So many small things seem to be slipping through my fingers these days, like the precious memories I've recorded by camera yet remain untouched in the abyss of the "My Pictures" folder on the computer. I swear I am going to print them and change out some old photos!
Looking through the latest to fall into the black hole are some from 4th of July weekend. On the actual day we celebrated with my dad's family, Kenny and Barbara, out in Crestwood. The weather was rainy off and on but the company was great! Aiden even almost tolerated the fireworks this year! He watched from the kitchen and even asked Noni to "put them on pause" when he had to use the bathroom! Audrey was not phased. She pranced around with us in the viewing gallery.
This holiday brings back wonderful memories. My grandparents (dad's parents) always held the 4th in their backyard. We would play volleyball or croquet and swing in the tire swing until it finally got dark enough for fireworks, or the adults grew tired enough of me and my brother saying "Is it time yet? Is is time yet?" Big Kenny would always throw firecrackers under the chairs of his sisters, Chere and Audrey. The grin on his face when they jumped out of their lawn chairs is forever imprinted in my memory. His son, Little Kenny, is a chip off the old block. He has always gotten the best fireworks. As a child I looked forward to seeing Kenny's car pull up to my grandmothers because I knew his trunk was full of firey goodness! Every year he outdoes himself and the "grand finale" blows me away every time. I look forward to this holiday every year for these reasons.
On Saturday the 5th we ventured to Beth and Donnie's for some barbecuing and cornhole playing. Whenever we are able to get together with them I always think, "why don't we do this more often?" With kids' schedules and work schedules I guess it just gets tough. While Donnie played the roll of grill master, the adults had nice time to chat and watch the kids play in the yard.
Whoever invented sprinklers should win a Novel prize because I've never seen a kid be able to resist one. Brock and Aiden shot the sprinkler at the other kids. They all loved the playhouse and the bubble gun, too!
If Aiden had to chose one person to love in this world it would be Abby. These two just click! Aiden even had to get a sippy cup like Abby's because, "I love her and her cup is cool."
The night was topped off with a group bath 5 kids deep. They had a blast! Times like these when our kids get to play together make me realize how lucky we are to have a wonderful and supportive family.
And my has there been a ton of swimming this year! My children have legally morphed into fish!
Aiden can touch the bottom of the 8 foot with his hand and do a sommersault and a handstand! he can float on his back really well so I am coaching him to be an Olympic back-stroker. I may also be teaching him a few synchro moves too but that is supposed to be a secret!
Audrey is a much more delightful swimmer this year. Last summer she didn't want us to hold her and she refused to get in the floats we bought for her. This year she is doing awesome! She will jump in from the side, put her face all the way in and attempt to swim on her own. She is also trying to dive when she sits on the side. She is also a great floater so synchro may also be in her future!
I know Travis is counting the days until he doesn't have to swim anymore but the rest of us love it! Maybe one day he will convert into a swimmer but until then we'll make fun of him for being cold all the time.
