What a summer

We are officially ending our carefree lack of schedule summer tonight. Marie starts her new Pre-K program tomorrow at Holy Cross Catholic School. It is an all day, every day program with music, art, and PE. It will truly be a school experience instead of a daycare. We are so excited about her teacher. She is passionate about early childhood, a dog lover, and her father has been one of Andy's attending doctors at the residency. 

Here she is at her open house last week where we met with teachers, saw her room, and delivered all her supplies.

Our summer has been wonderful!

The kids and I have been at home together much of the time.

We stayed busy with the summer library program every week. We would have story time outside and check out nearly 20 books each week. One week we had some visitors from the PBS station so the kids loved getting tattoos and listening to different stories that day.

We have also had swimming lessons. This year we decided to do a different lesson where the kids were in a one on one sessions or with only 1-2 other kids. We loved the experience and both kids made huge strides in the swimming abilities. Marie used to be very nervous about swimming but now she is jumping in by herself, swimming across the pool unattended, floating on her back, and swimming underwater. Bennett sees her and thinks he can do the same!  

We are doing one more session in September - 2 times a week for one month. 

With their new skills we spent at least 1 time per week at the local pool.  The kids have pretty cute tan lines this summer thanks to our afternoons there.

We also enjoyed many trips to the park with picnics. Both kids love taking picnics with them and eating outside so we did this at least once per week even if it was just outside at our house. 

Our summer also included many trips to a nearby campground where the kids and dogs like to swim, hike, run, and play. 

 

It will be a busy and exciting fall season with a few weekend trips planned and Andy fitting in as much of his extra responsibilities as possible before the baby comes. 

Bennett and I get to have days together while Marie is in school.  I am looking forward to spending one on one time with him before the baby, too.

So, goodbye summer, hello fall!