Swinging Through the Summer

With Labor Day a few days past it means that summer has unofficially come to an end.  I am ready for fall temperatures, leaves to change, cozy clothes and hot chocolate.

Wizard of Oz Park

Cutie E and Cutie O have had a busy summer visiting many parks, learning to wash the car, taking the doggies for a walk, blowing bubbles, hanging out with family and growing into busy independent little boys.

As a kid I spent much of my summer pool hopping, riding bikes, climbing trees, and running around with the neighborhood kids.   It was a "Leave it to Beaver" kind of place to grow up.  One of the things that made it so special was the incredible park that wasn't too far from our home.  It had everything, swings, giant slides, hills to roll down and open space to fly kites.  Many afternoons we would pack a sack lunch and head to the park on our bikes where we played for hours.  I want to help the boys expereince a childhood filled with wonder, discovery and lots of play.

We have discovered some incredible parks that are within a short driving distance to our home.  This town really knows how to build a park.

Corkscrew slides are the best

Picture a park set in the woods that looks like every land from the Wizard of Oz.  This park has everything from the yellow brick road, to ruby read slipper slides, Aunt Em's house with a kitchen, musical pipes, and the best corkscrew slides.  

Usually you wash a car when its dirty, hot or want an excuse to play in the water.  On this day the car was a filthy mess, but it was also hot and super humid.  Since we would already be wet with sweat why not we cool water to the wetness.  The only thing I didn't plan on was Cutie E not sharing the hose.  It was a little difficult washing the top parts of the car.

This summer Cutie E learned how to throw the ball for the doggies.  He could use the ball launcher or he tosses the ball off the deck into the yard.  He giggles every time the doggies take off after it and bring it back.

Cutie E got bubbles for Easter and he loves them. It helped that Bluey was the cap, but by summers end he was shaking, dipping and even blowing on the wand.  I am amazed by the skills he has developed this summer.

We visited this park a lot over the summer.  Cutie E loved playing chase, climbing on his own and running down ramps.  He got so much braver as the summer passed.  I had to remember that its ok to let him fall, that's how he learns.  

Everything Doggies!  We have 3 dogs and the boys love them, unfortunately only 1 of the dogs loves them.  Kaia is so patient.  She lets them climb all over her, grab at her and even touch her face.  The other two are old ladies and usually run off or growl at them.  The first time Abbey let Cutie E close was a mile long walk with him holding her leash.  Cutie E walked the whole mile.  We asked if he wanted up or to stop, each time he said "nuh-uh".  

How cute is this?

The boys spend a lot of time at Home Depot.  This was the first time they got to ride in the cart together.  Cutie O was adorable.  I think he was just excited to be sitting next to his big brother.

Summer would not be complete if we didn't visit Costco at least 4 times, haha.  This was the first time I braved going alone with both boys and put them in the cart.  They did great!  Honestly it wasn't too bad.

I think I should have been the one to get a nap after Costco since I was the one who did all the work.  Don't worry boys, your time to help at Costco is coming soon.

While I am ready for much cooler temperatures, much less humidity, sweaters and football.  I am going to miss all the time we have spent outside.  Hopefully we have a beautiful long fall.