Pool Time

As the kids get a little older, we are able to have more and more fun during the summer. I don't find myself nearly as stressed out and as they are more independent, I feel myself being a little less nervous...especially when it comes to places like the pool.  Last year, I would have NEVER taken the kiddos to the pool by myself.  We went only as a family, when there were at least two adults to the three, non-swimming kids.  This year though, I decided to be a little braver.  Thankfully, our clubhouse has a nice "baby pool" that has a walk-in beach entrance and is only 2 1/2 feet at its very deepest.  It makes for some fun pool time and less stressful for Mom.  This year, the kids felt more comfortable in the water and knew that if they fell down , they could just stand right back up.  The first time, I was still really nervous, but it went amazingly well.  And then pool time became one of our favorite summer activities. 

We have loved going to the pool with our friends and even having a picnic lunch there.  Good times at the pool!  Can't wait for next summer....we just might venture over to the "big pool" a little more often!!!

4th of July, 2011

We had a super fun and festive 4th of July and were lucky to spend it with Grandma and Grandpa Ols again.  On Sunday night (the 3rd), we had our own front yard fireworks display.  The kids were really into the sparklers this year and were so excited to get out there and do them.  I was a little nervous trying to keep track of three kids and making sure they didn't burn each other so I was grateful to have Grandma's help. 

After the sparklers, Daddy set off a bunch of other fireworks.  This might be the first year that nobody cried or was scared.  Yay!!  They loved all the fireworks.

Then, early on the morning of the 4th, we headed to the annual City of Lincoln 4th of July parade.  I should have remembered from last year and gotten there a little earlier.  The beginning of the parade route is where all the action/candy is.  Next year, I need to remember this!  Thankfully, the kids didn't seem to mind too much and they stopped asking about candy.  They enjoyed seeing all the fun floats, etc.

Daddy and Grandpa managed to find themselves a shaded spot just behind where Grandma and I sat with the kiddos. 

On the evening of the 4th, we finished off the rest of the sparklers and then headed to downtown Lincoln to watch the fireworks show.  We had great seats and enjoyed an awesome fireworks display.  The City of Lincoln has never disappointed when it comes to fireworks.

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays.  I love the opportunity to reflect on how grateful I am to live in this wonderful country, to have been blessed with the freedoms we enjoy.  We are a blessed people!!!

South Lake Tahoe

 

Grandma and Grandpa Ols came up for their annual visit over the Fourth of July. It has become a little tradition that before the festivities of the 4th, we spend a day and go to South Lake Tahoe.  This year, we went on the Saturday before the holiday.  As always, the scenery at Pope Beach is breathtakingly gorgeous and the weather is perfect.  The beach was a little crowded (being a weekend), but the kids (and grown-ups) still had fun spending time at the beach.  We attempted sand castles, played lots of card games, waded in the cold water, ate, and played frisbee and other catch-type games.  We always have so much fun and are sad to leave when the day is done. Until next year.....

I really was in attendance and so was Grandpa Ols, but sadly, there are no pictures of either of us!!