A Day On The Farm

It wouldn't be summer without a visit to Farmer Sue.  However, it would be {and should be} summer without a sick toddler in tow.

I only have myself to blame.  I knew little Lu wasn't feeling up to par.  But, I just couldn't imagine heading to the farm without her.  Six days of fussiness and two visits to the pediatrician's office later it was diagnosed as a virus.  A stinky virus-the kind you don't get a prescription for.  Ugh!

What were we to do?  Summer must go on...and so it did...

Lucy spent most of her farm visit in my arms.  I must admit, I was beyond disappointed.  This was baby girl's first visit to the farm and she could hardly enjoy it.

I spent most of my time focusing my camera on these sweet things...

On occasion Lucy couldn't resist the urge to get down and check things out.  But, before long she was snuggled back up in my arms and when I thought my biceps just might give out,  she would have a stint in the stroller.

I'm pretty sure she is cock-a-doodle-do-ing here.  This was one of her finer moments.

The saving grace, for me anyway, was that we were joined by our dear friends, the Heilmans.  With the distraction of friends around, the bigs hardly noticed that Lucy was consuming about 99.6% of my attention.

Oh my, this sweet picture gives me flashbacks of Maggie's 2nd birthday party.  Where does the time go?  Look at my beautiful girl grow.

So, it's not called the Art Barn for nothing.  After a lot of petting, a hayride, a honey bee lesson, and some sweet chick holding, we headed into the barn to paint, what other than a farm animal, of course.

Lu actually gave this a whirl in between intermittent "mommmyyys" and "hooollllddd meeee"s.

But look at these farm Picassos.  {By the way...those are pigs}

Jack so creatively covered his in mud.  Love it!

We've got quite a few summer list items to knock out.  So here's hoping for a virus free day...farm or not.

Treasure In The Treetops

I just love when I find a little treasure especially when it's in our backyard.  When I heard about Treetop Quest I just knew it was something I had to check out with Jack.  The only thing I couldn't figure out is why I hadn't heard of it before.  I mean, geez, didn't I know anywhere and everywhere to take a kid around here?

When I found out it was a mere three years old, it all made sense.  Jack was only 4 years old back then and I certainly wouldn't have been looking for anything of this nature at that time.

But this summer was perfect timing.

Okay, when I say "our backyard" I have to be honest.  It was a good thirty-five minute drive, but it was totally worth it.  Treetop Quest is located somewhere where there is no shortage of foliage which proved to be extremely beneficial in blocking the summer elements.  It contains five leveled obstacle courses way up high in the treetops {hence the name} and no shortage of adventure.

Jack was tall enough and old enough for the first three courses.  And trust me that was plenty.  We were slap worn out by the end of the third one.

Upon arrival, Jack and I were garbed up in all of our gear...a harness, gloves, two hooks, and a pulley.  We were given a short introductory course which I failed miserably.  The instructor assured me that it would all make sense once I was out on the courses.  I wasn't so sure.

We set out to the first platform of Course One.  I was in front, assuming that made sense, considering I was the adult after all.  It didn't take long for Jack and I to realize reverse order was the best for our pairing.  I am not even kidding when I say my 7 year old was guiding me and reminding of the instructor's directions!  He picked up so quickly and being the, apparently, slow learner that I am had to take his lead.  By the fifth platform I finally had it down and it was smooth sailing from then on.  And just as the instructor had said, it was all starting to make sense.

Courses One and Two were a series of rope obstacles, wooden ladders, and balancing acts all intermittent with a few Zip lines.

By this point in our visit we were both pretty sticky hot.  Jack and I were both exceptionally excited to learn that our final course consisted of solely Zip Lines.  The self made breeze was a fabulous way to end our adventure and in turn cool off.

After over an hour and a half of this, I was wiped out.  And I'm pretty confident Jack was too.  But he just couldn't resist the urge to check out the Spider Quest before calling it a day.  The Spider Quest is a huge net hanging above the treetops that is filled with even more obstacles.

