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.

An evening of putt-putt...

Cara-Lea and I just got back from a round of putt-putt...less than half a mile from our house.  We had seen the place but had never given it a try in 3 years (it doesn't look that impressive from the road--in fact we didn't even see it until a year ago.)  But we were glad we finally gave it a shot.  It was cheap entertainment and we had a lot of fun.  Cara-Lea is quite the putter!  And despite my multiple 4 and 5 stroke holes... (Continued) I did manage two hole-in-one's.  Ironically I made each one whenever Cara-Lea spoke the words "hole-in-one."  We joked that she was my lucky charm tonight. 

I managed to just barely pull off a slim victory, then we went inside and played the "roll the ball" game...where Cara-Lea cleaned house.

All in all a lot of fun.  Now after a sidetrip to get some groceries, we're settling in for some popcorn and TV. 

P.S.
I didn't have my camera as this was an impromptu decision, but I did snap a shot with my cell phone for your enjoyment.

Tina's shower

I arrived at a surprise luncheon baby shower just minutes ahead of mother to be, Tina Bralley. It was quiet enough at work so I was able to get off at noon for the shower and then went home from there. It was a nice change from the long days I have been working. The party was a small group of old friends & family that gathered at Donna Padgett's house (Tina’s Aunt). (Continued.)

Tina looked great. She had her son Xander with her. Debi Chambers brought Tina for the attempted surprise but she guessed something was up. In attendance were: Tina’s two grandmothers Teri Geiger and Marietta Wilson; Kelly Chambers (sister-in-law) with her two children River and Aspen; Kelly Myers (cousin) with her two children; and friends Susan Brown and Judy Sapp. All the kids were ages 3 and under so it was fun for all us grandmothers to watch them play. Aspen was just walking and was having fun smiling and practicing her 2-3 steps for us. The food was great down to the cupcake size cheese cakes topped with raspberry sauce. It was easy to tell by the gifts that a girl is on the way as there was a lot of cute girly things.