Summertime and the livin' is easy

Summertime and the livin' is easy.  We had a fantastic summer, a real blast, a much needed respite, a lot of fun!  Besides the vacations, we spent good quality time together.  We tried to be creative and get outside, despite the horrible heat.  We had some really fun play dates with Chris and Charlie, and the girls had play dates and special sleepovers with Grandma and Pops.  This summer was rejuvenating.  It was special.  We made memories that will last a lifetime.  It was exactly as it should be - it was a summer of fun where the living was easy.

Dinner date with Grandma

Special sleepover at Grandma and Pops's house

Snowcone tongues

Fun playdate at Claire's Kindergarten - Hill Elementary!

More fun at Hill Elementary

Playdate fun at Gullett Elementary - aren't they handsome?

Playing pirates

Cousin fun on the playscape

Isn't he a good helper???

We had MANY days in Pops's pool!!!  We couldn't survive summer without it!  So much fun!

1-2-3 Blast OFF!!!

She's ready, tutu, pink goggles and all!

"Mommy, watch this!"

Summer wouldn't be complete without the Ice Cream Festival.

A sister trip on the Domain Train

Splash pad fun!!

Claire loved her tennis/swim camp!

Camp Mimi and Papa

The girls spent Sunday through Thursday at their Mimi and Papa's house, as Mommy reported back to the classroom.  They were so excited, and it was really nice for me to have the time to get things together before the chaos of the "back to school" meetings and such begins.  I got lots done in my classroom, and I enjoyed the special time with Daren very much.  I know the girls loved every minute of their time in Houston.  Mimi and I have had big laughs that Claire spent the week in her nightgowns because Mimi thought they were her regular clothes.  I laugh so hard every time I think about it. Thank you to Mimi and Papa for the week of fun that the girls had with you!

Claire and Mimi riding bikes around the pool

A trip to the Houston zoo with one of Mimi's best friends was big fun for all!

They got to ride the carousel.  Claire rode the giraffe, her favorite animal.

They played in the splash pad at the zoo.

Claire and the chimpanzee had deep talks

Harper playing the drum

The zoo crew

Claire and Harper playing in the pool

Where's Lala?

As the girls say it "upside over!"

Posing Harper - such a princess!

Bedhead Harper

Water balloon fight with Papa

Looks like Claire is going to get him!

Watch out, Papa!  Here comes Harper!

Mimi and Papa found a turtle that they kept until the girls came. They all took it to the creek to release.

Harper loves rolling down the greens.

Claire loves to take care of  Mimi and Papa's dogs.  They love her!

The fish

Mimi and the girls having fun on the swings

Weeee!!!!!

Destin, Florida with the Banzhafs

We headed to Destin, Florida with the Banzhafs.  Despite the stomach bug that hit 3 of the 4 in my family, we had a great time!  I was happy for Miss Harper that she didn't catch it.  This was Harper's first trip to the beach.  She had a great time!  I'd be lying if I said she loved the beach.  Remember, she's my diva.  :-)  So, she loved the beach on her terms - playing in the sand until she noticed her dirty hands, playing in the water until her face got wet, loving all of it as long as Mommy and Daddy were holding her - you get the picture.  Claire, on the other hand, was a little mermaid.  She loved everything about the water!  Parker, Austin and Claire played all day long in the water.  We took a pontoon boat to Crab Island which was an awesome trip.  The kids all loved playing in the water that was shallow enough for them to stand and it was nice for the adults to have a bit of freedom.  We enjoyed the fireworks in Sandestin, the train ride in the Destin outdoor mall, Rob's famous shrimp/crab boil, and much more! 

Austin and Claire holding hands into the waves

Lucille and Harper enjoying the sand

Harper dancing in the sand

Parker and Claire loved riding the waves in the inner tubes

Our family at Crab Island

Claire caught the stomach bug on the way to Crab Island, so she spent much of the trip that day either sleeping or vomiting.  She was such a trooper! 

The crew watching the fireworks

Daren and his sweet Goddaughter, Lucille

Uncle D and his buddy, Parker

Sweet Austin was a little nervous waiting in line to bungy jump.  He was asking me all sorts of questions.  Then true to Austin style, he jumped right in and literally was doing flips by the end of his turn.  Way to go, brave boy!

Claire was brave enough to bungy jump!  She loved it!