Summertime Fun

During the school year I am a big to-do list person. I like to start a project; I like to finish a project. I am in constant go-mode with a major fear of getting behind on daily tasks. 

But then school gets out...the weather warms up...and Summertime Fun Ashley appears.

And Summertime Fun Ashley is really good at saying yes to things she wants to do and nah to things she needs to do. I mean they call it summer vacation for a reason, right?!?!

Douglas and I really kicked off summer right this year; we went to Vegas! Doug has a real-estate show there every May, and every May I say he should take me. This year he did! I highly recommend taking a vacation to help you transition into vacation mode ha!

I went on his work trip six years ago, so I can say I have "done" Vegas. Instead of lounging by the pool all day with yummy food and drinks, we researched and made plans to go hiking or canoeing or anything not Vegas this year. 

But the best laid plans....(name the book reference).

Summertime Fun Ashley must have forgotten how good she is at lounging by the pool with a book (and yummy food and drinks) because that is what she did a whole lot of that, and it was wonderful. Wonderful. 

A toast to this guy too for making everything wonderful always.

Nana, Grandma Susie and Aunt Vicki took turns with the four. They were pumped about getting passed around; I am always so thankful to have so much help. Doug and I made it back for Memorial Day weekend. While we did accomplish a few must do's upon our return, as a family we decided we needed a little fun us day. It was time for Theodore's first zoo trip! The last time we were at the zoo Bennett was Theo's age, so it was clearly time to go back. Theo loved it and was happy to ride in the stroller (and train) all day. Bennett started the day with the misconception that the wild animals were just roaming around and could get him. No wonder he questioned my excitement to see lions and tigers and bears. After realizing he was perfectly safe, his joy radiated per usual. 

The zoo was packed (we knew it would be), but the weather was perfect and we weren't in any rush. Hands down everyone's favorite part of the day was the Sea Lion Show. We were all expecting maybe a few little sea lions and instead were surprised by a 700 lb Sea Lion named Robby. He was the best. 

We finished the day with supper at The Foundry and made it home for bedtime. 

It was just a really good day. 

Last week felt like our first week of real summer. We settled into our busy yet slow weekly schedule. We also swam at the Newton Pool for the first time. 

Em is a mermaid. Aug is finally big enough for the slide. B doesn't remember how to swim. And Theo...well jury is still out on Theo because he just took a nap. 

This was our attempt at a "Yay Summer" picture and while it appears that I am the most excited (and maybe I am), we can all agree that the Newton Pool really is our favorite place to be. 

Ball is already keeping us busy. Em has had a few games and has come along way since last year. Auggie was literally vibrating with excitement for his first game and really thinks his games should be longer. While the big two are fun to watch, everybody in this house was really looking forward to Bennett's first ever t-ball game. The cuteness of t-ball plus the cuteness of Bennett...this mom heart can't handle it. 

Theo is my ball buddy since Doug is busy coaching. He does a fine job sitting, but I maybe just discovered the ultimate ballpark mom hack. For $1 I can get a sno-cone without any flavor and for the next hour or so Theodore is completely content feeding himself what he thinks is a delicious treat. Winning. 

This past weekend it was apparent that Summertime Fun Ashley's way of life has rubbed off on her husband. We went into the weekend with plans to do yard work and whatever else we could accomplish. We ended up spending one day with friends at their pond and spending the next day at the lake. Doug and I joked that we sure lead a rough life...

Friends are Em's love language right now and Charlee is a forever one. 

Auggie fell in love with paddle boarding and kayaking this weekend. He turns 7 this week, and I hate to admit that he is looking 7 too. 

Bennett Lee would swim in ice water if I let him. His water bravery means we need to practice, practice, practice. 

Theodore (and his belly-we are all obsessed with his belly) seems to still be deciding if he is going to be cautious like Auggie or wild like Bennett. Or maybe he is going to be the perfect mix (which would honestly be Emery Kayt). 

When I look back through our fun I feel overwhelmed by the blessings and goodness in my life. I know that it is a blessing that I get to be "Summertime Fun Ashley" when I want to be. I had a student ask me this year if I was living the life I had dreamt for myself. My response was no; my life is more than I could have ever hoped for. These babies, my husband, my family, my friends. I think sometimes saying no to the do list and enjoying what He has gifted me is just what God wants me to do. He is the giver of summers and rest and smiles and all things good and to that I am thankful.

Today I am doing laundry and might even clean out my closet (needs done bad). I need to clean house, maybe straighten up the garage. Auggie's birthday is later this week which means I need to get somethings done early because come Thursday we will be back to just wanting summertime fun!