The summer is finally here, I am so excited to be able to run around with the boys. We are going to have many adventures this summer. Some on my list is more realistic than others. After all, I do have three kids at various ages. Thomas is shaking some of his "terrible two" problems. It is still hard to navigate him at times. Guy seems to be the easiest to handle. He is usually content just sitting there watching the world go by. Phillip is going through a tattling phase that is driving me crazy. I am determined that we are going to have a fun summer!
The list is well balanced. I am going to expose them to: Reading (Library), Science (Museum of Discovery, Zoo, etc.), History (Art Museum), Family (the fort, Shaula, Aunt Becca, etc.), Exercise (skating, hiking, camping).
This is going to be a fun summer even if we only do 1/2 of this page.

• Historic Arkansas Museum
• Art Museum
• Museum of Discovery (at least three times)
• Movie in the Park
• Go visit Shaula at least once, and hang out with them all day
• Becca and Dean come up and spend a couple of days
• Try to go bowling with the kids
• The new nature center (I am crossing my fingers for it to be open before school starts!)
• Walk across the Big Dam Bridge
• Walk across the new train bridge
• Go camping at least once
• Go visit the in-laws and the Fort often
• Go to the zoo (at least two times)
• Go to the library (weekly)
• Go to the farmer's market
• Play at the new park down by the River when it opens
• Eat several picnics
• Have a lemonade stand
• Sleep in the backyard once
• Have a day trip to Memphis (with the gas prices the way they are this seems unlikely)
• Swimming (somewhere, I don't know where?)
• Teach Phillip how to skate
• Make Sun Tea
• Watch Fireworks
• Play with Bugs
• Have a night hike around the neighborhood

An eventful weekend

This weekend we went and picked up Phillip from Nana Camp. We had a very busy weekend planned. Friday night we went up to Chicken Creek to visit with my friends Christina and Katrina. I had not seen them in years, and since then we have all got married and had kids. All of our kids are about the same age and they had a lot of fun. Zoie, Christina's daughter, is only a month younger than Thomas. She is a sweet, spunky little girl, you can see her mother in her. Katrina's daughter was so quiet and sweet. Phillip befriended Elvin quickly, and they enjoyed sharing a lunchable together. I really miss them, and I wish we could have visited longer.

The next day my dad, brother and I went up to Springdale to visit the Shiloh Museum. The Shiloh Museum was having an exhibit called "following the crops". It was exploring the migrant farm camps, and several of the pictures in the exhibit was my family. Several of my Uncles and Aunts came to spend the day talking about the camp with the lady that created the exhibit. We spent 2 hours talking and having fun. Afterwards we went to AQ Chicken and then back home. One thing I really enjoyed was spending time with just my brother and my dad. I don't remember the last time us three went out together. I love hearing my dad and brother talk shop.

My mom and Sister in law had the rest of the clan at my mom's house. At one point all four of the boys were asleep. How they managed that I do not know, but it was a miracle.


When I got back to mom's house. I loaded the boys up and we went to visit with Theresa and her clan. We always enjoying going to Mrs. Jackies and visiting. Zach is getting so tall and lanky, and the kids love playing with all the toys. Afterwards, we went to Robyn's house. Greyson was so excited to see us he kept squealing. The kids enjoyed playing, but it was getting really late and it was time to rest.


The next morning we slowly got our stuff together and went back to the Rock. I was glad to be home but the children were monsters.

Phillip's first and last day of school

Phillip's first day of school
Phillip's last day of school.

Yes, I meant for him to where the same outfit.

Phillip school ended this week. Phillip is all ready missing school, but I am so excited and ready to have a fun summer. I got choked up at one point saying bye to the teachers. The classroom was pretty much bare that day as the teachers prepared for the summer. There was only one toy left out and it was sitting on the rocking chair.

It was Corduroy. The first day of school Ms. Ruba read to the class Corduroy. Phillip was chosen to be the line leader, and they went to different parts of the school (library, cafeteria, office, etc.) and Phillip had to ask if anybody had seen Corduroy's pocket. Phillip being a shy child was so proud of his self for asking everyone for Corduroy's Pocket. I remember the excitement in his voice coming home that first day of school.

Visiting with the In-laws

We had a chance on a windy Sunday to visit with our family. We love going out to Memaws and Papas. We had a great lunch that I did not have to cook, and spent the afternoon talking while the kids played. April and Phillip are getting along well, and Todd is so great with the young kids.

This summer my sister in law and and I made a pact that we are going to do at least two things together. I can't wait to hang out with my niece and my nephew.

The River Market

This week Phillip was off to Nana camp. He had a great time, if Fort Smith offered it they were there. Phillip favorite part was the train ride on Friday. Thomas, Guy and I had fun at the Museum of Discovery on Tuesday.

Jay the kids and I enjoyed testing out the new river bridge. It was so pretty and calm. I can't wait until they open the new park area at the Rivermarket.