Summer 2014

Summer 2014- we have anticipated you for so many reasons and as we're down to the last few weeks before summer vacation ends and the 2014-2015 school year begins I can honestly say- this summer was NOT what I had hoped for. It's been wonderful, but I was hoping for a few more sunny days and a little less sickness. The bright sunny days that came our way we took full advantage - I'm just honestly, sad it's ending and with that, my daughter, who I love and cherish begins kindergarten and I am NOT ready to send her away. I LOVE her company, so this is a transition I'm just not ready for. AND on top of that, my precious three year old is heading off to preschool. How is it possible that my kids are at the age to go off and leave their mommy?!?! 

Ruthie and Brayden have stepped up (at their level) for helping keep the house tidy this summer. With the amount of ponies and toy cars, we needed a plan to help keep our house under control. Ruthie has really stepped up to help with household chores. Brayden is getting better as the summer reaches an end with making sure his toys are picked up. But- he does love to throw around the excuse that he's scared. :) 

We've had a couple great trips down to see our family in Philly and one not as great trip ;) We've enjoyed celebrating our parents 40th wedding anniversary, trips to the zoo, celebrating my favorite nephew's 5th birthday, making cookies with Gaga and visiting a ton of fun parks. We've not enjoyed poison ivy, and the virus that took over my boys while trying to visit the Drakes. We had hoped for a lot more smiles and get-to-gethers- but in the end my dear friend stated so well "I've missed life with you, and this my friend, is life!" 

We had a very fun but quick trip to the zoo during one of our most recent trips to the zoo. Even though some of my kids were sick, we still enjoyed seeing a bunch of the animals. My favorite this time were the huge turtles. Brayden loved the elephants :) (we didn't see any "real" elephants this time, but we did get that adorable picture in front of a fake one) Ruthie can't wait for Grandma camp because she's anticipating seeing the kangaroos. :) 

Time continues to spring forward but one thing has not changed. Seeing our dear friends and jumping right into our relationships. Ruthie and Ava didn't waste a beat! They were off playing and besides coming up to eat, we really didn't see much of them. I look forward to Brayden and Grayson playing together the next time they're together. :) 

We've also had some fun at home. on the days we do go to the pool we're excited and happy. Ruthie started swimming lessons and well- she's doing great and reminding me of myself when I was her age!  (sorry Ru!) She's almost accomplished floating on her back by herself after two short lessons. As the instructor said, as soon as she believes she can do it- she's going to do it! She knows what she's doing, now she has to believe she can! Brayden and Marshall also love the pool and I'm much busier this year then I was in years past! 

The whole Marshall clan went out to enjoy the Spikes baseball game $1 night! Uncle Ethan caught a home run ball and proudly gave it to Brayden. Ruthie got to dress up like a princess and dance the night away with her daddy.

I can't believe summer is winding down. In a few short weeks I'll have a kindergartner heading off to school and a preschooler! It doesn't even seem possible.  Ruthie just completed her kindergarten screening and is more then ready for her first day of school. Thankfully, the school is helping mommy by transitioning slowly.  Aug 15th we will get Ruthie's class list and her teacher for the year. We will have an icecream social to meet everyone. On her first day of school, she'll go for just an hour and I get to go with her which puts my heart at ease a bit.