Life Lately

oh my goodness. where to even begin. I feel like we have been really living it up this summer. Usually I say "oh we should do this sometime" and never get around to doing it. I've tried to make things happen this summer. The thought of Ainsley starting kindergarten is hitting me hard and I can't fathom how different things are going to be in a month. So, VIVA LA SUMMER! 

Ainsley did an "all sports camp" with her friend Tate. They did basketball, soccer, archery, volleyball, and tennis. Her favorite was archery, even though she said she never shot the arrow:) 

She has been really enjoying her ballet/tap class, but it is only a 6 week summer class. I told her to pick ballet or gymnastics for the fall, as of now she says gymnastics. 

We took the kids to see Parker's first theater movie, Incredibles 2. He was mesmerized and hardly took his eyes off the screen, or his hand off his candy. 

Loving our pool right down the road and loving how empty it is on weekdays. 

We celebrated the "4th" on the Saturday before because Philip worked not he actual holiday. We let the kids each pick out 3 fireworks,  got in a little spat over how much money to spend on said fireworks, invited the Sarlls over for dinner and the "show" (as much as a show of fireworks can be at 730pm). The kids thought it was cool nonetheless. 

Ainsley's pick, the dancer

We celebrated Mom's birthday at our house on the 1st. The kids decorated her gift from Dad, we had family over, a delicious cake, and lots of love for our favorite Mom/Nanny. 

we had a performance from the ballerinas, monster truck, and millie moo

After the birthday celebration, Anna Beth stayed for her first sleep over! Philip put up a tent, got stuff for s'mores, and doughnuts for the morning. We ate s'mores on the back porch and told "camp fire" stories that they kids thought were cool, because they were the main characters. 

Ainsley and Parker have been getting along so much better. Parker has to know where sissy is at all times, and Ainsley has really started taking care of her little brother. 

We tried out the Beaumont Y pool and had fun! 

This picture will crack me up for years to come. Parker so proud of his accomplishment of peeing outside, and Ainsley very upset at the result of her trying to do the same. I can't say this wasn't me when I was little surrounded by all boys.  

On the actual 4th, we went to Gtown where we met Nanny, Pop, Crsytal, Emma and AJ for the parade downtown. We lasted maybe 10 minutes into the parade before we were all a sweaty mess and the kids wanted to leave. We opted to go crash Matt and Rachel's pool instead. 

Later that night we finished off the fireworks we had gotten (they were pretty piddly really). But we had fun and the kids enjoyed it. We were back on the road home well before dark and kids were asleep before fireworks started. 

Several months ago I got us tickets to Jurassic Quest. They were coming to Rupp Arena and I knew Parker would be in heaven. We got there around 4 and it was already a little crowded. The dinosaurs were very life like, they got to ride a dinosaur, play in bounce houses, dig for fossils, and pet a dinosaur. Ainsley was not a fan of the dinosaur that came around and touched you, but Parker wanted to keep touching it. We walked to Pies and Pints for dinner, making for a really fun summer night. 

Home Depot had another kids workshop, this time they made a fishing game. Ainsley was very into it and worked hard on her project. Parker, however, didn't want to build and only wanted to eat the cookies. 

Ainsley is getting so good at riding her bike! 

Parker wanted to wear his incredibles mask and gloves to get FroYo. 

Parker wanted an "iron man slushee" so we made that happen. 

Ainsley passed her swim test at the Y, moving up to the yellow band and therefore making her swimmy free. She could also go down the water slide and the water park! 

Rachel brought the girls over to play and we set up the pool in the back yard, got some Chik Fil A & popsicles, and they had a ball. 

We had the annual Wilhoite Family Reunion , where Ainsley and Emma won the kids division of the egg toss! never mind that they were the only kids participating. Ainsley is so proud of her spatula and has been carrying it around all night. 

Philip blew up some water balloons, turned on the sprinkler and we played in the back yard. 

I know Ive said this before but I am really loving this summer. Philip has been home a lot more than in summers past, the kids are much easier, and the thought of school looming in the future is making me wish it would never end!