Big Pool

Well, better late than never..... I joined our local pool.  The first month or so of summer wasn't that warm so I kept hesitating to join, not sure I would really get our money's worth out of the membership.  Two summers ago the pool was knocked down to build and replace an old, falling apart pool with a brand new, fun filled facility.  It has water mushrooms, a zero depth pool for the little ones, and special toddler times before the pool opens to accommodate nap times!  

So, even though we only joined for 1/2 the summer, it was worth every penny. Shannon loved it and so did I! I am able to play with her when I want  as well as safely sit on the side and watch her play and interact with other children at the pool.  You are allowed to bring guests, so anyone is welcome next year!

New Places!

Today we visited a local tourist attraction with our friends Lisa and Blythe.  The girls rode the merry-go-round, the Thomas Train, played at the museum, got to see a real live turtle, and ate lunch outside! Many of these activities were a first for Shannon. As her mom, I love watching every first and cherish these special moments forever! Summer is so fun, I wish it lasted longer!

Big Girl Play

I met my friend Susan when I first starting teaching at my current school 13 years ago.  She was first hired as a sub and then eventually as a first grade and K teacher.  She is the kind of friend who you can call after a few months of not talking and pick up right where you left off.  I can completely be myself with her and not ever feel judged by what I say, share, or feel.  We have shared many memories, secrets, and hard times over the years.  She did a reading at my wedding when she was 8 months pregnant! Her children are 12, 10, and 7.  I had always wished we would have children at the same time, but it didn't work out that way! Now, when we do get together, her girls are very sweet and patient while they play and hang with Shannon so we can talk. Shannon enjoyed every minute of being entertained by the big girls.... getting to go down the slide and climb all over. Thanks Danielle and Courtney, Shannon loves you.

Love it!

Just love it! Shannon isn't the most cuddly child, so when she is snuggly, I take advantage of every second!  She is getting better and is starting to reciprocate more. I think I kiss her 100 times a day!  I have always love babies... holding them, kissing them, and cuddling them. Now that I have my own, it's like a daily fix  for me!

Family Play

Our cousins, Caleb, Sarina and Aunt Sandi hung out with us on this hot summer day! I tricked Caleb and Shannon into looking at the camera at the same time to get this shot. Turned out pretty good, I think. Shannon really enjoys the water- even this summer at the babysitter, she loves playing and splashing in it. Next summer I hope she continues her love for the water and can begin to take swim lessons. It's really important to me that she learn to swim. I never did. I really tried many times. I'm not afraid of water but I think I was just enough afraid of deep water to hold me back.  Todd likes the water and can swim well, maybe this is something they can do together so Shannon does not take on any of my  swimming issues. 

Playtime

Being a working mom often leaves me feeling like Shannon, as well as I, are missing out on many of the mommy/daughter events and activities that non- working moms get to do. I am fortunate that my town has a working moms group.  Everyone is a working mom which makes it easy for us to relate to one another and allow events to take place on weekends and after work sometimes.  Today was a simple meet up in the park with a McDonald's lunch after. She was in her glory at the park.  We mostly visit the park on on corner so this new place was a special treat.  I kind of hesitated to go to lunch since Shannon is very particular about what she eats (I wonder if she got that from me? hmmm?). However, I figured I'd just go for it and hope for the best! Well, what do you know, it worked out! It was her first time trying nuggets and fries, and of course, like most kids, she loved it. The "dipping" in ketchup was so cute to watch. She was so serious, as she is about most things, and didn't pay much attention to the playland part until after the meal had been consumed!

Julie

Julie and I have known each other since 1986, that's 23 years!  We met in college when we lived next door to each other in the dorms and have stayed in touch all these years.  We have been in each other's weddings and have shared some life long memories.  Julie is a great friend that makes it so easy for you to be friends with her.  I have never felt competition between us and she has always taken in interest in what is happening to me, my family, and my life.  Throughout the years we have visited each other in our home towns (she is from Galesburg). This summer her son Peyton, who is now 11, was in town for a baseball tournament.  They are a big baseball family, Julie's husband has played his whole life and now coaches a college team.  

I drove to meet them at their hotel and of course we had to take a group shot. Julie's daughter Jillian was loving hanging out with Shannon. It was so fun for us to see our kids, 13 years apart, interact with one another!  Julie, her mom, Jillian, Shannon and I went out to dinner and we spent the entire night talking!  I really miss not being able to see her all the time- wish we lived closer. Julie really hasn't changed a bit, I Iove it!