A Full Bucket Summer and Swim Lessons

 We didn't camp and play all summer, only most of it.  

We worked hard when we were home getting our garden up and going.  We have been blessed with a great harvest this year.  I love watching the kids enjoy picking these with me.

I did manage to fit in one two week swim lesson session for the three youngest.  

 Spencer made great strides and is much more comfortable in the water now, and Jacob did his first class without mom this year and did fabulous.  I have to say it was nice to be able to sit and watch and not have to get  in the water myself.  they both jumped off the diving for the first time with a little help from their teachers.  Maren is in the top class and is a very fast swimmer, still working on mastering the different strokes but getting very proficient.  She even braved the high dive a time or two even though she says she hates it.

We spent the 4th of July doing some local events, including the local parade and a picnic with our friends,

 The kids really had a great time with this pinata.

 And we also worked really hard to get through our summer bucket list.  This cute little pooch was #1 on the list.  So after we finally made it home from all of our trips we made it happen. Still not sure how I got talked into this, but we now have this cute little puppy named Skai (pronounced Sky).  Skai is a golden doodle (which is cross between a golden retriever and poodle) and he won't be little for very long.  In fact he will be quite big we believe.  But he is fun pup and while I am learning a lot, it seems oddly similar to raising toddlers, only everything condensed into a year (or two I hear).  All at once we are potty training, hyper oral teething and biting, defiant, learning self control, and appropriate social habits.  And of course you can't leave him alone for fear of what he will get into.  And then there are the visits for his immunizations.  We even have gates up all over the house again.  You get my drift.  But while Skai is a ton of work he is growing on me and  the kids LOVE him, and that has made it worth it.  He is very smart and learns quickly and I am amazed at how much my kids enjoy helping with him.  There is nothing cuter than Jacob practicing with him his sit, lay down, and stay commands.