AUGUST & OUR SUMMER SO FAR...

Our summer so far has consisted of the simplest outings from going to the orchard, to playing chess, and venturing out to places that our closer to home. And even though I'm excited for the crisp smell of fall, sweater wearing, apple picking, wrapping my neck with scarves I'm just not ready for summer to end. I am loving the time spent with the kids especially my two youngest. I have done more recreational things with them than I have ever done with my two oldest daughters, let alone my own childhood! Times sure have changed since before Chelsea, and Noah were born, and I'm so grateful for the time I make, and energy that I have to be able to do such things! We have spent endless hours at the beach, and have lived in the playground since spring began. I don't think that'll ever end anytime soon...especially when I have such an active boy! I have never been so active before in my life (except when i was in my teens, and 20's) when it comes to sports and my second home has been on the tennis courts. Noah definitely is my "gym" and keeps me active these days with all the running around we do when it's just me and him. It certainly saves me money on those gym memberships which I just can't justify paying no matter how cheap it is! I know that when school starts I'm going to spend my mornings easing back into yoga with a side of cardio which will include walking and/or biking on the bike trail (which reminds me I need to buy new sneakers because these one's are so yesterday!) I sure do count my blessings for living near a bike trail! No matter how hot summer can be she knows that as long as I have water in hand that I can endure the heat and tolerate the outdoors with all the critters, and humidity that it brings. 

Why, because i have my favorite people with me, and because they bring out the best in me, and the good in every season. And if you have a Snapchat you can see us live snapping away on a daily basis.  

Just take a look and see...

And now...I'm off to girls camp, and driving with a few tweens! yikes!!

Happy Tuesday, and I'll blog back in a few days! 

scenes of a heat wave.

Summer has officially begun at our house regardless if school is still in session. The minute the sun greeted herself with a heat wave this past week Chelsea asked if she could go down to the basement to grab the little blue pool. Noah was just as thrilled to get it as she was, and he was anxious to get in. Last year he wasn't too fond about going in too much. Now, that he's older he'll go straight to the water hose to fill it up, and after the pool is filled to capacity with water he'll jump right in.

He'll have control of the hose until he starts getting too cold, and then he'll want to sit in the water. Since our backyard is small I can hear everything from inside the house. I can hear Noah laughing while Chelsea is teasing him to splash her with the water hose. I can't help but to go outside to vine their moment, and enjoy the sounds of their giggles, and screams.  

These two seem to get along better when they are outdoors, or doing something productive in the house. They love playing in the park together, playing in the pool, going for a walk, and when we go to the shore, but when she practices piano, does her homework, or sits next to dad while reading a book he'll start picking on her. Yep...I'd say he wants her undivided attention, and instead of reciprocating it she gets annoyed & tells him to leave her alone. 

I have to nip things to the bud with these two, but overall they play well together. I'm sure that when they get older they are going to laugh about all these posts I wrote about them, and become the best of friends! 

I'm so happy that summer is pretty much here to stay for the next few months so that these two can release a lot of energy outside. 

Summer, we have so much to do together with these kids, and we are so glad you've arrived a couple of weeks early. Bring on the heat, and everything that comes with it.

We are ready!

Love thy neighbor.

How blessed we are to have such wonderful neighbors who have the nicest kids. Living here for four years has been a blessing. A blessing because anytime you need a cup of sugar, milk, a ride, my wonderful neighbors are there to help. 

And when summer comes...

their pool is open!

 The lovely Kayla always invites us, and we really needed this. Temperatures were scorching hot yesterday!

 I, of course am taking pictures proving how much fun all the kids are having. I was able to put my suit on and join in on the fun, but obviously took pictures instead. 

 We need to either have Chelsea take swimming lessons, or have her sisters teach her. I personally am not a good swimmer therefore I wouldn't be a good teacher. She can doggy paddle, but still wears a life vest! She doesn't mind it. 

 When we came over last year for a father's day bbq, Noah was not ready to jump into their pool. This is Noah's first time inside their pool, and was timid at first, but then began splashing his sisters, and having a blast!

I am so grateful for the love that I have for my neighbor. Not just the one that lives next door, but my whole block! It's so important to get along with them, and to introduce yourselves first when you move into a new area so that they can know about who you are.  I believe I am an expert now with all the moving I've done. You just never know when you'll need them, or when they'll need you.

 In our case when summer is here they think of us, and in weather like this makes us extremely grateful. 

We sure love our neighbors, and it's not because of their pool! 

summer solstice.

Summer is officially here and we are excited. Although I feel as if summer started a week before school ended it's nice to know that it is here to stay (at least for two more months!) Yesterday temperatures went up to 95 degrees, and it was a perfect day for the pool. Today it should be about 97, and guess how hot it'll be tomorrow? In the three digits-100 degrees! I do believe that with these scorching hot temperatures this small pool is going to see the light of day everyday.

Chelsea and Noah love the pool, and had fun splashing each other by throwing these sponges that we made.

We have also enjoyed going on strolls as of late. Noah LOVES the outdoors, and if his stroller is in sight he will grab it, and in his sweet small voice tell me to "take him for a walk".

I believe we created a monster when we found a recipe on pinterest for homemade chalk paint. Lexie has been outside testing different colors. I think she is going to be my little scientist. While she's too young to have her own account on pinterest or a Facebook (nor does she care to have a Facebook anytime soon) I decided to create a board for her titled "Lexie's Loves", and while I'm pinning she'll hover and sometimes pin certain things she likes. She has found quite a few science projects she'd like to experiment with.

All the girls have summer reading to do. Chelsea and Lexie have it for fun, and Sierra has it for homework! If you ever decide to live on the east coast be prepared for your high schooler to have summer homework. Sierra is reading the Kite Runner, and she told me the other day how graphic, and sad the book is. I mentioned to her that there is no need in watching the movie because the book tells the whole story. 

 Lexie is reading the The Forgotten Locket. This is the last book in the Hourglass trilogy, and she is excited to finish it. She can read these books over and over again. 

I am going to try to attempt to read this book, and it's pretty long. I just hope that we can make it to the beach soon so that I can relax and get some reading done.

 Chelsea has been really, really, good in reading a different book every single day! If she keeps this up she can get her golden ticket, and I'd have to start another bingo all over again! 

I never thought that I would ever mind these hot summer days. What makes it fun are our kids! They love summer, and seem to tolerate the heat pretty well. Luckily I grew up in Texas where it's hot and humid so that I can withstand these hot temperatures in Jersey!