I don't know how this one mustered up the energy but somehow he did.  And then he even claimed this to be one of his favorite parts.

After another half hour of this, we exited via a ginormous slide.  Once on the ground Jack nearly drank his weight in water.

I have to say this may go down as one of my favorite days of this summer.  The obstacles were a perfect balance of challenging and doable {for both of us}, the staff was beyond polite and helpful, and the grounds were pristine.

They also have a "Chick Pea" course for ages 4-6.  If I feel brave enough, I may just give this another whirl with Maggie in tow.

Not to mention it will give Jack and I a great excuse to visit our treasure in the treetops.

Real Camping

Well, isn't this ironic? After Maggie's "camping" themed week Jack headed out for some real camping of his own.

The Cibula boy's spent an adventurous weekend out in the great wilderness.  That is, if you call a Walmart down the road the wilderness.  And I only know this because Jack came home with a pair of mud covered jeans that we did not previously own.  Not to mention some other really stinky and nasty clothes that hit the washing machine ASAP.

The boys did sleep in tents and cooked their meals outdoors so I'd have to say that's roughing it in my book.  I must give credit where credit is due.

And because camping is not exactly my cup of tea, I was happy to live vicariously through the texts and pictures I received via Daddy's cell.

When they weren't roughing it out at the campsite it seems the boys did a bit of cave climbing and exploring....gear and all.

They even gave a ropes course a try.  Which I was elated to hear that Jack loved because I have a little summer surprise up my sleeve later this week for him.

But this was the best picture of all for me.  What?!?!  Seriously, this boy has not fallen asleep in the car in nearly five years.  Not to mention it was the middle of the day.

I'd have to say that was one serious camping trip.

The girls and I were mighty happy to see our boys Sunday morning.  It sure was a lovely kind of quiet around here all weekend.

But, honestly,  who could ever live like that?  {wink, wink}

Welcome home campers!

A Camper's Delight

The bigs just finished up their first week of camp.

Well, if I'm being completely accurate it was Maggie's first and Jack's second. Somehow I got talked into an additional camp week for him when he was invited by some classmates to attend one at the nature center.  He had been wanting to give it a whirl and who was I to say no when the opportunity presented itself.  I am thrilled that I caved, he had an incredible time.  He can even paddle a canoe properly now.  He will be more than happy to show you if asked.

But, let me get to the actual planned and scheduled, nearly four months out, camps that they attended this week.  Maggie always hits the camp put on her by her school every summer.  I was a bit hesitant when I found out the theme was S'mores Camp this year.  Not exactly her first love.  As a matter of fact, Mags isn't even sure if she likes marshmallows.  The verdict is still out.  Crazy, huh?

But, when she realized it revolved around "camping" she was all in.  And not because she likes to camp.  She's actually never even done it.  But must we be reminded that Jack lives to camp in the great outdoors so therefore Maggie was happy to do a little "camping" of her own.  She came home each day sporting some sort of camping or s'mores artwork and Jack was the first one she proudly showed it off to.

Even with the occasional bickering it seems my Maggie still looks up to and adores her big brother. {sigh}

Maggie literally came home from camp each day with a giant smile plastered on her face.  I'm still trying to figure out what she enjoyed so very much about her week.  I did get out of her that her favorite part was the "science lab".  Another one of Jack's passions.  I think she was feeling mighty big getting to do the things Jack does.  I, of course,  was just happy that she was happy.

I'm feeling come July when she attends Cinderella Dance Camp, she will truly be in her element.  I'm looking forward to that grin.

Jack, on the other hand, attended a camp that was perfectly suited for him.  Just like the previous two summers, his first camp request was Science Camp.  What will I ever do with this brainiac?

His program of choice was Little Robot Inventors.  And although my mind does not sway that way, I have to admit this was pretty stinking incredible.

The parents were invited in on the last day to view the Tin Can Robot Races.  I was having some difficulty visualizing this one.  But geez, was I impressed once I arrived.  Look at these things those little engineers in the making created.

