My last post is dated July 14, 2009. It is now August 19, 2009...too far gone? Have I neglected my blog for too long that a post now would not be fun? No, I am still in the blogging world. However, my real world has been very busy. I thought one thing to do would be to recap our summer - really it was B's summer.

We planned out most of his summer back in the winter months, January or February in these parts. So, we knew most of what he would be doing with a few gaps to be filled in as the summer approached. I have posted about some of his adventures already, but will include them here as well. So, our summer went something like this...

Saturday, May 23, late afternoon...Mark and B loaded the last of their things into the 'white car'. And so, began their adventure to Washington DC. It was raining that afternoon and somewhere along the way, the A/C in the 'white car' decided to no longer blow cold air. A hot humid (100% - remember it was raining) summer day in a car with no air - AND no windows to roll down unless you want to get wet. They drove a long way, stayed the night somewhere between here and there. Next stop, DC. I really wish a travel journal had been kept of this trip by the two traveling. I think it would have made for a very entertaining read. Actually, a video or audio recording would have been great. For the next week - these two visited the sites of DC, played dominos over pizza for late night dinners, watched the Incredible Hulk (1970's episodes) for even later entertainment, and had a most wonderful time.

Sunday, May 24, was a very exciting day for me & E back at home. We had the pleasure of having A & O over to our house for a sleepover. This was due to the arrival of their baby sister EK. We anxiously awaited the phone call to let us know she was really on her way. The four of us were enjoying our Cheeburger Cheeburger dinner when we received the call that this was the real deal. EK was on her way into the world.

The following week, first full week of June, I was off with B. I couldn't compete with DC, so we stayed local and just hung out here. Mid week we went to a Braves baseball game...which was rained out. This was quite an experience. Really. They didn't call the game until very late into the night. We stayed there until this happened. Long night in the rain, long drive home, make up game to be announced at a later day. We ended up returning to Atlanta on the 22nd for the make-up game. B & T really enjoyed it and were more attentive to the game than I thought they would be.

Swim team and a kick-ball game were enjoyed too. Mark thought it would be fun to get our friends together for a parent/kids kickball game. AND it was a lot of fun. In addition to me & Mark taking time off from work to spend with B this summer, he stayed with Mrs. Helen a lot. He and his friend S enjoy their time together. I think (at least I hope) it makes for a more entertaining summer for Helen too. Maybe it keeps S occupied for some time- having B there to play. I hope! B also attended Presbyterian, Catholic & Baptist VBS this summer. We want him to be well rounded! :) He enjoyed all 3!! Not that I ever doubted that he would. He was very interested in what a Catholic was and what it meant. I told him that Mrs. Helen would have to help him out on that end. I was raised Southern Baptist, have strayed from my upbringing and now only consider myself a Baptist. Shameful, I know....but so much happier and ok with the world where I am now. Ok, I digress on the Baptist thing.

Our family also took in a night of camping just across the state line in Pine Mountain, GA. It was alot of fun! However, it isn't a good thing to have kids who wake up early in a camp ground when there isn't much to do at this particular camp ground in the early morning hours. So, we packed up camp and headed home - VERY early. Mark and I were able to get a LONG morning nap in while our children's brains got closer to resembling play doh from their TV time.

There was one week that Mark and I took off together for a "family" vacation. We left on June 28 (right after VBS at our church) to head out of town. We were on our way to Tennessee. Great journey there until we reached the tip of Georgia...STORMS. Trees falling into the interstate, the works. Never seen such a storm while on the road and hope that I never experience this again. We made it though, safely. The four of us were vacationing with Mark's sister, Angie & her family - Hunter (husband) and Ryan (son). Tubing, fishing, bathing in the river due to sulfur water, Dollywood Splash Park, did I mention swimming in the river? SO MUCH FUN! We had a great time. We stayed in a river house that belongs to Mark's cousin's parents (by marriage kind of thing). I have really enjoyed getting to know Shelly as we planned the trip and while we were there. She took a lot of time to help us plan and to get around while we were there. THANKS Shelly & Keith!!!

And so, we rolled on into July. The summer was flying by so quickly. I knew school would start before I knew it. A summer science camp, two weeks at the parks & recreation camp and time down south...it would happen before we could stop long enough to think about it. The last trip, hoorah for me & the kids was time in Point Clear. The Britnell's met us down there. Of course, we had a great time. It is an almost magical place. I think it is because I am near Mobile - the draping oak trees, the bay breeze, the smell of the bay, sand, THICK humidity, seafood - close enough to experience the fun things about this place, yet far enough away to enjoy the experience. There I said it. If you don't know 'what' I just said, dont' worry about it... :) To round out this final week of summer for me, I spent a girls weekend in B'ham with old friends that I haven't seen in years - about 15 years. Man, I am getting old. We gathered at Ross Bridge in B'ham and had a reunion of sorts. What a great time we had together.

B's last week of summer was spent with Mark off for his final week off. For them, it was hanging out in town and playing with friends.

Our big guy began 2nd grade on Monday the 10th. He loves his teacher and is beginning to show excitement over reading again. Which makes me very happy.

Not a very exciting post, just a log - more for me - of things we did this summer. I am ready for fall and have a day at the lake coming up this weekend. Then school activities will take up our time. Before we know it, it will be time to head out to pumpkin patches and shopping for turkey time!