Living It Up!

We're already past the mid-point of summer! Man, it goes too fast! There's just so much to do when you don't have any obligations. Ha! 

Now that Hadley is four, she's traded out the Strider bike for a pedal bike with training wheels. Hopefully this is a short phase, and we'll get her off training wheels before summer is over. She seems to have picked up the pedaling aspect pretty quickly, though she's slow as molasses. :)

However, she does still enjoy her scooter! She was free-styling a bit the other night. Reminded me of "I'm the king of the world!" pose, while rolling!

We also celebrated a No More Diapers milestone! I think I should have done this months ago. She's had no problems at night; I think she was just lazy, unmotivated, or unaware before. Hurrah for the big girl!

We've been keeping active with swim lessons, VBS, and lots of soccer (baseball is finally over, too!). Owen has enjoyed a weeklong UK soccer camp this week - he's in bright green in front - brushing up on his skills...

And Hadley started on her own soccer team. We were pleasantly surprised by her aggressiveness and interest on the field, since we weren't sure what to expect for her first team-sport experience. (She's in the red socks and blue shirt.)

We've been enjoying the mostly beautiful weather (a week of nearly needing jackets followed by a perfect week followed by "let's find some shade!") by getting outside as much as possible.

Or staying cool by eating popsicles over the A/C vent. :)

We've even tagged along on some "unstructured" play dates where getting dirty and exploring are encouraged in local parks, creeks, and ponds. The kids have absolutely loved it! The highlight was probably studying a tadpole (with two legs) up close.

We've also been getting close to nature at Bear World. Some a little too close! Owen must have smelled like deer food that day.

They always have fun with friends there. (Another mom is holding up the two kids in the middle behind this prop!)

Bear World has also upped its roller coaster game, and the kids were fans! H was too short to ride by herself, and since the cars spin while going around the track, I could only accompany her twice without upchucking. But Owen must have ridden that coaster a dozen times in one visit (he's the blonde head at the end). We might have to check out some REAL roller coasters soon.

We also had to see the adorable baby snow leopard at the zoo!

But it's nice to take it slow at home sometimes too. Yes, that's a zip-lining doll!

Especially if your BFF from out of town pops in for a visit!

Finally, let's not forget the library. Owen is getting to be a pretty solid reader, and the Easy Reader section's Star Wars and Fly Guy collections are keeping him interested! They do a fantastic program in the summer with Book Bucks and prizes, and Owen even 'acted' up on stage as Prince Ferdinand in the Tempest! He overcame some shyness, and even asked a girl to marry him with a hug.  So proud of him for getting up there! :)