Summer, don't go!

I have a love/hate relationship with summer.  Really.  I love the laziness.  I love that Mr. Hill is home for 2 months.  I love that we don't have a schedule, which is also something I don't love at the same time.  This was our first summer that we let the kids stay up late every night.  We soaked in every second of each other that we could.  Really the only reason I don't like summer is because it's so dang hot.  Mother nature, could you work on that? 

I absolutely wasn't ready for school to start again.  We had a blast this summer.  It wasn't really hard to beat last summer though, which we spent in the hospital with my mother-in-law.  That ended with the most devastating time of our lives, as you know.  So we didn't even have to try this year to have more fun than last.  This is how we spent most of our days ...

We got a pool pass this year, which was the best money we've spent in a long time.  Except for that time we bought a mini-van.  That turned out pretty awesome.

The toddler will definitely be in swim lessons next summer.  He ended the summer in the deep end of the pool.  JUMPING in.  He has no fear when it comes to water apparently.  He said sayonara to the shallow end where the normal babies stay.  Seriously, straight to the deep end.  In and out he'd go.  I was absolutely okay with it because it guaranteed a good nap out of him when we got home.

We also did TONS of bike riding.  TONS.  Like, every day.

The Burnams came and spent a whole week with us.  Two moms, plus 5, sometimes 6 kids with our little friend, Treyson, only meant for lots of high energy activities to wear. them. down.  Needless to say, the girls got good at bike riding.  Mr. Hill and I even got bikes with a cool seat on mine for the toddler to ride.  He likes to "cycle".  For a long long time. 

It was the best summer yet.  Although I'm ready for fall.  Football.  And much cooler weather, I'm already looking forward to see what next summer has in store for us.

Beach Day

Galveston Beach 2014

Also Jaxton's first beach trip.  He wasn't a fan of the water.

IG Photo Collage 6.6.14

I feel like Instagram has hijacked my blog, so this is an attempt to integrate them.

These pictures have been our week so far!  I feel like they describe our summer to a T.  Lots of chalkboard drawing, Target shopping, bike riding, backyard picnics, climbing on the table, and pretending to be super heroes.  There is definitely never a dull moment around here, but I'm enjoying every minute.  Almost - unless Jaxton is screaming at someone.  The toddler has spoken.

Day 118

He was hesitant.  But now it's his most favorite thing in the world.  After his blanket, that is.  And after his mama.  He's a water boy!!

Day 117

Today was our first official taste of summer.  Everyone got new swimsuits and we let them play on the trampoline with the sprinkler under it.  I believe that's their favorite way to play on hot days.  Jaxton was a little unsure at first and I had to remind everyone that this is really his first time to play in water.  It was hilarious to see his reactions, but he warmed up rather quickly and was all in it.

mmm ... bluebell

We went to Bluebell today!!  Going to visit the creamery in Brenham has become a summer tradition now and this year two of our little friends joined us.  Treyson and Tyler are our new buddies and we had a blast with all 5 kids.  Poor Jaxton didn't make any pictures because he was happy in his stroller while we chased 4 others around everywhere. 

I think that no matter how many times you do the tour at Bluebell, you can always come back and do it again.  Of course our favorite part was the ice cream at the end.  Try getting 4 kids, 2 adults, and a baby all ice cream.  Jaxton LOVES ice cream and didn't care who else had any as long as he did. 

The kids were all so good!  It was a fun (but hot) day.  I'm very thankful the tour is all indoors because it wouldn't be a summer tradition if it wasn't.

And all but 1 kid had a nap on the way home.  It was PERFECT. 

204/365

i always have big dreams about summer.  i have big plans in my head.  and those plans usually don't go accordingly.  things come up.  other ideas happen.  friends come visit.  mama needs a lazy day.  and the days keep passing by so quickly.  the last 2 days have been wonderful.  we had 2 friends with us for 2 days and all 5 kids have played and played and played.  this is what summer is supposed to be.  they are in and out.  guzzling water.  enjoying popsicles.  sliding down the slide in their swimsuits while they squirt the water hose all over the yard, and shooting water guns at each other.  seriously, all. day. long.  they rode bikes, 4-wheelers, played guns, played cars, and hide and seek.  all. day. long.  i think i've enjoyed it more than they have!

156/365

These are some girls who are glad to be home and ready to get back to our new summer routine.  I'm hoping the happiness stays!