Goggle giggles

For the last two weeks the kids have been trying to convince me they "need" goggles for their swimming adventures. While saving money and living better today at Wal-Mart, I stumbled upon a goggle deal that turned their "need" into an extra $3 added to the bill.

Once home, they were thrilled and immediately went about testing out the goods. This involved strapping the goggles on and sticking their heads into the four inches of water their sand and water play table holds. They were pleased with the results, so just imagine the goggle potential in more than three gallons of water.

They now "need" to go to the pool tomorrow for google testing and research.




And the 75 cents a piece we paid for the goggles was totally worth it ... simply for the crazy goggle mugshots we got.

Just a few reasons ...

why our kids are spoiled stinking rotten. But, I know, this too shall pass, and sooner than I'd like, we'll have four kids that don't want to be seen anywhere around us. So until that time comes, we'll indulge them with trips to the zoo and perhaps too much splashing.

Our summer days are numbered. Our days (wanting to be) together are numbered. Our days being completely thrilled by backyard sprinklers are numbered. My memories won't be.

Trace checking out a blue-tongued lizard at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Alivia and Alysse enjoying a red-footed tortoise at the zoo. They would have packed him up to come home with us.

Just one of the reasons why the county's water department LOVES us.

Alysse kicking back on the patio.

Alena at the top of a rope jungle gym we've discovered at a local park.

Visiting this particular park once a week or so, we've learned the walking path is great for bike riding.

We've got four kids that will now "go under" thanks to visits to East Butler County YMCA's waterpark.

A Sunday visit to Kings Island's Boomerang Bay proved popular. While they enjoyed the water slides, Alivia and Alysse named the lazy river their "favorite."

Alena and Alivia check out the jelly fish at the Newport Aquarium. The kids are always especially taken with this portion of the exhibits.

After the aquarium we took a walk across The Purple People Bridge. Spotting a large barge made it super cool for Trace.

School's out for the summer

"It has been wonderful having Alena in my class this year. She has worked very hard. Keep reading and writing with her this summer, and have a fantastic first grade year!"

This was the note added by Alena's kindergarten teacher to the wonderful fourth-quarter report card she brought home today. She's a first-grader now. Once the school year got rolling, the days flew by (at least for mom).

It really does seem not long ago that we were taking first-day-of-school photos and I was crying after the school bus. Now she's got a year of school under her belt (minus one missed day), and flies on and off the bus without either one of us batting an eye.

We're fortunate that Alena was given such a positive school experience from the very beginning. And even on her last day of school, she had a note tucked in her backpack from Mrs. Bonner asking the students to keep in touch over the summer. She included her home address so they can write her and fill her in on what they're up too.

What a terrific way to encourage their writing, and she'll genuinely enjoy getting each update. She'll most definitely be hearing from Alena; and Alena will be so thrilled with the letter writing and mailing aspect the learning will be fun.

First grade here she comes!