Sum-Sum-Summertime

Back in May, I was somehow under the misconception that summer break would allow a nice slow pace and all kinds of time to relax and catch up with friends and do whatever in the world we wanted. I was partially right, but "slow pace" will not be a phrase I mistakenly use again when speaking of future summertime fun. And in a word, it has flown by way too fast.

With the start of Lucy's school year just a few days away (you heard me, days), I realized how poorly I've done in blogging this summer. Not that I haven't written several dozen posts in my head, but getting to hash them out on the keyboard has been a different story (see above paragraph).

So, here are a few updates and highlights from our summer...

First, we had to use our friends' idea of making a "summer fun" checklist to make sure we didn't miss out on anything we had talked about doing. We've gotten through most of it (and a few, like "ice cream," numerous times).

Then we got a pool. Uh huh.

But apparently it wasn't big enough for daddy's liking. And when Lucy set up her 'waterslide,' she hit the far wall of the pool and went flying into the grass. So he took it back and got a bigger one. (I use the word bigger quite lightly.)
It made the kids hungry...

...and tired.
Shortly after the start of summer break, Lucy lost her first tooth. But in true Lucy fashion, it is still in her possession. She has a hard time saying goodbye. I have no idea where she gets that from.

We had several visits from family and friends. Grandma came, and Auntie and Uncle Chris, and some of our nearest and dearest friends who still like us (we think) even though we have all known each other since college. Just a year apart and both sporting gaps in their teeth, Lucy and Erikson have been pals from before they can remember.

And Libby was born the day after Josiah. With both of them approaching their 3rd birthday, they may share their smiles and their strawberry-blonde coloring, but nothing else.

Joey learned to help daddy in the yard.

This is his tough guy pose. Is it convincing?
And someone turned "this many."

And dear, sweet, "little" Adam. What has he been up to this summer? Growing. And growing. I love this photo because the perspective makes his chin and cheeks look extra huge. Oh, who am I kidding, they are extra huge.

These ham hock thighs remind me of Joey...that is, Joey at about one year old.
But he is rolling and laughing, cuddly and sweet, and always smiley.

Ah, summertime. You have been very good to us. Too brief, but very good.