Summer, don't go!

We love you so! It's hard to believe that we're in our last week before school starts. We've been trying to soak in the last of summer. Owen just finished his last swim lesson for the summer; the only item left on the checklist was to be able to backstroke across the pool before he moves up to Level 3 (dolphins). Hadley moved up to Level 2 (eels), so next time they'll be in the same class! We've been trying to practice (and beat the heat) by going to the outdoor pool on hot days. These two crack me up, especially with goggles and toothless grins. One day, they tried to gang up on me with a noodle water-shooter, but I kept turning it back on them. I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard!

Other summer athletic pursuits: 1) Hadley's soccer team. One game left, and she's only thrown one major fit, so I guess that's a win in itself. She even scored a goal during the last game! I think she's enjoyed having her own thing, even if her mind is wandering while she's on the field sometimes. (i.e. a lot of hair twirling and talking to herself)

Owen has enjoyed keeping score at her games and sharing some tips with his little sis.

2) Flag football. Owen has been practicing with his team all month. His games start next weekend! That will be a fun thing to watch, hopefully. If nothing else, he'll appreciate the game more, but they are taking it pretty seriously (learning plays and positions, etc.). He's enjoying it so far! That's him in the orange hat on the right below.

3) Hadley tried out ballet. Verdict: she loved it! But given the choice, she chose to pursue gymnastics during the school year. This class was really cute though. The teacher knows how to keep their interest with props, fairy wings, and princess tiaras. (She's in black.) I think she likes to perform, so we may be back!

4) Owen's triathlon. That's right! The aquatic center puts on a kids' triathlon every year, and this year, I thought he'd really enjoy it. He's been obsessed with the Olympics, so he liked the competition. Before the race we had lots of time to wait. Corralling and organizing a kid's race requires time and patience.

All the competitors. There were 4 different levels of difficulty. Owen was in the 'Mini' for 6-and-under: 25-yard swim, bike around the block, and run around the parking lot.

Swim. Bike. Run. In that order. He cannot swim 25-yards on his own quite yet, so we opted for a life jacket. It looks so far!

I met him at the other side of the pool to lead him to his bike, help him take off the life jacket, and put on shirt, shoes, socks, and helmet as quick as we could.

He understood the race idea and took off running for the last part! He really thought he won first, since he passed some kids, but the swimming had to be done in heats, so there were staggered start times. He did finish in just over 7 minutes and came in 5th out of 39, so that's pretty awesome!

Afterward, they were serving a pancake breakfast and had some games and prizes set up for the kids. I think Hadley ate even more than the racer! It was a fun experience. Maybe we'll have two participants next year.

We also made it to the Roaring Youth Jam down on the river this year. We hadn't been for 3 years, so it was nice to make it back. The kids loved it. 

They had lots of art projects and music for them to interact with, and we met some friends there for a fun, free afternoon.

There was even a dress-up booth.

And the kids talked me into face paint. They love that stuff, and I'm inclined to acquiesce for as long as they still enjoy the simple things.

Lastly, summer is for reveling in lazy mornings like these...

Base camps and blanket forts...

And outdoor picnics. This one needs better seating! Summer, please stay a bit longer...