First Snow

Today we enjoyed the first real snow of the season. The key word here is 'enjoyed' because by next week, this fun, fluffy white stuff will be the object of my greatest frustration! Shoveling, cautious driving, and muddy puddles on my kitchen floor will turn the winter magic into a season-long curse. At least that's from my point of view. But, I'm sure the kids will continue to 'enjoy' the snow all the way through spring. And I admit...that's just what children should do. ;)

Kids these days!

Friday night we were treated to a special surprise visit by one of our fave babysitters (and our good friend!) Francesca, who was home from college on fall break. We have missed her so much since she left for school right after Kid's Camp in August. In fact, Kid's Camp is one of the last memories my kids have of her. So, it was extra funny to hear Marina's greeting to Francesca Friday night:

Rina: "Hey, do you remember YOU from camp?"

A couple weeks ago, Ryan was speaking to the 2nd and 3rd graders in the Jungle Room. He was telling a story of King David:

Ryan: "Who can raise their hand and tell me who King David was?"
Kid in the 3rd row: "He's the guy who defeated the Giant Pickle!"
(Those of you who are familiar with Veggie Tales will understand why that is hilarious!)

Mark's Date w/ Mommy!

Today was a special day for Mark and me. After breakfast, we went out on our usual morning powerwalk. But this time, we left the stroller and the 2 younger kids home with Daddy, who had stayed home from work today to heal from his sunburn! On our brisk walk, I asked Mark to tell me all about the waterslides he'd gone on yesterday at the waterpark. He ended up describing in detail his entire day. And I loved every moment of it.

It's so fun to hear him tell stories from his perspective. He really is a neat kid, and I love to get to know him more and more as he develops who he is.

By the end of our walk, we were dripping with sweat. Good times. We suited up and headed out to Phillip's waterpark. Again...just Mark and me. As Mark patiently waited, I enjoyed every second that I was able to lay on that lawn chair and catch some rays without having to look after little Reese and Rina. Finally, Mark convinced me to get up and go on some waterslides with him. I can't remember the last time I went on a waterslide. Probably pre-motherhood. So, it was pretty neat for Mark to see that I was willing to go on the slides with him. We hit every single one. And I got awfully drenched. Even my hair...which is another rarity for Mark to witness. He and I both savored every moment. Then, we jumped into the pool and practiced swimming for his swim test at camp. It was so fun to splash around and have each other's undivided attention. It was a very fun date w/ Mommy!

At the pool...

Every year I purchase season passes to Phillip's Aquatic Center, which is a waterpark with a huge pool, several waterslides, a kiddie area, and a humongous sand play area. It's the place my mom used to take my siblings and I when we were young. And it never gets old for my kids. We try to go several times a week, and we have so much fun!





Last summer was extra memorable for me. It was the very first time in my life as a mother that I could literally just sit at the water's edge and soak up sun while my kids played in the pool in front of me. I didn't have to stay 2 steps behind them, for fear that they would fall and drown. My kids were finally old enough to just go play!





Reese wears a life vest and is able to swim in deeper waters with Mark. They love to throw the football around and race each other to retrieve it. They are so cute! And Marina likes to play in the 3-inch water with her mermaids and ponies, while I sit there and bask in the warm sun. It's perfect! Many of Mark's friends from school and church also come to this waterpark. So he often finds a friend to accompany him on the waterslides. This is totally how I love to spend my summer with my kids!