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Hello, Summer Schedule!

It was the first week of a full summer schedule, and I think half of the kids in our house had some fun? Ava seemed to enjoy her days at the middle school program, especially the day they packed food at Feed My Starving Children. She had never participated in something like that before, and was really intrigued, and wants to go back as a family. Once G turns six, we can do that!

Ava also took her YMCA summer swimming test and is in the highest level, so she can go wherever she wants, at whatever pools they go to this summer. I love watching her swim...she seems to really enjoy it, and loves being in the water. This past Thursday, Scott had to work on a side job after he was done working his main job, so after the kids and I ate dinner, I took them to our neighborhood pool. G is getting more brave and likes to put his head under water, and is very interested in learning to swim. Two of Ava's friends came to the pool that night, so they had fun playing and splashing around, while I kept my eye on G. Ava tried to give him a piggyback ride in the water, and all was going well until he freaked out a little bit, and ended up pulling her backwards into the water. That resulted in a lot of coughing and spluttering, and I then said "no more" to the piggy back rides in the pool. They both seemed to like it, up until that point...

Earlier on Thursday, my team at work had a full-afternoon picnic. Instead of sitting in meetings and working, we were outside, enjoying the beautiful summer weather, eating, playing bean bags, basketball, volleyball, and watching the fish and turtles in the lake right by my company.

Do you see that patch of grass on the other side? That's the lawn that leads up to my building. We've got a great view from our facility!


Scott needed to run up north to pick up 1200lbs (yep, that's right...1200lbs) of beef (there were several families he was picking it up for) so he took G with him on Saturday for the trip. That means that Ava and I had a lovely and productive day at home where she was able to work on her summer Cahoots program and I was able to clean the house and get laundry done. I even had a chance to sit down and relax for 45 minutes in the afternoon. I think that means that as the kids get older, and more self-sufficient, we'll be seeing more free time in our future!

Last night after dinner, Scott took G home with him, and Ava and I went on a little road trip. I had always wanted to see the Rock Island Swing Bridge, and for the nine years I lived in So St Paul, I never ventured down there. When we drove by it last night, I figured it was a great time for an adventure with Ava. We had fun checking it out, although she was skittish about walking out to the older edge, and she really didn't like the sound of the nearby refinery. So...we didn't get as far as I wanted to, but it was still a nice time with my girl.




After that, we hit up a few stores, and finally found a new swimsuit for her to wear for swimming in middle school. Turns out that she has a long torso, so we were having problems finding one that was long enough, but not super wide. We had a great time shopping, and didn't make it home until almost 9pm last night! I'm so glad to check that swimsuit off the list, since it'll be tricky to find swimsuits on the shelves in a few months.

We've bought all of the school supplies for both kids next year, and they are labeled and put away in storage for now. I'm feeling really good about having that task completed. The only thing left is to get a lunch box, backpack, and water bottle for G! I'm excited to take him shopping for that in a few months!

We've had a busy Father's Day so far...lots of errands, and a yummy breakfast (yes, Scott made it...he wanted to.) We're looking forward to having my parents over for dinner, and then to have Scott's mom and stepdad over for dessert, as well. It'll be a wonderful day to spend time with family, and to celebrate all of the special fathers in our lives. We wish Scott's dad, Bruce, was with us today, of course...at least we know he's with us in spirit.

Happy Father's Day to my dad, Scott, and Whitey! Thank you for everything that you do for your families, and the positive qualities that you have brought to your loved ones and friends. We love you!

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