Summertime!

This past summer was tricky at times but really great with three little ones at home.  We weren't able to do a ton since Colin was so little but I think we made the best of it.  I enjoyed my time with all three kids at home.  Here are some pictures of our time together-

At the beginning of the summer, I tried my best to do an author study and bible verse a week.  This is day 1 of the author study on Kevin Henkes.  Sadly, we didn't make it all summer because, well, we had a baby at home with us.  I gave myself lots of grace this summer (and needed it!).

The girls took gymnastics lessons each Thursday with their buddies, Garrett and Reagan.

Avery went to lots of birthday parties like Claire's pool party.

She also went to VBS with her buddies!

We went to the grocery store once or twice. This seemed like such a good idea at first!  I was thinking differently by the end of the trip but hey, the girls had fun.  After this trip, I started using Kroger's online ordering system.  It's amazing and makes this mom of three's quality of life so much better!

We spent a lot of time just goofing off at home.

We spent many days at Grammy's pool or splash pad.

We even starting potty training.  We had a brief go at the beginning of the summer and then picked it up again about two weeks before summer ended.  

Avery got her first library card!

The girls experienced Chuck E Cheese for the first time.  It was a huge hit!

Avery earned tickets all summer by doing chores, reading, etc. and she chose to return to Chuck E Cheese.

Not sure why these two pictures of Chloe on this ride are the only ones taken while there!

We played lots of games...

The girls took part in the summer reading program at the library and got to pick out a free book.  They were thrilled!

I can't tell you how proud I was that I took all three kids to CFA after gymnastics one day.  The fact that it was very successful was just a bonus!

I had to document this momentous occasion because this has NEVER happened before.  Chloe fell asleep on her own in the gameroom while watching tv.  I'm pretty sure most kids do things like this but not mine!

W had a lovely tea party with hot chocolate on a rainy day.

We finished up working on our two houses and renters moved in.

There were lots of impromptu nursing sessions in the car so Chloe did some too!

Luke and Ave had their first slumber party at our house.

Avery watched an American Girl movie that is about a little girl working at her grandparent's bakery.  She insisted on baking on her own.  I let her bake these muffins pretty much on her own. She was so proud!

Another baking experience, this time with cookies!

We had a birthday celebration at Steph's new house and played Bean Boozled.  It was hilarious!

Samantha got a LOT of attention this summer.

Potty training at it's finest!

Right before school started, we went to Bryan for a wedding.  The kids had a blast.

It was an exhausting but great summer.  We made some sweet memories. I'm already looking forward to next summer when Colin will be walking around with the rest of us!