Summer Snipits

Is it seriously already July?  As you grow up, people tell you all the time "Enjoy this.  It'll be gone before you know it!"  Who knew they were right??  When summer started, I told myself I was going to really savor this summer, since it is Warren's last summer before he's off to the new world of elementary school!  One month of summer has already come and gone.  And, while I don't have any major stories to post, I did want to just post some "snipits" from our summer so far.

A few years ago, my grandmother took us all to the beach for Father's Day.  And, since then, it's sort of become our Father's Day tradition.  So, a couple of weekends ago we packed up and headed to New Smyrna for the week!  Picture this....two kids under 5, two "young" adults (that's Chris and me), two "older" adults (mom and Harriet) and one very elderly (Memaw, 89!!) self-proclaimed queen!  You can imagine the fun we had.  Certainly too many stories to write about.  And, at the risk of losing my life, here are a few of the most precious pictures.

Next up....potty train Harper!  While your initial reaction might be "Oh yuck!  Good luck!"  Those of you who know Harper are probably saying something like, "Oh Lord.  We'll pray for you!"  Harper is very smart, but he is equally, if not more stubborn.  We started by getting all excited and telling him (ok, bribing him) that he would get a Skittle if he went to the potty.  We put him in underwear and off we went.  Or, so we thought.  Mishap #1....don't put a potty training toddler in a cloth covered chair. 

For the Fourth of July, we headed downtown to watch the city's fireworks.  (And, I use the term "Fourth of July" loosely....given the fireworks display was actually scheduled for the Third of July.)  While the boys had already had their baths, it did not stop them from having a good time.  Warren dressed up as DJ Warren, as he says "I love you. Peace!" 

And, in typical neighborhood fashion, our wonderful neighbors hosted a fireworks show....complete with music....the following night, the actual Fourth of July!  While all of this sounds like a wonderful celebration, which it was, we couldn't help but feel a tug at our hearts.  You see, one year ago (on the Fourth of July), Chris' father passed away.  To honor his memory, and the memory of my grandfather, we helped the boys send up two Chinese lanterns.  It was a very touching way to remember Pops and Pap.  As we sent the lanterns up into the heavens. the boys talked about who might find our lanterns with Pops' and Paps' name on them.

And finally (for now), as a summer project to encourage environmental responsibility at Warren's new school, incoming Kindergartners are challenged to collect recyclable items (aluminum cans, paper, cell phones, etc).  Students get points for each item.  Points are doubled for aluminum cans, if they are crushed.  So, Chris' office has been collecting cans for us all summer.  Little did we know how much his office drinks!  He brought home four big garbage bags of cans.  One afternoon, Warren and I (in all my infinite wisdom) put on our shoes, went outside and started crushing them.  Chris got home and, in typical male "get 'r done" fashion....had us lay the garbage bags full on the driveway.  Instant Monster Trucks!