We are half way through the summer and I can't even believe it. How fast time goes with three little ones! I've lost count of the weeks it's been since school. All I know now is that there's six more weeks until school starts. I know this because we counted since we started seeing back to school things in the stores. I'm not ready. We're just settling into a summer routine (if that's even possible). I'm just getting used to having my oldest son home and setting off each morning for an adventure of some sort with three kiddos in tow.
We've been a busy brood! The first week out of school was an adjustment for all of us. I had planned to do absolutely nothing, just settle down, get ready for our week long vacation the following week, and enjoy all the time together, but that didn't go over so well. My oldest was bored, my middle one was thrilled to have his older brother home to torment, and the little one was annoyed by the sudden overwhelming presence of her older brother who was infringing on her space. I was just trying to survive without totally losing it. My days were spent refereeing and trying to keep the little ones entertained. Even though I didn't plan on it, we ended up going out most days because being indoors was not fun for anyone.
We hit the library where my son signed up to read a ton of books this summer to win a prize. We played at my son's school playground and waited for daddy to get off of work (he works at the school). We played outside in the pool. We went shopping. And we rode our bikes. It was a full week, even though I didn't indeed for it to be anything but lazy.
The second week out of school was spent in Long Beach Island with my side of the family. We had a blast! The boys played mini golf, twice! We did the rides, the arcade, the beach every day, the shops for fun souvenirs and beach toys, we walked down to the bay almost twice a day, rode scooters, played cards, watched cartoons, played with the cousins, visited the Barnegat Lighthouse, and ate donuts for breakfast and ice cream for dinner. The boys LOVED it and still talk about how much fun they had. They can't wait to do it again next summer!
The third week was the week of the fourth of July so there was a lot going on. There was the fourth of July parade, BBQ at my moms house, and other BBQs with friends and more family. It was a lot of fun and the kids felt like the vacation never ended!
Finally, the fourth week out, things started to slow down and we started spending more days at home than days out and about. Thank goodness I had spent a night researching Pinterest for fun things to do at home this summer because it was a rainy week and we were stuck indoors for most of it. One day we made homemade play dough which was a ton of fun. The kids enjoyed making it and than playing with it. On another day, we colored and played with kinetic sand. And on the last rainy day we made homemade graham crackers. In the few rare moments it stopped raining, we rushed outside to get some playing time in, but it was short lived. Over all, it was a fun week and we all enjoyed the down time and the time spent together with just our family.
The fifth week out was vacation Bible school week. My oldest did NOT want to go, but my middle one couldn't wait! Naturally, when we arrived, my oldest remembered how fun it was last year and rushed right in while the middle one latched onto my leg and wouldn't let go. It was a bit of a rough start for my younger guy, but by the end of the week he was doing better. Over all, the kids had a blast at VBS with their friends and cousins, they learned a lot about Jesus, came home with a ton of crafts, and learned a bunch of awesome new songs we're still singing and listening to every morning!
Is it really the end of the sixth week out of school? I can't believe it's been that long. It definitely doesn't feel like it. We spent the whole week outside. After a week spent at VBS, most of which took place indoors, we were all craving some beach time. We spent two days at the beach and another at my sister in laws pool. It's been a hot week, near 100, but the water has been beautiful and amazingly warm and refreshing. I feel like we are finally in the 'lazy' beach days of summer. Finally. I couldn't be happier. After all, this is what summer is about: beach days and pool days spent with friends and family enjoying the time off from school.
The summer is finally calming down as far as plans are concerned. Vacation is over. The Fourth of July is over. We don't have anything major planned for the rest of the summer so that means more lazy beach days to come!
I'm really enjoying having my whole brood home. The warm (and hot) weather is welcomed. Summer wasn't always my favorite time of year (fall is), but it's become my favorite because of all the family time. I knew I'd look forward to having my son home and I was right. I don't wish him back to school. I still want him home. I have six more weeks and I plan on enjoying every moment with my kiddos. After all, it all goes by so fast.
