2017 :: week 27

SUMMER 2017 :: WEEK 7

the week where we took things slow

July 2

Summertime is game time. For whatever reason we seem to play a lot of games in the summer. Disney Eye Found It has been in heavy rotation recently. It is a pretty fun game that adults and kids can play together on a relatively even playing field. We really like games that are quick enough to play a few rounds before bed.

July 3

As I thought about things I wanted to do this summer, I wanted to get the kids involved in the community and help others.  Delivering "Meals on Wheels" seemed like a good fit. We have been assigned a route to deliver meals each Monday morning. It takes a little more than an hour and we've developed a good routine. Will and Lauren alternate getting out of the van and walking the meal up to the door. Elliott gets out once or twice depending on his mood. The first few weeks were a little rough, Elliott did not want to hand over the food. Luckily the recipients were very gracious about his death grip on their desserts.

July 4

For the sixth year in a row we hosted a potluck BBQ on the 4th of July. The weather was a bit of a bummer in the morning--lots of rain and storms--that cancelled our plans. We had planned on picking blueberries, going to the Lenexa parade and maybe even swimming if there was time. Instead Anthony took Will and Lauren to see Despicable Me 3 Luckily it stopped raining (for the most part) by dinnertime and our BBQ went on as planned. We watched the fireworks on the golf course in the back of my old neighborhood with several friends.

July 5

Wednesday was a slow day. We watched the Cook kids for a few hours in the morning. In the afternoon we went to the pool. All three kids are getting very competent in the water. Will can tread water for over 2 minutes and swim the length of the pool without stopping. Lauren isn't far behind him.

July 6

We visited the recently reopened Johnson County Museum with Will's buddy Landon and his crew. Tara (Landon's mom) nannies two boys close to Lauren and Elliott's age so there was a playmate for everyone. The new museum is really nice, albeit crowded. The kids had a good time and I enjoyed chatting with Tara so it was a successful outing.

July 7

Friday morning we made plans to go to Science City with the Wilsons. Without checking the schedule I arranged for us to met at 9am. Unfortunately Science City does not open until 10am. To pass the time we rode the streetcar. It was a fun way to show them KC landmarks. When we were finally able to go to Science City we were pleased to see it wasn't very crowded. We spent two hours exploring and playing. Tyler loved the helicopter and checked it out two times. Will and Lauren enjoyed the outdoor playground. Elliott liked the playground and "under 5 area."

July 8

Will and Lauren have become best buddies this summer and it makes me so happy. They've always been playmates and spent a lot of time together, but this summer it seems to be going deeper. They have fun playing with their separate friends, but they have the most fun with each other. Each night they talk, sometimes for hours. They play together and work together as a team, most of the time ;). They make up elaborate games and use their collective imagination when they design their Lego city. I hope they will always look after each other like they have this summer.