Kaley’s Summer Fun

In an effort to keep Kaley and myself from cabin fever this summer I’ve been taking advantage of all the local kids programs I can find. Our number one resource is the library. As most of you know Kaley loves books, puzzles, videos and other kids. This makes the library a great option for air-conditioned entertainment. There are 2 libraries within 7 minute drive from our house and they both feature weekly story times for little kids. The only drawback, trying to keep the volume down. (Continued)

Number two on our list is the public parks. Weather permitting the park/playground is a beloved destination for Kaley’s “sides”, “sings” and the ever popular “climbing”. She loves to hang by her arms to swing as well as visit any nearby streams. The downsides to the playground are heat, other kids, and potential for injury. All of which have been a problem from time to time. Last week Kaley and I were enjoying a morning trip to Cloverdale park when a bus load of 7-8 year olds arrived and took over the equipment. Kaley currently has 2 substantial battle wounds from playing outside, a skinned up knee that bled more than any other wound she’s had so far and a forehead cut with goose-egg. Nonetheless, the park is a great place for meeting friends and burning off extra energy.

Swimming pools are number 3 on our list of fun. Kaley loves to visit her friend Kyle Resner and go swimming at his community pool. This outing has the added benefit of playing with Kyle’s baby sister Caitlyn. Kaley loves Caitlyn and whenever I mention Kyle she insists “see baby sister”. I hope this is a good sign that she will adjust well to being a big sister herself. Playing in the pool pretty much entails throwing toys into the water and taking them all out over and over. Kaley has started getting down on her belly in the water and putting her face under just enough to blow bubbles. I’ve read that this is a great first skill for little kids. She’s well on her way to becoming a fish, like her daddy.

And so, as these last few days tick by before baby boy’s arrival, Kaley and I have fun together. It will, however, be wonderful to return to my normal self so I can tumble, jump, and roll with her again.