And yes, they moved {three different ways mind you} and yes, they raced.

All that was needed was a little steering assistance from the inventors.

I'm not convinced anyone really won the race {there was a some illegal maneuvering going on}, but Jack swears he did because "he followed the race rules".  Either way, I was extremely impressed with the inventing and subsequently left wondering why this engineering/math/science gene skipped right over me.

And as if that wasn't cool enough, Jack got to take home a RC Circuit Board Rover.  If you aren't familiar with these they are pretty amazing and retail around 80 bucks.  It's endless hours of building and inventing engineer style.  

I'm thinking {or at least hoping} I won't hear the "I'm bored" phrase for the rest of the summer.

So with camp week one {or two if we are being honest} down, it's time to hit up those Summer Lists again.  

And we're off...

Fabulous Father

It was a weekend of celebrating.  After we wound down from my birthday festivities, the fabulous Father we love and adore was up.

My kiddos love a holiday and this Father's Day was no exception.  I had all intentions of letting Daddy get some extra zzzz's on his special day, but our morning panned out a bit different.  

The littles woke and on their own decided to make his "favorite" breakfast.  The menu included milk with a little cereal, fork pierced cantaloupe, and left over chocolate cake from my birthday. I got the biggest kick out of watching and listening to Jack and Maggie plan and prepare it.   There was no way I was letting Daddy miss out on this delectable breakfast so I gave in and let the littles wake him up.

And being the sport he is, not only did Daddy forgo his sleeping in privilege, but he actually ate their cuisine.  Now that's one Fab Father.

The kids could hardly wait to shower Daddy with his Father's Day presents {that they had each wrapped and decorated the day before}.  So post breakfast we dug right in.  It wasn't long before three little monkeys were clambering all over him in the excitement.

I'm pretty sure Daddy's in a Father's Day choke hold here.  {I told you he was fabulous and I'm sure he would be smiling if he could}

After I got those wild monkeys tamed and dressed we headed over to the river for a nature hike.  We weren't too sure how this would go considering Maggie isn't much of a hiker and Lucy's stroller isn't necessarily made for off roading.  If you don't count the endless poison ivy we were trying to dodge, I would say it went rather well.

Maggie surprised me with her princess like hiking moves.  And might I note, not one complaint from that sweet things mouth.

And as you know, Lucy must do as her bigs do, so she ditched the stroller about mid hike in and did absolutely amazing as well.

{Please take the word "hike" with a grain of salt.  I just noticed how loosely I used that term throughout this post.}

Happy Father's Day Daddy!  You are such a trooper and we adore you for it!  xoxo

Happy Day To Me

I got to share my birthday with one very unusual occurrence on the calendar this year.  Not only did it fall on Friday the 13th but it was also a full moon.  I can't say I've ever really enjoyed having my birthday on the 13th, but add the Friday part and the full moon and I'd be lying if I didn't say I was a wee bit addled.  Apparently, I don't have to worry about this for another 35 years, God willing I'm around by then.

But much to my happiness, the day went smoothly well and continued so right into the evening.  No werewolves or three headed monsters to be seen.

Just me and my little trio.  

We started the day knocking something off their "Summer Lists"....Catch Air.  Had I planned more thoughtfully I would have realized this was my actual birthday when I was filling out those summer calendars.  Needless to say, it's not my favorite activity they had listed.

But, they loved it and because of that I had a great time too.  Afterwards, I took my littles to lunch and for ice cream.  {yes, more ice cream, it seems to be our mascot of the summer}.  Honestly, we had a lovely morning and afternoon.  {and everyone got along beautifully}

Come evening we had a celebratory dinner at a Hibachi joint with Daddy and Grandma, because where else do you go with three little ones on a birthday night?

Come 'pay the bill' time the little ones started getting ants in their pants so I took them for a walk outside.  Somehow we ended up in a shoe store.  You would have thought they hit a gold mine.

