Summer Marches On

This summer is just flying by. I can't believe that school is starting at the end of the month. It is the earliest we have ever started school giving us even less time to fit in summer fun than we normally have. And we have so much to do yet. But, as they say, time waits for no man. And time keeps winding down around here.

Last week Ben wrapped up his baseball season. It was a great season for Ben. He had his whole family following him to his games and supporting him. His siblings were happy to help him with his gear and cheer him on. It was special for Ben and we all had a great time watching him.

(all siblings gathered around to help Ben get his gear on)

The last game of the season was Ben's favorite. The kid was a solid hitter this year and often knocked the ball far into the outfield but on the last game he hit a grand slam. It happened so quickly that I didn't even get a picture.

Ben right after his grand slam.Way to go, Ben!Congrats on a great season!

Now we are on to football. Joey and Tommy have begun intense practice schedules for their tackle football season. I always dread this time when practices are every night for at least two hours, but I must admit I am having so much fun watching them. It is hard work but the boys really love it. This being their second year of tackle football they are both much more comfortable and enjoying it even more.

In the meantime we are trying to get to all of our favorite spots before the start of school. We've already been swimming a number of times, took a road trip to Oklahoma, and went up north and enjoyed fishing and boating and swimming there as well but there is much more to do. We are actively working on checking a few more fun things off of our list before our summer winds to an end. 

Yesterday, we made it to the free zoo in a neighboring town. It has been a long time since we've visited and the kids were excited to finally take a trip back. 

It was a gorgeous, warm day, perfect for roaming around looking at animals.

And maybe acting like animals too.

There was a new viewing area that the kids got a kick out of. The cougars came right up and looked at the kids. Talk about up close and personal!

Being there again I couldn't help but think of all of our past visits. It was odd not to have a stroller to push around or a diaper bag (or child) to carry.

My kiddos have grown so much. Time is really flying.

2011

2015

More proof of time passing? Tommy lost his very last baby tooth. The dentist informed us that he only had one baby tooth left and two night ago that baby tooth came out. Wow.

Our kids aren't the only ones getting older. We are getting older right along with them. Last weekend we celebrated Todd's birthday up north.

Good thing getting older doesn't mean you always have to act grown up.

Soon Gracie will celebrate her birthday as well. Yikes. How do we slow this down?

Only a few weeks of summer left. Knowing how quickly it is going we are trying to take advantage of every moment. I think today we will head over to Bookworm Gardens. And maybe we'll make it to Bay Beach for Gracie's birthday. Even if we don't get to do everything on our summer must-do list it has been a great summer. Let's just hope that the remaining weeks slow down just enough to make us a little more willing to start school again.