Summer 2015

We cannot believe that this is the final weekend in August.  The summer moved fast – just like Natalie and Harrison!

At the Lake

We went to the lake with our close friends, who are kind enough to invite us to their amazing place every year.  It's become a tradition that we hope continues well into the future.  Harrison and Natalie look forward to seeing their friends and riding the boats.  Harrison is pretty much convinced that our friend Todd owns the entire like.  And that is why it is called "Todd's Lake."

Fourth of July in our neighborhood perfectly captures why we love it so much.  The city blocks off a long stretch of street, and there is a kids parade.  The neighborhood kids decorate their bikes, wagons, and strollers, and then  parade together down the street to a church parking lot for popsicles.

July 4th Parade

Parade

Harrison attended his very first soccer camp.  It lasted one week and Tom was able to work from a park bench and watch Harrison practice every morning.  The weather was great and Harrison had a great time.  He really liked the coaches and the kids got along great.  On the last day of camp, the kids got to wear costumes.  Harrison "dressed up" like a soccer player. 

Soccer Camp

Natalie loves being outside, and we've been fortunate enough to enjoy countless afternoons and evenings just playing in the backyard.  One of Natalie's favorite activities is "painting" the house and toys.  She uses a paint brush and bucket of water to paint, and this can keep her busy for minutes on end.  (Minutes are a very long time for Natalie.  She does not typically stay in one place for very long.)

Painting

Both kids love some good old fashioned sprinkler time.

Sprinkler Fun

Harrison enjoyed a 3 night sleep over with Amy's parents.  He certainly enjoyed being the center of attention with Grams and Grandpa.  They went to the park, watched movies, visited a science activity center, visited Grandpa at his work, and just had an all around blast.  The plan was for this jigsaw puzzle to last several days.  But Harrison knocked it out in about an hour.

Puzzle King

Natalie showed an early interest in potty training, and we're going for it.  She's doing remarkably well and the entire family is ready to be done with diapers once and for all.  But even with frequent sprints to the bathroom, we can still enjoy indoor "picnic" dinners.  

Picnic Time

Harrison took swimming lessons this year.  He loves going to the pool and splashing around, but he's been hesitant to go under water or attempt to swim on his own.  The swimming lessons were great, and now he is going under water with goggles, and trying to float on his back and use a kick board.  The light has gone on, and we're going to try and do more swimming lessons this fall.

Swimming Lesson

Tom and Harrison got quite a surprise on Father's Day in the form of Royals tickets.  The Royals suffered a rare home loss, but Harrison wasn't discouraged by the 10 run deficit.  He made it to the 8th inning, and left the ball park yelling "LET'S GO ROYALS" at the top of his lungs.   It was pretty funny how many other fans jumped into the chant in the concourse and parking lot.  Everyone appreciated his spirit!  Natalie has also been known to start the impromptu "LET'S GO ROYALS" chant at the grocery store or restaurant.  

Ball Game

Harrison officially started the kindergarden program this year at his Montessori school.  He's one of the older kids in the classroom now, and that will allow him to work on his leadership skills as he helps to develop the younger children.  He's fully adjusted to his new school and very happy.  Here is a picture before heading out to school on the first day of kindergarden.  Natalie was very proud of her big brother, and she would like to go to kindergarden too ... ASAP.

First Day of Kindergarden 

We are all happy and healthy.  Tom and Amy are busy with work and even busier trying to keep up with the kids.  We would not have it any other way!

Planning Next Move