End of summer roundup

This was a summer like never before in a lot of ways. Most notably, I was home all summer, which meant sleeping in and getting tan with the the kids. Simply put, it was fun. This summer was more carefree than many in the past where the juggling and longing for freedom were perhaps more front and center. Of course, it wasn’t without its trials, as hanging out with four boys, three of whom are less than 2 years apart in age, must always be. 

There were moments of exhaustion and moments of glee, as well as plenty of boredom. It was rarely quiet, except when the 3 littles would get into a Lego groove and just build in J&Js bedroom all afternoon; and this did happen probably at least a dozen times this summer. Other than Lego, the top two toys this summer we’re definitely masking tape and minnow traps — endless hours of entertainment supplied by these two items, who knew. Creativity was definitely the theme!! Masking tape made shields and swords and other pretend elements for houses and shops and forts. Minnow traps helped Creekside’s number one predator (the Pfeiffer boys) really reign supreme. Fish from an inch to six were caught daily, along with crayfish and the occasional salamander, toad, or turtle.  We almost always catch and release, although some fish were “loved” to death by these boys.  Just once, we cooked up 5 crayfish and everyone enjoyed their taste!  Mice, grasshoppers and baby birds were also captured by these boys.  (It was hard to choose a verb for that sentence; I considered fondled, loved, saved, tortured...)  We also spent quite a bit of time picking tomatoes and eating fresh salsa! 

While we spent our fair share of time on YouTube, ESPN, and building in Minecraft, I was thrilled with how active and how much outside time the kids got. Lukas got a Fitbit and has averaged 20,000 steps per day all summer. I was also able to stick to my marathon training plan by running before Mike went to work most mornings.  This summer we attempted to learn to wear socks, make our beds and think before we speak or act. The littles read a lot of books on Razz kids, learned to play chess, and had several sleepovers in Nick's room.  The boys enjoyed farm camp (L&N), lego camp (N, J&J), ninja camp (N), football & lacrosse camp (L), kept up with their therapy, and suffered through a weekly reading tutor (N).  

We visited Raystown Lake with the Pfeiffer crew, Legoland with Beth & Felix, Zoo America and Chocolate world with Liz, Mason and Jaxon, and we splurged at Strites and Broad Street Market dozens of times (we ate really well this summer!!). We also saw Dude Perfect perform from the back row where they visited us for a stunt, and Mike and Mary enjoyed a date night to see Mac Powell in concert.

Lukas, Nick and Jayden love hanging with friends and we’re able to play with neighbors nearly everyday. Sometimes there were more than 10 boys here, and honestly I didn’t mind at all. Jacob had plenty of good times this summer too, he just may be the sole introvert in the mellen patch; he’s a homebody and has most of his fun here. 

On top of all this, Mike built an incredible tree fort for the boys, which will be the focus of a mother dedicated blog soon. 

Obviously our traveling to ME, MD and Camp Hebron were the highlights, but this summer was simple, sunny and silly everyday. I think we all grew in some important ways this summer. 

Here are a few of the random photo highlights to round up this summer which hopefully I haven’t already shared in previous posts (sorry for any duplicates). 

Raystown Lake: 

The Dude Perfect Show: 

Legoland! 

Time with Liz at Hershey Attractions: