Well, I officially start back to work next week (on Wednesday). I can't believe this summer has flown by so fast. I have mixed emotions about going back. I am ready to get back into the swing of things and have some structure in my life. I think the kids are probably ready too. They are fighting like cats and dogs.....I think they are sick of each other.

But--I will really miss the time home with my kids. I have really enjoyed this summer--even though it's been quite hard. When school starts, it is survival mode.....getting ready for school, dropping the kids, work, therapy, gymnastics, dinner, baths, and bed. All to get up the next day and do it all over again! It just gets so busy that I feel I often forget to just enjoy the kids. Anyway, that's reality.......I'll just make the most of it! I really just feel thankful that I get to be home during the summer. Most people don't have that luxury!!

Blackmail!

I HAVE A FEELING THAT SOMEDAY THIS PICTURE WILL COME BACK TO HAUNT THEM! As you can probably guess, Caroline dressed them, and is quite the ringleader!

Fun at the Lake

We went to the lake this weekend and had a great time--except for the E.R. visit (see previous post). All of Tim's family went--EXCEPT for Greg. Greg, you missed out. The kids had a great time just hanging out and playing outside. It was also a great opportunity for all of the family to get together and just hang out as well. The view from the house is gorgeous. Their backyard is literally the lake.

Mike and Amber, thank you for sharing your home and your toys with us. We really appreciate it. Tami and Mary, thank you for spoiling Caroline. She is still talking about you guys. Grammie and Pa, thank you for helping out with the kids. It sure did take a load off of us!

We had a blast on the jet ski. Caroline loved it. Jack liked it for a while, and Will did not like it at all. The minute he got on it he said, "I done". Thank goodness Grammie watched whoever was not on the ski. Tim and I had the most fun by ourselves on it. He loved to go fast and scare me to death! Of course, I'm really sore today.

Uncle Mike gave free rides in the kayak around the yard.
We found this sideways tree and the kids loved to climb it. I saw it as a photo op, of course!
Just swinging, taking a break from playing.
This is Mike and Amber's sailboat. They took it out while we took the ski out. My tendency to get sea sick led me to pass on the ride.
This is Tim and Jack in the kayak. Caroline held on to the handle on the back and she went along for the ride around the lake. Will wanted no part of it.

This is the boys with their "giant crayons". Tami brought these and they are like squirt guns. They loved them! Will loved it so much, he became attached and slept with it. Go figure.
Swimming around in the lake.
The kids did a lot of playing outside. Although it was very hot, it wasn't so bad being right by the water.

E.R. visit at the Lake....

No lake trip would be complete without a visit to the emergency room. Caroline busted her head open and had to get staples. I wish we had a great story, like she fell off the jet ski, or out of the kayak, or something like that.......but.........we don't. She fell backwards out of the kitchen chair, and hit the back of her head on the foot hold of the bar. She was a trooper and was very brave! Believe it or not, I was very calm and brave as well. Go me! Anyway, here are some pics. of the exciting event.

This is the van ride to the hospital. The poor kid was shaking like a leaf, but was not as hysterical as I would have expected.
Daddy carrying her into the hospital.
They put medicine on the wound and then wrapped her head to keep the numbing medicine in place.
Hanging out and coloring waiting to be numb before the staples.
4 staples in the noggin!

Of course when we left we had to go straight to Walmart (bloody shirt and all!) to buy a toy because she sat so still during the procedure. Yes, it was a bribe--and it worked! She will get the staples out a week from Monday. Hopefully nurse Heather will take them out for us and save us a trip to the doctor! Brad says he will take them out.....we'll see if she will go for that!

Funny Conversation

Today I picked the boys up from school and Willie and I had quite the conversation. Remember...he's 2 years old! It went something like this:

Will: Where sissy, mommy?
Me: She went to the lake today with Tami and Mary.
Will: She at the lake?
Me: Yes Will, she went to the lake.
Will: I go to the lake too?
Me: Yes....Me and you and Jacker and daddy are going to the lake on Friday.
Will: On Friday? I wanna go now.
Me: We will go to the lake in two days.
Will: Sissy at the lake?
Me: Yes Will, we'll see her in two days.
Silence......for about a minute.
Will: MOMMY!
Me: WHAT???
Will: I FWEAKING out sissy at the lake--it far far away!
Priceless!

Caroline's Road Trip...

Caroline went on her first road trip without mommy and daddy today! She headed to Lake Texoma with Tami and Mary. They are going to do some shopping, sight seeing, and go to a little league ballgame. She should have a great time! She sure was geared up and ready to go.....well, lets just say she was wild! I'm not sure Tami and Mary know what they have gotten in to! Tim and I will be going up on Friday with the boys to the lake. Both of Tim's sisters (and one brother in law) and parents will be there. We're looking forward to a good time.

She was so excited, she decided to wait outside with her bags for her ride!
Loading up, getting ready to go.
Bye mom.....I was expecting some heartfelt goodbye......nope! She could have cared less. She was just excited to go with Tami and Mary. She was probably glad to get away from the madness of her life for a few days!

Will....working hard and having fun at physical therapy!