Before I knew it we were leaving the store with three new pairs of shoes, none of which were for me.  However,  I couldn't help but relish in the girl's cuteness in their new pink Tom's.  And Jack got a great pair of running, swimming, and hiking slip on shoes.  Or as he refers to them "adventuring shoes".

We headed home to this deliciousness.

I was flooded with birthday gifts and lots of love....and shortly afterwards, over tired kids.

There is no doubt that I felt very loved and special this 13th day of June...full moon Friday or not.

xoxo sweet family!

Gone To The Beach

Oh my, it has been a while since my last post.  And though it may seem as if we've drifted off to the land of summer utopia, which is not far from the truth, we've actually been away on our  annual summer beach vacation.

This year took us back to the sugary white sands of the gulf coast.  Yes, we did have an incredible vacation last year in St Augustine, actually incredible may be an understatement.  But, our heart and soul lies on the gulf and that is where we happily returned.

Not a lot of bells and whistles this time {ie alligator farms, forts, and swimming with dolphins}, just some good ol' flip flopping between the beach and the pool, lots of ice cream stops, and even some extra special family time with our Florida cousins.

After a pretty uneventful drive down {including the fact that no one sleeps in the car} we arrived with three kiddos begging to hit the beach.  Clay graciously took them down, fully clothed, while I set up our new home for the next week.  All three of them returned with soaked and sand filled clothes...and giant smiles.  I knew it was going to be a great vacation right at that moment.

So the next day, as you can imagine, we hit the beach right after breakfast.  We definitely made some serious headway this year in the beach vacation department...all three kids were a-ok with sand on any and every part of them.  We did keep a bucket of saltwater nearby for occasional hand rinsing, but other than that, all was good.

Each day, after they had their fill of the sand and saltwater, the kids went straight to the pool.

I tell you what, this one is a little fish.  She could do this all day.  And the best part, I got a three hour nap out of her everyday of vacation.

We followed our first day with dinner with some Cibulas and family friends.  The kids were over the moon that their big cousins were joining us.

My Maggie couldn't get enough of the doting on from her Uncle Matt.  This little one adores extra attention.

The following day, with cousins in tow, we headed to the beach again.  This may have been by far the little's most favorite day.  We found a great wash out where the ocean had settled into a lagoon type area.  It was wave free and all of the kids could thoroughly enjoy it.  Lucy just might have thought she was in heaven.  Add big cousins and everyone was beyond happy.

As if our nightly ice cream runs weren't enough, a very {annoyingly} musical ice cream truck showed up on our street.  You better believe the kids were out there in no time flat.

They all returned with over priced sweet treats.

Post nap, I got in a fabulous game of Memory with this little sweetie.  And no, she would never cheat!

As you may have guessed she won.

After our Cibula family left, each day looked pretty much the same.  None less wonderful and exciting than the others.  We spent mornings in the sun and sand and then hit the pool.  By evening were out to dinner and making ice cream stops.

On our last night, I even scored a family picture.  That was a pleasant surprise.

But, I must admit, that I was totally bummed out when I took the kids out to the beach for pictures.  This is usually pretty painless, seeing as how the bigs know there is ice cream on the horizon for all cooperating kids.  Clearly Lucy didn't get the memo, or she didn't understand it.  Because this is how it went...

I was persistent, but she was not having it.  She just kept screaming "pool", which is what she called the gulf our entire vacation.  I imagine she couldn't figure out why in God's name I would bring her to the beach and not take her swimming.

So, I decided to focus on these cuties instead...

Until...I got Lu back up on the boardwalk.  I just couldn't let her get away without one {semi} beach picture.

And lookie here...they all still earned their ice cream.

And Maggie even got a beautiful rainbow charm necklace as her beach vacation souvenir.

The next day we packed up and took three of the cutest tan lined hineys I've ever seen home.  It was certainly tempting to want to stay another day or two, but somehow the rain moved in on our day of departure to remind us it was time to head out.

We've spent a day re-cooperating, unpacking and un-sanding everything we own.

It's high time we get going on those summer lists and a camp or two.