Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days

Of summer….although the lazy part never seems to apply to my husband or me, unfortunately. Our days seem to be even busier than ever in the summer time, though it’s a fun kind of busy. This afternoon I finally found time, during DJ’s nap, to write this post., and this is the first time I’ve turned on the computer since last Thursday!

Last weekend, we took the kids to one of many beautiful parks in our state for a fun day of swimming,

paddle boat rides,

and picnicking.

This particular park also has an open-air roller skating rink, which was built in 1929. I learned about it on a PBS special, and I was pretty excited that it was only about 3 hours away, because when I was a kid, roller skating was one of my favorite pastimes. In junior high, I spent nearly every Friday night at the skating rink, but roller skating rinks seem to be a thing of the past, at least around here. I was anxious to introduce my kids to skating, which has always seemed way more like fun than exercise to me, and I couldn’t think of a better place to do it!

The cool lake breeze flows through the open-air rink while you're skating - nature's air conditioning!

DJ bravely made his way around the entire rink, all by himself. He refused all offers of help.

The girls were frustrated and nervous at first, but after a couple of hours, they really got the hang of it!

This man has been skating at the open-air rink since he was in high school, in the 1940s. He's 77 - skating keeps him young.

I’m happy to report that I can still skate like the wind, in spite of my bad ankle, but I did wipe out once, and you know what? Falling down hurts WAY more when you’re a grown-up. I’m still nursing my wounds, which include giant bruises on both knees and one wrist, and a skinned-up shin…but it was still the most fun I’ve had in a long, long time. I especially enjoyed just relaxing with my husband, which we don’t get to do very often.

On the way home, we drove alongside this Union Pacific train, and the driver waved to DJ and blew the train whistle. This was quite a thrill for our train-loving boy!

So far, this week has been somewhat hectic, because I have to get all 3 kids up, dressed, and out the door by 8:15, so we can be in the city for Cakie’s 3-hour art camp, which she LOVES.

She thought it was pretty great that they gave her a free camp t-shirt and water bottle on the first day.

From 9-noon, while Cakes is at camp, Bee, DJ, and I usually run a few errands, then attend some free library programs.

DJ actually sits, listens, and participates at story time - it's been a pleasant surprise!

I also purchased a family membership to our local science center, because for $60, our entire family can visit as many times as we want for an entire year. After only 5 visits the membership pays for itself, and I think we’ll definitely get our money’s worth this year, since Bee also has a week-long day camp in July, and I’ll be looking for ways to entertain the two little ones.

This morning, Bee spent over an hour in the “hospital,” examining x-ray films,

This poor guy has a nickel in his stomach.

and doctoring her bear who, judging by all the bandages, sustained some pretty serious injuries.

DJ built and raced a Lego car over and over again…he never tired of it.

They were so absorbed in their activities that I had time to read several magazine articles without interruption!

In other news, my husband and I finally finished all of the hallway trim.

We also put up new light fixtures, and everything looks great! I must admit, I don’t particularly enjoy DIY projects, but when we work together, it can actually be fun. I think we make a great team.

Tagged as: Children, Daily Life, Debt Free Decorating, Marriage