Even thought Kaitlynn had to start school last week, it didn't feel like summer was officially over until today. Tomorrow, Jackson will start Kindergarten. Thinking about the second half of our summer I don't think the kids could have really had it any better.
In the third week of July as we celebrated Jack's 5th birthday, Kaitlynn and Jackson spent a week at Camp Gabe and Loved It! Some of the friends Kaitlynn made at VBS were also and her camp week. She was ecstatic. Jack was able to have a little party with his camp friends plus a family party. I think we celebrated for a week.
Following Camp Gabe, Kaitlynn and Jackson discovered swimming lessons. We have spent so much time at the water park and they just love being in the water that I signed them up. Tonight I watched Kaitlynn swim one complete length of the pool without help or a life jacket. I am not sure who was more excited me or Kaitlynn.
At the end of July, I was able to do something I hadn't done in two years. Travel a great distance from home with Madelynn. There were several people who had not met Madelynn or had only seen her in pictures. I introduced her to her Great-Great Uncle and his wife, she was able to see Grandma Angie again and she met my mom's step dad for the first time, who I fondly call Grandpa.
During this visit I also went to my 20 year school reunion, WOW have things changed but yet the important things stayed the same. You see I made this trip with my best friend, we met the first day of high school and we walked back into those halls 20 years later together. She also brought her two year old daughter. Talk about funny times. Madelynn and Isabelle became fast friends it was cute to watch.
Weeks after Jackson's birthday we celebrated Madelynn's 2nd Birthday. Phil's sister and her husband were able to come and visit to help celebrate along with my parents and some of our close friends. You know those friends the ones that when I needed to take Madelynn to the ER at midnight I could call and wake them up and they were at the house in seconds. Most days they are more like family. We are most grateful for them.
This year Phil and I also celebrated out 11th wedding anniversary. We were able to go to dinner and not worry about any of those kids things. We even went to a restaurant that had very few children in it. It was nice to be in an adult world even if it was just for a few hours.
Our last hoorah for the summer, I took Kaitlynn and Madelynn to Mason, OH to see their Aunt and Uncle (my sister and brother-in-law) and their three daughters. Holy Tons of Girls! Batman! it was crazy but fun. This trip however was just Kaitlynn, Madelynn and I. Phil took Jackson to see his sister and brother-in-law in DC.
As our summer came to a close Kaitlynn, Jackson and Madelynn were able to go to the Carolina Panther Stadium and meet Sir Purr. This trip was not what I expected but at the end of the day they were very excited about meeting Sir Purr and couldn't stop talking about when I was trying to put them to bed.
At the beginning of the Summer I had no idea how I would keep the three of them busy but under a budget. It was not done without an incredible amount of help from friends and family. The kids had a wonderful summer and we just wanted to take a minute to say THANK YOU for those that made it happen it did not go unnoticed.
Normally, I would not point anyone out but I have to give a huge THANK YOU to Ms. Amy. She took care of the kids on the days I had to work. She was always there when we needed her most. She has a huge heart and a very gentle soul to care for Kaitlynn, Jackson and Madelynn. We would have never made it through the craziest days with out her and her family. You truly are a Godsend and very much appreciated.
TTFN~
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