Summer Happenings

So here we are deep into summer, and it's only two weeks until school starts. I definitely have mixed feelings about this school year. One part of me can not wait to get back into a routine but another part of me dreads the school schedule, homework, making lunches,  pick ups, and drop offs. I can't even think about it. 

This summer has not been what I pictured.  This season of life is HARD. I knew having two kids six years apart would be hard, but I never imagined it to be like this. We came to a point in our lives (before Paige) where we got a taste of what it was like to be able to just pick up and go. We pretty much did anything we wanted.  It has not been easy starting over. I can't just pick up and go as easily as I used to. I can barely take them anywhere by myself, because I can't give my full attention to both of them. Paige is running in one direction, and Ella is wanting to go another.  Ella and Paige are in two totally different places in life. There are many days I go to bed feeling guilty, stressed, and defeated. I know this time will pass, but right now it's just not easy. With all that being said, I hope I can look back on this time of life and realize that I made it! It's true what they say about the days being long but the years being short. I remember Ella being two and feeling this way so I know things will get "easier." Until then send coffee, wine, and multiple babysitters. ;) 

Even though it has been hard we have had a lot of good times too. Through all the chaos and craziness we have managed to have some fun.

Paige has discovered a love of the playground this summer or "p-ga" as she calls it. She was scared at first to go down the slides but can now go down all the big slides. No matter if it's 100 degrees outside we have to make a daily appearance at the p-ga.

Ella has loved spending time with her friend, Jossalyn, this summer. Jossalyn lives super close so it's easy to get them together. We also went to a playground to meet up with quite a few of Ella's classmates. 

We finally bit the bullet and got ourselves a golf cart. Adam and Ella went and picked it out so I had no clue what they would come home with, but Adam picked out exactly what I would have picked. We love driving it around the neighborhood, golf course, and even over to the playground. 

It's also fun to take the golf cart out for pictures at sunset. Too bad it's still 100 degrees outside right now!

We have also spent a ton of time in our pool this summer. I will be glad when Paige actually likes it, but Ella and I swim during nap time usually. We also love to get in at night to swim. 

We went to see the sunflower fields at Bluegrass. 

Lastly, we finally rode the carousel at the zoo....five times. 

I am so sad to see summer break coming to a close. Every year I think it might get easier sending Ella back to school, but it never does. Summer 2017 has been difficult but also the break we needed to regroup before another school year.   

4th of July

We had such a fun fourth of July this year. Our neighborhood had a fireworks show on the third (that we missed) and a parade on the morning of the fourth. I was worried about the weather, but it turned out to be the perfect day!

Paige was out practicing waving her flag before the parade even started.

Ella wanted to be decked out from head to toe in patriotic clothing. Doesn't she look thrilled!? :) 

Paige and Mammy waiting on the parade to start. Paige was already feeling a little unsure of the sirens she was hearing. 

 Firetrucks led the parade...

 This older couple in their convertible was definitely my favorite part of the parade. 

A lot of our neighbors have golf carts so everyone decked them out for the parade. Next year we hope to do the same, although I really enjoyed just watching the parade. 

We spent the rest of the day eating and swimming. It turned out to be such a good pool day so that made me happy.

To end the fun my parents filled this piñata with goodies so the girls did their best to bust it. 

Paige had her chance to with her drum stick. 

I'm glad mother nature cooperated and gave us great weather for the fourth! It was a great day spent with family. 

Summer Break

We are about four weeks into summer break, and it's been non stop since school let out. We   have been keeping busy with house projects, swimming (lots of swimming), fun outings, and errand running. Even though I have little time to myself this summer, I am definitely not missing the school schedule. There is something about summertime that is so refreshing!

We took a little road trip to Marengo Cave a few weeks ago. Before we went I pictured us leisurely walking through the cave (Paige included). We ended up having a guide and Paige started crying as soon as we stepped foot in the cave. It was not worth making her and everyone else miserable so we skipped it. Adam and Ella went through, and Ella really enjoyed it. Paige and I found a giant sandbox to play in while they were going through the cave. I look forward to the day that Paige can enjoy stuff like this, but we are just in a different season of life right now. 

Paige has had the best time playing in the water. She isn't a huge fan of the pool but she loves being sprayed with the hose or playing in her baby pool. These pictures are so Paige. She is always happy and lives life to the fullest. 

She does have her moments though. This picture was taken on Memorial Day, and she was not happy about my picture taking. 

We made a trip to the mall, and I thought it would be a great idea to ride the carousel. Paige loved it until it was time to get off. She threw the most explosive fit I have ever seen. I couldn't get her out of the mall fast enough. Thank goodness Ella was with me, because she had to push the stroller out. It was UGLY. 

We have also been to the zoo. 

I took Ella and a friend to CMOE and Lics for lunch. They both had the best time. 

Followed by a playdate in our pool the next day...

I have been getting Paige in the pool quite often, but she only likes it for a small time. She enjoys playing on the steps. 

Ella has been a little fish. She has been in the pool almost everyday and loves to swim. All those swim lessons have definitely paid off. 

 I finally found a float Paige will sit in and not cry. She will straight up tell me no if I ask her if she wants to get in the pool. Hopefully she will grow out of that. 

We did our first home improvement project. I have been planning this since January, and it was finally finished in June. This picture below is what it looked like before. 

This is the finished project. I love how it turned out. We had the tile taken up infront of the fireplace and replaced with the matching flooring. We had the built ins put in, and the fireplace stoned.