First half of summer!?!

Norrie in pigtails - so necessary on those windy, windy days we had earlier in the summer.  She does fairly well letting me comb/brush her hair in the morning, but getting her to be still enough to do more than clip back a few locks is achieved by offering the iphone.  Favorite game - Tozzle.

Hot day number one of the summer: we checked out the Stewartville pool that had just opened for the season.  Quite nice!

For a week in June, Conrad attended Art & Literature Camp during the mornings.  After the first day he announced it was at least as fun as Quarry Hill Camp (and maybe more fun).  I was impressed because he REALLY liked QH camp last summer.  Over the course of the week his excitement only increased.  We will definitely be signing up for future programs with Alexis! (teacher)

While Conrad did his thing at camp, Norrie and I enjoyed our girl time.  One morning we visited a veteran homeschool mom to look through books and material she's ready to clean out.  Two mornings we visited girlfriends that stay at home now with their kids (and we don't see often enough because of general business that comes with raising children and working full-time).  One morning we took in a free movie at Wehrenberg Theatre.  (I watched it, Norrie napped.  It was a great way to take a break on a hot morning!).  And one morning we visited the public library and attended a morning program for toddlers.  I'll admit, the highlight of that morning wasn't the library though, it was the funnel cake we bought at Rochesterfest right outside the library.  Mmmmmm.  

In June we went biking on the Root River Trail.  For the first time Conrad biked solo - and did great!

"pre" Fourth of July celebration (Sunday) on Tricia's farm.  We were watching Connor for several days so he came along.  He did well, except he kept sneaking inside to the kitchen to grab cupcakes when he didn't think anyone was watching.  He only succeeded once.  Or twice.

Fourth of July: we enjoyed an impromptu brunch with friends (in their air conditioned home!) and then drove to Kellogg to visit Lark Toys.  (air conditioned nap time for kids in car :)

We just barely made it inside before Norrie got sick.  Really sick.  So although Norrie and I didn't see much more than the entrance and the bathroom of the place, Tim took Conrad on the carousal and walked around a bit before we left.  Definitely will make a return stop someday.

That same week we were slammed with unbearable heat and humidity so we stayed with family in Rochester.  After just a couple nights away, we were all so happy to be back home in our own beds again.

And summer continues.  Hot days, swimming, ice cream, popsicles, lightening bugs on the prairie....

Swimming Lessons

Although I originally planned on teaching kids to swim myself (how hard could it be?), I finally just signed them up for lessons instead.  I had hoped to take the kids swimming frequently this summer since the pool is only blocks away from daycare but when I found out the pool didn't open until 1pm that pretty well shut that idea down. (daycare drop off is 1:15pm)

Next thought was just sign up Conrad.  Then last weeks heat came.  Nope, Norrie is signed up too (because that means mommy gets to swim as well!)

 Conrad is loving it.  LOVING IT.  And the games he tells me about are pretty creative means to get the kids to do some basic (but sometimes scary to them) things in the water.

 Meanwhile, it's open swim time for Norrie and I in the kiddie pool.  There is an instructor, and so far he's provided toys and extra set of eyes to watch the little ones when mom's are distracted taking pictures of older siblings across the fence :)

After swimming, we shower then walk to the shady park next to the pool.  Towels and suits are laid out to dry (Conrad's job) while Norrie and I unpack a picnic.  We enjoy about an hour of downtime before daycare drop off.  It's going to be a great two weeks.