

It is always, about this time each summer, that I start to get sad about summer being over.  I have been working in my new classroom trying to unpack and get it ready, while still wanting to spend lots of time with the kids.  We still have two weeks left and we are going to jam pack it full of fun times!!!

Lake Love

Last Tuesday, the kids and I headed back to the lake.  We were there until Thursday to spend some time away with our cousins, Nanny and Aunt Beth.  It is so fun watching these five little people interact.  It was loud and chaotic and non-stop, but these babies were making memories.  And to me, that's what cousins are all about.  I grew up very close to all of my cousins (and there's a lot of them).  Some of my fondest memories of my childhood include my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.  

I hope and pray the same for these kids...

He LOVES his Nanny

Wednesday, Mack wasn't feeling very good, so they left a little early.  

Before they left, we tried to get a picture of all five little ones... 

We love our cousins!  

Thanks Nanny, Aunt Beth, Avery, Macklin and Lincoln for such a fun time!

Watson Family Time at the Lake

This past weekend, we were at the lake again.  Aunt Meagan, the kids and I went down early Friday morning to have the whole day.  Then, Scott, Jack and Mark came down after work.  We were excited to spend the day with our cousins.  We headed for a boat ride, to the pool and ate lunch.  It was perfect!

Saturday morning, Cohan and Nanny came running in from the deck to get Cohan's life jacket and bread.  "Daisy the Duck was back and she brought friends!!" They were both so excited.  

They ran down in pajamas and slippers so they wouldn't miss her.

Someone wanted to join...

Of course, Nanny had new toys for the kids to play with.  

New construction trucks for Cohan and a picnic bag for Ireland.

After breakfast at a new place we tried, it was off on the boat to Coconuts with all the cousins (except Lincoln... he stayed back and was missed).  My kids hate sand.  Maybe it's because Scott and I can't stand it either.  But, after a little complaining, they had a blast!  We all did!!!  The kids enjoyed daiquiris, digging, sand castles, burying feet, eating lunch, dancing and playing on the swing set.

Saturday night, we put the kids to bed and so did Mark and Beth. We enjoyed an adults only night on the deck visiting.  Scott and Jack fell asleep earlier than everyone else.  Meagan and I messed with them.

We had a great time.  Now, it's off to pack because the kids and I are headed back to the lake in the morning to spend three more days with Aunt Beth, Nanny, Avery, Macklin and Lincoln.  

HAPPY SUMMER!!!!!