Today's Words Of Glass

As Summer winds down, I find myself torn between trying to 'fit it all in', and just savoring the time that I have left with Lil Man before he goes off to school. We've been doing a little bit of both. Between the pool, the amusement park, movies, and just hanging out at home, we are enjoying the last of our summer. Lil Man and I are often 'on the go'. I'm just not one to stay home every day. I tend to get a little stir crazy, but I do try to schedule at least one day a week where we stay home. And I've thoroughly enjoyed our leisure days at home as well as our busy days out and about. But we are also in Kindergarten preparation mode, and I'm trying to make it as fun as possible.

This Summer has been a big learning experience - for both Lil Man and myself. Who knew that an amusement park could be such a learning experience for both of us. I watched as my little boy, all on his own, climbed stairs among strangers, learned how to wait his turn, slide down a water slide, and do it over and over again. I watched as other kids shoved him out of their way, cut in front of him as he stood patiently 'waiting for his turn'. Groves of bigger kids kept cutting in front of him, and I held back and gave him time to respond. This for me was a learning experience. See, people have to have room or space to grow. So I learned how to let go, let out the leash a little, and give Lil Man some space. The first time the kids pushed him aside, he really didn't know what to do. After a few minutes of this, I did intervene. I told him to get in line. Take his turn, and when it was his turn he was to go. And the next time as other kids pushed past him, it only took a few...

Normally on the weekend, since Hubby works through the week, Lil Man will spend a lot of time with Daddy outside working on projects. Lately they've been working on building a wood shed. But this last weekend, Hubby took a break from working on the wood shed to brew beer, which is one of his hobbies. I know that Lil Man likes to help his Daddy, but I also know that sometimes Daddy needs his time to do 'his thing' too without a little helper around.  So after my 6 mile run, I took Lil Man to Lake Tobias Wildlife Park . I had no idea that it would be as crowded as what it was. But it was a beautiful day. It was Saturday. So I should have known it  would be super crowed.  But we had a fun day (in spite of having to wait in super long lines for the safari - but worst of all waiting for food).  Lil Man loved the safari tour. And he loved feeding the animals. Oh, and don't forget the playground. He had to play on everyone. (There were three.)  We missed...

I don't know about where you live, but where we live we are within driving distance to several State Parks. And because the weather has been so cool this Summer, and although it's August, last week was the first time we'd been to the pool. Lil Man had a blast. We had hoped some friends could join us today, but no one was available. But we ventured out, just the two of us, and we had a blast. The water was still pretty cold. In fact, we would get in - play for awhile - then get out and sit on a beach towel in the sun to warm up. This seemed to work well. We splurged and Lil Man enjoyed his first chocolate chipwich. He exclaimed "It's a cookie AND ice cream!" I do believe he thought it was a genius idea. Although it can be exhausting as my Lil Man is one that wants me to definitely join in with him with the sprinklers etc, it was pure joy to watch him enjoy himself. I think this picture speaks for itself. I hope you are enjoying your last few days...