It's been a busy, but fun summer. Rob was out of town for 4 weeks during June and July so it's somewhat of a blur!
Fielder has kept to his normal routine at school and 4 months after starting, I'm happy to say he's finally settled in and no longer cries every morning at drop off! This is mostly thanks to discovering "magical no-cry mints" although after we've been out of town on vacation for the last week, I have no idea how Monday morning will go. I better pack some extra mints.
Claire has finished up all of her weeks of camp and has 1 more "Mimi week" before school starts. She's had 3 other weeks with Mimi (we call those weeks Summer School so Fielder won't get jealous.) She did several sessions of indoor camps and several sessions of the more traditional outdoor camp. Lots of fun activities - she comes home dirty and very tired! I think the Mimi weeks have been her favorites. They have been to the science museum, Lewis Ginter, the pool, movies, out for lunches and ice cream, slumber parties with Samara, and shopping trips. She's had a blast and Mom has helped out tremendously while Rob was out of town.
 |
| Claire with her purchases from a Barnes and Noble shopping trip. (She used Christmas money from Popa and Abu - thanks!!) |
We stayed extra busy during the first half of summer break with swim team. I only made it to 1 practice - it was a true team effort to get her there. Rob, Mimi, and Popa all pitched in to make sure she got to practices. Swim meets....phew, those took even more work. She did great though and really seemed to enjoy it - never once complained and was always willing to do what her coaches asked. She won several personal record ribbons and her end of season award was for always coming to practice ready to go and with a positive attitude!
Here's the only photos I took at a meet....I think they show perfectly how exhausting, long, and HOT those meets were!
We made it to the river with the Hulchers and Masons for a day during the 4th of July weekend. We packed in as much fun stuff as we could in 1 day before we had to go home. We had a neighborhood pool party on the 4th and then Rob had to pack it up to leave for a 2 week trip to Columbus.
 |
| boat ride to Sandy Point where we played on the beach! |
 |
| swimming in the "hot pool" - NOT your normal relaxing soak in a jacuzzi, but they had fun! |
 |
| Fielder at the 4th of July pool party. They provided a great lunch for everyone and luckily the rain held off! |
 |
| 7-11 day! |
We also went to Popa's river house in July. The kids had their first real fishing trip and we actually caught a few fish! Claire "caught" the first one and then promptly decided she was done and went inside. Fielder dropped his pole in the water several times, caught a crab, and helped with a few fish.
*
**NOT our flag in that picture, that would be the neighbor's!
In August, we stayed busy with work and kids' schedules, a few weekend playdates with Claire's good friend from school and even a visit with Uncle Matt, Katie, and Jenna! Of course, the big event in August was our trip to Topsail, but that will get it's own post.
Happy Summer! 1 week til it's BACK TO SCHOOL!
We are back from our week in Topsail and as always, we had a wonderful time! It was our 8th summer in Topsail and it was so fun to hear Claire talk about her memories of previous summers. The kids had a blast, especially getting to spend so much time with their cousin Samara. Lots of memories to post about, but first I wanted to post our family beach pictures that Andy took. I'll hold off on the entire family shot because I'm guessing it may appear on a Mason Christmas card.
