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Wishing Summer A Fond Farewell

Are you ready for a TON of pictures?  School started last week, and after a fun-filled and active summer, I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye.  The best way to say good bye to somebody or something is by sharing memories, so maybe I'll feel a little better sharing some of these fun summer memories with you.

I'll start with one of the more common summer occurrences . . . . swimming.

We spent the beginning of the summer playing in the backyard in the little inflatable pool set up on the deck.

The kids also took swimming lessons.  Some of the lessons were indoors and some were outdoors.  As usual, Ricky makes friends wherever he goes . . .
Makayla moved up to Level 4 and her teachers say she is a strong and talented swimmer.
Andrew was able to take a week of swimming lessons after he got his cast off.  Yes, that is a huge bruise on his head.  You should have seen the one the week before on the other side of his head.  These nasty bruises were from falling off his bike with a helmet on!  So, his confidence on a two-wheeler has greatly waned over the course of the summer.
In addition to swimming at the pool, the kids talked me into swimming at the lake, but we only did it once (thank goodness).  I think the lake is disgusting and going there is a lot of work.  We have to pack a ton of stuff and everything gets full of sand.  There is no lifeguard, so I'm always nervous about the little ones (not that I don't watch them closely at the pool, but I know the lifeguards are there for backup).  It may be a free summer activity, but I almost rather pay to go to the pool.




Another fun summer memory is riding bikes to Ghourty's.  Ghourty's is a new frozen yogurt shop that opened up about a mile away from our house.  One Saturday when we finished our chores, the big kids and Rick rode bikes there.



Sean and Andrew rode with me in the car.  I was a little nervous about Ricky on the big hills that fill the trail from our house to the frozen yogurt shop, but he made it just fine.
The place is so fun because you pick your flavors and your toppings.  You put as little or as much as you want and you pay by the ounce.  It's important to monitor the kids, but they love all of the choices.

I just liked the following two pictures.  Sean has grown a ton this summer.  Sometimes I think he grows an inch a week!

Another notable summer favorite is Wilson Apple Orchard.  Our summer/fall wouldn't be complete without going there.  It's such a beautiful and fun place and it's only 20 minutes from our house.






 I let Ricky take some pictures with the camera while we were there and he impressed me with the following professional shots.


 Playing with sidewalk chalk is another summer favorite.  Ricky drew Mr. Hot Dog and Makayla drew Mrs. Hamburger


Did you notice Makayla's cast?  It seems like the summer of 2011 for us has been the summer of broken bones.  Makayla fell off her bike and broke her thumb.  She got her cast off from breaking her arm just before school let out in June and returned to school last week with a splint which she will keep on for about 3 weeks total.

The first day of school was a success.  The kids have good teachers and Emily is loving junior high.  On Friday afternoon, about an hour after school, Emily sighed, "I wish I was back at school."  She loves it that much.  I'm glad she is having a good experience.


So, farewell summer!  We will miss you and look forward to seeing you again after a lovely fall, a mild winter, and an early spring.

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