Summer Update

Ah, summer time.  A time of rest and relaxation - NOT!  haha.  Although we are all enjoying our summer, we are doing anything but rest and relax.  We have a very large yard project we are in the midst of tackling (that will almost definitely run the remainder of the summer to complete - mainly because two small kids don't allow for loads of focused time towards it), a brand new basement we still haven't moved into (again, that lack of time), and my business (I took time 'off'' to tackle an enormous to-do list, finalize new service offerings, update the website, move into my new office space....so really I am working, but in secret...??).  Ultimately, we are taking advantage of the warm weather to get outside (a lot!), but this also means long days in the heat, late nights, and as usual, early mornings.  Is it Fall yet? =) Just kidding.

As for the kids....

Neela loves helping her dad outside and she is an excellent helper indeed, but she really misses the social interaction of 'school'.  She still thrives at coloring and drawing and begs us on a regular basis to go places, see things and fill her schedule! Keeping Neela occupied this summer has been challenging especially because Ashton is still a bit young and isn't as interested in the things she is.

Ashton has changed enormously in the past month (now 22 months old).  His speech suddenly accelerated at a rapid pace; he can sing songs (words in tune) that he has only heard a handful of times (this unfortunately includes pop songs he hears on the radio like Britney Spears) and regularly showers us with full and complete sentences.  Some of his recent phrases:  "I have a black coat"....."No, I do it"......"More please mom"...."Kitty come too!?"..."Where dad going?".  Yup, we have chatty kids. 

I will try to post some pics and video soon...but as mentioned it is summer and we are resting and relaxing......

UPDATE - a few recent pics from our visit to the splash park:

 We took the kids out on the paddle boat, which they loved! 

We didn't get any pics out on the boat tho.