Simply Summer

Hello all!! I've been feeling a bit guilty because we haven't done anything "picture worthy" or "blog worthy" lately. It feels like too much time has passed since I got the camera out. So I decided to take some quick shots of what we have been up to, whether it's interesting or not :) These are the moments I want to remember down the road - the simple moments at home playing with my girls. I already struggle with finding a balance between over-scheduling all of us and having time at home to just enjoy my family and let my kids play with the overabundance of toys we have accumulated over the years. So this summer, we kept it simple. No weekly activities, no setting the alarm clock, and no committing to much of anything at all. Since Christa thrives on routine, and is at an age where certain camps and church activities are fun, I signed her up for one week of VBS, one 3-half-day summer camp at her school (Abby Kate tagged along for that one), and one week of Dance Camp where she takes ballet. I had planned to do many play-dates, but Cline's schedule allowed him to be at home nearly every morning, which is prime play-date time, so that didn't quite happen like I had hoped.
It's been relaxing for sure, and I've actually had time to just play with my kids, without feeling like there is something else I should be doing. I would do well to always achieve this type of balance. We didn't even go to the beach! Our only "trip" was the lake weekend for Cline's birthday. (Although we do have a trip to Disney coming up, and are planning a Fall visit to see my sister in Miami, so don't feel too sorry for us :).
So, as we get ready to go to school orientation this week and re-start our regular routine, here are some pictures of our simple summer (taken over the last two days).

We stayed indoors because it has been painfully hot, and I am pretty much a wimp when the weather isn't a comfortable 75 degrees. When Cline was off work, we went to the pool a lot! But I don't have any pictures of that, so....

.... we played with our Squinkies (a brilliant, non-sugary Easter-egg filler from my mother-in-law) and Strawberry Shortcake toys. We also watched a lot of Strawberry Shortcake on TV - that is Abby Kate's current favorite, and she asks for it every morning.

We also played with our Disney Princess toys and our castle, carefully lining up everyone and taking them out again. (We did the same with our My Little Pony house and toys many times).

The Disney Princesses enjoyed a friendly game of Red Rover yesterday!

Christa and Mommy had fun, too, while the babies were napping!

We read lots of books.... and Abby Kate discovered an all new love for the pacifier (thanks, Elizabeth :).

Abby Kate also spent lots of time putting her own shoes on.... sometimes mismatching... and often on the wrong feet!

Elizabeth chilled and enjoyed her sisters' attention.

Abby Kate snuck in a few minutes of playing with Christa's toys while she was at an impromptu cheer leading clinic this morning.

She also enjoyed having Elizabeth all to herself!

Sweet sisters!

Elizabeth is growing every day and is happy as can be!

It's been a great summer, and I don't think I would change a thing about it. I am looking forward to re-joining our school groups and activities in the coming weeks, though! I, too, thrive on routine, and I miss seeing my friends.

Have a great day!