Squeezing the Last Days Out

My boys start school after Labor Day - I actually have enjoyed this. We are trying to fit everything in these last two weeks. Our local amusement park is open every day this week, but then closed next week. So, we have gone to either the roller coaster side or the water park side 3 days this week - so far! It's been great - no crowds, although not every ride is open.

Next week, we'll go to our local zoo since we have passes. And we have big plans for next Friday - canoeing as a family. Pray for us please - seriously! I have never, ever, canoed. Josh and David did on their big Canada trip. I'm excited but nervous!

I feel like I need to have the boys do something everyday to make summer last. I think they would rather stay home and watch TV!

Do I have to Look?

I took the boys to a visitation tonight for a fellow Boy Scout's mother. The mom had battled cancer for a few years and passed away last week. To show support for their fellow scout, the boys were asked to go. This was my boys first visitation/funeral. We have had a few family members die, but the boys had never gone to the services. I wasn't sure how to prepare them or for what questions they may have.

I gave the standard advice of "just shake their hand and say I'm sorry for your loss". Josh advised them not to look at the casket - he gets the willys from them. David & Noah did well, shook Mr. Houston's hand and the children's hands. Ethan got a little scared and hid behind me. Lots of questions about the casket, where the body goes and how did they get the casket to the church. I tried to explain as much as I could about how God created us from dirt and we are buried in dirt - not sure if he got it.

I have a feeling there will be more questions to come and I hope I'm ready for them.

The Benefits of Therapy

Ah, the bliss of retail therapy. It has been a hectic week with my mom. She went from the hospital to a rehab place, back to the hospital and is finally back at the rehab place. I am beyond stressed at this point!

To conquer my stress, I took the older two boys shopping for jeans. Since they will probably hit a growth spurt soon, they each got one pair. And they are all about fashion - they each got skinny jeans and funky t-shirts. It felt good to hang out with them, getting a glimpse into the way their brain works. I love retail therapy!

I Surrender!

Crazy! That's how I feel lately, just plain crazy. My mom went to the ER this past Friday, was admitted to the hospital and is now at a rehab place. Her main reason was hip/leg pain, but no broken bones. However, she has pneumonia on top of that. So we have her in the rehab unit, meanwhile, my Dad isn't handling this well with his anxiety/depression. So, taking him to the doctor as well. In between of all that, trying to take care of the boys, the house, and myself. I keep waving my little white flag and telling God that I am all done. But I know that He is giving me my strength to keep on pushing forward.

Summer Fun at COSI

Riding the camel in Lost Egypt

Waiting to ride the Centripetal Generator

Playing around in 1898

Our crew on TV

The boys and I got to have our own "staycation" this week. We went to COSI with another mom and her 3 boys. Yep, 2 moms and 6 boys - watch out COSI!

My boys had not been there before - they had a blast! It is a hands-on museum with so much to explore. They have a really cool space area and ocean area. I think one of the faves was the Gadget area. We got to go to the Science Cafe and make experiments. Of course, we did rockets so we could watch things blow up!

Outside they have a Science Park with a Centripetal Generator. You can ride on this thing - and I did. Oh, my was I dizzy afterward! It was really cool though. It's like the rides at carnivals that spin and the floor drops off. Just don't eat before you go on it.

We rounded out the trip with a free stay at Embassy Suites thanks to my friend's hubby. Gotta love hotel points!

Back in the Groove

Summer is starting to slow down here. The boys go back to school in less than one month and we are ready for a little routine. For my part, I'm going back to the gym on a regular schedule. I can tell the difference in my body without going :) Though, using the Wii Fit has made me feel like I'm doing something.

Soccer practice has begun for the older two boys. School supply shopping is finished, except for the required Hand Sanitizer, Paper Towels and special calculator. I feel happy and sad all at the same time. The boys need to go back to school before all of their knowledge is completely drained. Yet, I have enjoyed the "lazy" days of summer with a relaxed schedule too. Guess I can't have it both ways.

Swimming Like a Fish

Ethan finally passed the swimming test today at the YMCA pool. Yay! He has taken this test several times, always hearing that he needs to keep his elbows up and out of the water. Today was his moment and he went for it. Now, he can go off the diving boards at the outdoor pool and go down the slide at the indoor pool. He enjoyed the diving board so much that he did a belly smacker. Oh, well - he'll learn.