Summer Recap

It's already December as I write this post so I have some really good perspective by now. And I say it was a GOOD summer! What a blessing to have Benjy at home with us that whole time!! He is now working part-time at CostCo and we're hoping he'll be hired full time at the beginning of the year. I say we're "hoping" but I'm not sure I really mean it from my heart. I miss having him around more. Any time he's gone, Riley walks around the house saying "Er daddy go? A work."

Summer, once it finally came, was HOT! We made good use of the blow-up pool we got last year and both of the kids were thrilled with it. I would work in the garden for a while and then go jump in the water with Annie. We also went to the pool at Lakeview Park quite a bit. Annie still does not quite understand why we can't go to the pool now, in December.

At the fountains at Settler's Park

Head all the way under water this summer!

Playing together - a rare moment for these two.

We were steadily working our way through all the flavors at the snow cone shacks but just ran out of time. Oh well, we'll give it our best shot again next summer!

"I can do it by maself, mom!"

The kids really got into playing with each other - and teasing each other - this summer. Riley likes to "wasso!" (wrestle) and Annie likes to run away from him and slam doors. Unfortunately for her, he learned to turn door knobs by the end of the summer. He also got his first haircut and "helped" dad mow the lawn.

Mowing and vacuuming are great attractions for Riley -
let's hope it lasts!

He also loves the electric clippers.
Actually, anything that's loud will do.

   Annie got to go with me to her first Caldwell Night Rodeo. She had a great time, although it was about an hour too long. Once the Dr. Pepper ran out it was a little less appealing to sit still, so we took a few laps up and down the fence and got to see some broncs up close.

Her shirt says it all!

Good times with Grandpa Cook!

 So to wrap it all up, here are a few of my favorite smiles from the summer.