The Conclusion of the First Summer of the Rest of our Lives

Whew! This summer has been a whirlwind. C & I have made incredible progress in the pool and while it’s not perfect, we continue to work on their water safety skills. S & L are very happy participants in the pool, while still wearing floatation devices so we can ensure our family of six remains a family of six. At the end of June, we went to Jellystone at Mark Twain Lake with Justin’s immediate and extended family. I highly recommend! We stayed with Jenna, Karl, Carrie, and the girls, while also seeing Carrie’s sister & BIL; some of the kids’ second cousins, and Richard and Kathy. Jellystone was perfect because you didn’t have to leave the area – everything was condensed in this large campground: a jumping pad, miniature golf course, and water park(!!)!!!

We played, we cooked, we crafted, we cried (at least the youngest seven) and made some really great memories. As the four oldest cousins (leaving out S&L&R) get…. older…. they are all able to sleep in the same room, with bunk beds which is exciting for them (and us). They did a sleepover for the first time at our house several months ago and then have had a few others at Nana’s and at Jellystone. At our house, Carter and Vivian fell peacefully asleep while Fiona and Isabelle stayed up gabbing and laughing. After Jenna and I had made our attempts, Justin went in and told them to go to bed. When bedtime approached at Jellystone, Fiona kindly asked that Juju not come in since he’s scary. (Justin did go in and hilarity ensued) It’s such a funny rite of passage – one that I didn’t have – to have cousins close in age. I hope their close relationship continues as they grow. I would do well living on a compound, sharing parenting, with both sides of our family (my brother’s fam & Justin’s sis’ fam)- I don’t know if it would turn into a “high demand group,” (the legally proper word for a cult – but that’s a topic for another time) but the basics of sharing the load get a lot easier as you expand your village, assuming you can find like minded individuals with which to share.

Several weeks after Jellystone, we met my family and James’ family in Estes Park, CO at the YMCA. This is such a special trip for me as it’s a place that I started going to when I was a non-walker. Sure, years were skipped, but it’s familiar and one of my favorite places in the world. It was my children’s second time there (Isabelle and Carter went in utero but I don’t think that’s considered) and they had a blast. The exploration and activities, as well as the remarkable scenery kept us busy, happy and tired. The kids all rode their first horses (ponies, rather) and enjoyed that, as well as craft time, mini-golf, and all around family time. Carter, Isabelle and Arlo attempted Battleship, several times. We’re still at a time in my household where there are a lot of tears for losing, so working through that is funny. I taught Carter checkers and proceeded to beat the pants off of him four times in a row. I should teach him chess, early, because that’s something I wish I played from an earlier age. I’m admittedly horrible at it and believe he would likely be able to beat me quickly.

Today is the last day of “daycare” for Carter and Isabelle. They start kindergarten next Thursday, so we’re without a plan for a couple of days. Then I stopped writing because my children interrupted my morning write, so this is now being continued from a week later (post Kindergarten start)

Their last weekend and few days before Kindergarten were very special and fun. On Sunday, we took everyone to the State Fair and I just can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed it! It was my first time, too, and everyone had a great time. The only tears came from leaving and from rides that their height did not allow them to ride. They had cotton candy for the first time and we saw bigger cows than our minds knew existed. Monday, the little kids went back to normal programming, but we took I&C to another theme park for the day! It was nice to spend some one on one time with them. Shockingly, Carter seemed a little more thrill seeking than Izzy, but they both enjoyed rides and slurpees. Tuesday and Wednesday were filled with screen time, as well as a trip to Bonkers (games and a climbing maze) and SkyZone (trampoline park).

That leads us into the big day – Thursday was the start of kindergarten. We’re pulling up at Nana’s house to celebrate sweet Vivian’s fifth birthday, so Kindergarten recaps will be for another day!

I will also add pictures of some of these activities!

Tata for now!

Xoxx