Another joy of summer.........

I am not a huge fan of summer, it's just too blasted hot. It's not like we have miles of scenic beaches to refresh ourselves on while we are sweating to death out here in the middle of no where. We barely have feet of public pools. But it is what it is- and thanks to my little people I am enjoying summer more and more each year. See, as you all already know, these little people LOVE summer. Sprinkers, wading pools, sidewalk chalk, lightening bugs, parks, oh my! The summer is it for them, and because they are not trapped inside the house trying to kill each other- summer is becoming more of 'it' for me.

Each year, there is a father/jr. fishing tournament hosted through the Teamsters. Last year was the first year Dan went with the girls, and they loved it! 4 hours of non-stop fishing action, free hot dogs, all the mountain dew you can drink, prize bags, the hokey pokey and small trophies- they were all in heaven. Here they are last year............

Gosh- a year sure has changed them both so much. Back to business...........

This year, Dan was scheduled to have his kidney stone removed during the weekend of the tournament, needless to say he was more than a little bummed. He had really been looking forward to taking them again. I feel blessed that Dan's dad wanted to take them in his absence. His parents came and spent the days of Dan's surgery here with us to help, and it was such a relief to have them here- I am certainly blessed with a wonderful pair of in-laws.

So, Dan's dad said he would take the girls- which was impressive but scary. Not scary because he can't handle it, scary because it's a 4 hour event in the blazing sun with an 8 and 4 year old who are easily distracted and usually a bit 'whiny'. But none the less, he was game.

Here they are- departing for their day of fishing.

And here they are after they got back home. They each were awarded a trophy for their excellence in fishing, along with a gigantic bag full of 'fabulous' kid stuff (notice Allyson's green water yoyo).And here is Emily on her brand new bike! They have drawings every year, and this year this little pip squeak won. Boy- she is sure one proud girl. Last year Allyson won a cool fishing pole. We are winners!

Dan has already talked about the tournament next year and how it will be Sam's first. I've already marked the calendar and begun making plans of my own. You see, if he takes all 3 to the fishing tournament, I will be here alone.

Alone, alone, alone, alone, alone, alone................... that is just simply something that I so very rarely get to be is alone. Not that I want to be alone all the time, I love not being alone as long as my company is this crazy bunch. But a few minutes or an hour here or there, heavenly. I suppose you can not really appreciate being alone until you have children and you are never alone again. Not even in the restroom, but that's a whole nother story!