Summer Fun

Summer is here and so are the H.O.T. temperatures.

 It's temperatures like these that prompt me to ask Justin why we don't live in Maine but his answer is always the same: Because we live here. And then, as if I were reading straight out of a novel, I reply "but my soul resides there". A little dramatic I know, but drastic temps calls for drastic measures!

Even though, we are living with our daily forecast above 100, we are making the most of it and still managing to have a great time.

One of the 1st "to-do's" to check off my list this summer was to fix our kitchen door. This door is where I post all of our Christmas cards that we get so that everyone can see them when they walk by. This past Christmas, however, I used double-sided tape and when I went to remove the cards, the paint came along with it. The door looked polka-dotted for nearly 6 months, until I followed through on a great idea a friend gave me which was painting the middle of it with chalk board paint. I have to say that we are loving the finished product. Justin and Charlotte immediately were drawing all over it and leaving sweet messages. I recently had my fun too by listing fun things to do this summer....

This summer I'm still trying to convert someone in my family to loving snow-cones as much as me. I have always LOVED them and in high school worked at our local Summer Snow. I swore that Justin loved them too, because he always drove by back then and bought one from me. It wasn't until we were dating that I learned the only reason he would stop to get one was because my car was parked there and that meant I was working.  oxox

Charlotte began learning tennis this summer. She goes to a clinic once a week for 3 1/2 - 5 year olds and is enjoying it. Justin and I are both amazed at the opportunities she has. Neither of us picked up a racquet until middle school aged.  We enjoy watching her "play", and enjoy the margaritas that we order while we sit on the deck and watch.

My little helper at work. This summer, we're really enjoying making home-made pizzas. I almost refuse to order them from a local establishment now... unless, of course, time is an issue. But, I know Charlotte likes cooking and it's a fun activity to do together in the evenings. Her favorite toppings are cheese and mushrooms. 

Learning to spell her name and write her letters.

Our trip to the Dallas Museum of Art. I packed a clip board, drawing paper, and a pencil and let her draw her favorite paintings that she saw. We made a lot of stops to sit and draw! What was interesting and educational was when we stopped at an African "boy" sculpture. She sat down and drew it very anatomically, laughing and asking if I knew what "that" was. Oh my little girly, please never grow up!

Camping out in the living room. Charlotte and Justin decided on this adventure together. My 1st question was, "are we sleeping there too"? Thankfully the answer was NO! But we did have a fun night with the teepee Grammy made and yummy s'mores.

Running through the sprinkler

Dancing with daddy is always the most wonderful!

Lakewood 4th of July parade

Ready to watch fireworks with friends. I think we're the only area in Texas that did not have a fire works ban. The drought conditions are unreal this summer. Texas needs R.A.I.N.!

Always a terrific show!

Having fun at a local Rec center with friends. 

The highlight of this trip was that Charlotte got registered with the city's parks and recreation centers and was given her own ID card with her picture on it. I'm seeing a request for her own wallet soon!

And finally, the little gem we found in Lake Highlands, Launa's Little Library. It is the most darling library! Exclusively for children, this library is free to the public and ran out of Mrs. K's home. We went yesterday with friends, but went back today so that Charlotte could get her library card and book bag. AND... to check out 5 books this time. A little fact that Charlotte did not forget!

She joined her 1st reading club! If she reads (or read to) 20 books from LLL this summer, she gets to have a car charm placed on her book bag. Charlotte replied, "WOW!". A goal we'll be proud to complete!

Char and Mrs. K (the saint)