Pool party

It was a hot one today!! I'm not complaining though. I know all too soon the summer heat will be replaced with cool fall air, and going to the pool will be nothing more than a fond memory...

So, since Ashby Park closes tomorrow, the kids and I went there today with Andrea and her three boys and Carolyn and her two girls. It was the last time this year we'll be able to go, so we wanted to make one last trip. It was such a good day -- we packed a picnic lunch, and all of the kids played their little hearts out. Katherine also happened to run into a little girl from her preschool class last year that she hasn't seen since June, so that was great for her. As soon as she saw Avery, she screamed and gave her a great big hug, and Avery was instantly welcomed into the little playgroup as if she's known everyone forever. I love this age... The kids aren't clicky and definitely have a "more the merrier" attitude. Everyone got along soooo well.

Today, Caleb was in his element. It's so wonderful to see him grow and evolve with each trip. Each time we go, he feels more confident in the water, and tries something a little more daring, something a little further out of his comfort zone. In the middle of the pool, there is a round platform that kids can play on and swim around. Today, Caleb was standing up there like such a big shot jumping off into the water and squealing with laughter. At first he was jumping into my arms, but as time went on, he decided that he was a big boy and jumped into the water by himself. He was hot stuff!! .... and if you don't believe me, just ask him!! LOL

Later in the day, he saw Katherine swimming with Max and Isaac and tried to copy them. He had his hands on the bottom of pool and was trying his hardest to swim like the bigger kids. He was getting pretty good!!

After we got home and the kids got up from their naps, Katherine thought it was a grand idea to fire up the oven and bake cookies. Initially, I was like, "HELLO, it's like 90 degrees out, why don't we go outside and eat popsicles???", but after she grabbed the butter out of the fridge and hopped up on the island, how could I possibly say no??? So, I pulled out the mixer and both kids sat on the island and took turns adding ingredients. And the cookies??? They turned out pretty yummy!! Now, I've just got to find people to give them away to. I can't have them in the house!!

OH -- a Katherine funny for ya...

Tonight after dinner, I had to run to Target and pick up a few things, so Katherine and I went in shopping while Matt and Caleb bonded over outdoor furniture. (He went to look for a new set for the patio). Anyway, Katherine is sitting in the cart eating a cookie while I'm picking out cherries and grapes a foot or two from her. All of a sudden, she sees a father/son duo and yells to me... "Hey mommy! Look at those two boys. Why are they wearing earrings??? It looks like a girl thing". Oh my goodness, I wanted to die. If I could have hidden in among the grapes I certainly would have!! AAAHHH!