August already?

I can't believe it's August already! This summer has been moving right along. We've had some wonderful experiences and can't wait for more.

Our house seemed to have a revolving door last week. Sean left for California early Sunday afternoon to attend a small workshop at Stanford. We took Emma to Girl Scout camp late Sunday afternoon. On Tuesday, we took Alex to the airport to fly to Chicago for a vacation with Grandma and Grandpa Hested. While Benjamin and I were at the airport, the camp nurse called to say Emma had an upset stomach. So after seeing Alex off, we jumped in the car to pick up Emma. Benjamin sat in the car chanting, "Daddy gone. Assike gone. Daddy gone. Assike gone....." Benjamin was fascinated by the planes at the airport. Since we were dropping off a minor, we got special passes to go through security where he got the rare opportunity to go to the gates and see the planes a little closer.

Emma seemed to enjoy portions of camp, but did experience a lot of homesickness. We're not sure if the upset stomach on Tuesday was from being homesick or if she had a virus. It's a good thing it was only a 2 night camp, so she didn't miss a lot. I was amazed at the amount of activities she did in the time she was there. Here are some of the activities: archery, canoeing, a short pony ride, 2 singing sessions, a pool party, crafts, me time (quiet time in the cabin to beat the heat), swimming, and shopping at the camp trading post. At this point, she's not sure if she wants to do an overnight camp next summer. She says she prefers day camps. We'll just cross that bridge next summer.

Alex has been having an absolute ball with Grandma and Grandpa. My dad has a list of activities planned that is as long as your arm. My mom says they could keep him busy for the next 4 weeks. He arrived Tuesday and got to spend time with my aunt and uncle whom we stayed with in Iowa. My youngest cousins, 15 and 13, were there, too. On Wednesday, the whole crew went to downtown Chicago. Their first stop was the Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium. Alex experienced a once in a lifetime event. He was chosen out of the audience to come out on the island in the middle of the dolphin pool where he got to give signs for the dolphins' tricks and pet the dolphins' bellies. Wow, what an amazing experience! After that, they took a water taxi over to Navy Pier. They soaked up the atmosphere around there and then headed to the John Hancock Center (the 2nd tallest building in Chicago, just behind the Sears Tower). My mom said Alex was fascinated by the views. Thursday, my dad and Alex just took it easy around the house while they recovered from the big day in Chicago. That evening, Alex went out mini-golfing and did batting cages and go-karts with Aunt Dude and Uncle Mojo. This was the first time he's ever driven a go-kart. Dude said he was very serious and focused on the task. He never smiled and didn't let go to wave. Friday, Grandpa and Alex headed over to the river. They had lots of fishing and tubing planned for the weekend. They also attended Alex's first ever tractor pull. I haven't gotten much of a report on that adventure yet. Alex has caught several fish and learned how to knee board. Today, he is visiting Grandma and Grandpa Buckley. I'm not sure what the plans are, but I'm sure they'll have fun. So far on this trip, Alex has experienced many forms of transportation including car, airplane, water taxi, commuter train, city bus, boat, and my dad's old truck (that's a form of transportation that deserves a class of its own). I'm guessing he also will probably ride the subway/el when they go to the Cubs game on Wednesday. Needless to say, he's having a spectacular getaway and rarely wants to spare a minute to talk to his parents. Most of the above info has come by way of Grandma and Grandpa...

I laughed as soon as I saw this picture - notice the bunny ears on Grandma!

Saturday, I took Benjamin and Emma to the Austin Children's Museum in an attempt to beat the heat. We're having a particularly hot summer down here (today will likely be day 42 of 100+ temps in Austin this summer), so swimming doesn't even sound fun unless you go in the morning. At the museum, Benjamin initially seemed a little overwhelmed with all the noise and people, but he got into after being there a little while. The main exhibit was about sound, so they had all kinds of ways to make sound including a large drum, a HUGE music box cylinder, bells, slinkies, etc. His favorite activity was launching a pig in a parachute. The museum had pulleys rigged with a clip that would release when it got to the top and then a little parachute would release.

Benjamin loved this thing as well...There were lots of wooden balls that the kids could drop in at various places and then they would bounce around and "make music".

That's it for the weekly report...Have a good one and stay cool!