Staycation Day 3...

As sad as it may be, the reality is that most things we do are centered around Anna Lauren.  So...we tried real hard to do some things we thought Cooper would enjoy on staycation day 3.

He had been asking to go fishing so Nanna took him to Wal-Mart and bought him a fishing pole.  When he woke up Saturday morning they headed to the reservoir for his first fishing trip.  I had no idea they would actually catch fish, but I was wrong...the boy came home with some fish, and he was so PROUD!

Showing off the fish he caught...Nanna said he would not let her put the bucket in the back of the car.  He held the bucket of fish in his lap on the way home. 

Nanna and Cooper after their very first fishing adventure...I'm sure there will be many more to come.  She will for sure take him as long as he wants to go!

Catch of the day...they caught 4 fish in an hour or so...not bad!

After everyone rested and we had dinner, we headed out to play putt putt golf.  Cooper is very into golf these days so we thought he would enjoy this activity, and we were right...he had fun!

Not real sure what sport he will pick, but I'm thinking he will do something...has just a little "athletic" in him!

He would hit his ball a few times and then he would go put it right at the edge of the hole and knock it in...love it!

Anna Lauren enjoyed herself too...think this is something we will for sure do again.

And that was the end to our fun-filled staycation activities.  Well, for me anyway...the kids are actually at the pool swimming as I type...I had to do a little work (boo) and now I'm off to finish laundry and re-group for the fast pace week we have ahead of us.  We all really enjoyed a few days of down time, doing some fun activities, and getting to visit with Nanna!

Staycation Has Begun...

We are taking advantage of this long 4th of July weekend and having a "staycation" to do some fun things around town that we haven't done and want to do.  Matt suggested we kick off our staycation with dinner at the family's favorite place followed by a trip to the park.  The weather has been a little cooler this week so it's too nice not to do something outside (not to mention Cooper only wants to be outside). 

We are looking forward to having a few days to just play together as a family and make some fun memories!

Yep...our favorite place!  It's quick, the kids eat it up, and it's cheap (important things in life right now)...

Ready to play at the park...Cooper wasn't interested in having his picture made...

For sure one of his "happy" places...

So excited that the park now has a splash pad...it was the only thing missing from our AWESOME park!

He was trying to tell his Daddy that he could climb to the top of the clock tower...however, he couldn't figure out how he could do that since his Daddy said he wouldn't help.  Forget the clock tower, I just LOVE those blue eyes!

He painted his shirt at school...I thought it turned out so cute!  Washed it so he can wear it again tomorrow.

Love both of my children to pieces...but if you cannot tell by his face, he is for sure my "sweet" child.  Could eat him up!

Tomorrow we are off to the Splash Pad in Brandon and the hot air balloon glow and fireworks tomorrow night.  We also plan to play some putt putt golf at some point this weekend...Cooper is going to LOVE that.  Everything he touches right now is a golf club.

Ridgecrest Weekday 4th of July Parade...

The 4th of July would not be the same without attending the annual Ridgecrest Weekday 4th of July parade.  This morning the kids were all smiles as they paraded around the church in their red, white, and blue...and you know, us parents just enjoyed watching them.  It's the same thing year after year, but we wouldn't miss that 10 minutes of entertainment for anything!

We did miss Cooper not being in the parade with Anna Lauren, but he was perfectly happy at his school enjoying 4th of July party day.

The Frog Prince...

At school Friday, Cooper was suppose to dress as his favorite fairy tale character.  I'll be the first to admit, I'm not the "fun" parent, and I don't like dress up days...stresses me out!  And especially with a 2 year old that doesn't have a clue it is "dress up" day. 

My initial thought was to get a crown from Burger King, call him a Prince, and be done with fairy tale day.  Well, just my luck...no crowns at Burger King last week.  I then decided to be a good sport and go into Wal-Mart with a cheap but open mind.  For $3, he was the  Frog Prince.  And...I was pretty proud of myself for participating because when I dropped him off, he was the only boy dressed up.

He actually really liked his frog mask...

He was not a fan of the crown, but I got him to put it on for a quick second to snap one picture.  However, the other little boys thought it was super fun and wanted it as soon as he walked in the room.

Next up watermelon day...wear red and black...my kind of dress up day!  And can I just say one more time, we are loving his new school...has been such a good change for him...I worried and worried about the transition for no reason!

Last Year of Swim Lessons...

On Thursday, Anna Lauren completed her 4th and last year of swim lessons with Ms. Debra.  We "questioned" ouselves as to why we signed her up for swim other than she just "wanted to swim with Ms. Debra" because she does fine in the pool.  But...at parent watch day, we were glad she took one last time.  This year she learned all the strokes, which I cannot even do, so I was glad to see her be able to do them.  In my opinion, swim is a "life skill" that you need and will always use so it really doesn't bother me to spend the money on lessons.

She started off with the back stroke.  One day this week she won the medal for the best back stroke in her class.

Anna Lauren and Anna Kate...

Breast stroke...I was amazed how well she did this stroke...

Diving...hasn't really got the hang of this quite yet...

Side breath...

Our swim school graduate with her medal...

Failed to do a post earlier in the week so I'll just include a tidbit in this post...she lost her first top tooth this week.  Was loose on Monday and she let Coach Alyce pull it Tuesday night at tumble/cheer.  She wiggled and wiggled and wiggled Monday and Tuesday because she really wanted Alyce to pull the tooth...think Alyce pulls a tooth every time we are at the gym.  I sure do miss that sweet "little girl" smile. 

Anna Lauren and Holli Grace...YES, these two are loving every minute of being back together this summer!

Holli Grace, Anna Lauren, Anna Kate, and Jordan.  I wasn't sure how this summer would go since Anna Lauren wasn't with all these girls during the school year...but...she jumped right back in and they are having a great time together!