Just feel like writing

The whole reason I started this blog was so that I could capture some memories and moments of my kids lives while they are young. However, I need to write to accomplish this, so I thought I would jot down some thoughts.

Our summer so far:
This summer has been great. Things we have done:

African Lion Safari - we've been twice, once with Mark and once with just the kids and I. Both times were great. Avery and Dylan both really enjoy it. Their favourites seem to be the boat ride for both, the splash pad for Avery and Dylan loves the elephants. The second time, Avery turned on the charm and talked me into buying them both a stuffed monkey (like they need MORE stuffed animals).

Red Bay - we went and spent a couple of days with Grandma and Grandpa Johnson. The kids both loved it there, especially the beach. We also spent a day up there at Storybook Park. It was fantastic - rides, animals, waterslides. The kids LOVED it. I had to go on all the rides because Mark is a bit of a wimp that way, but I enjoyed it. The worst part of the trip was the drive there and back. Constant 'are we almost there?' and bickering drove me CRAZY.

We've also had Tatum sleep over for campfire night. That was alot of fun. We have also had numerous campfires and a night of fireworks with the neighbours which have been great as Avery and Nicole play together well (most of the time).

Avery: She is such a beautiful little girl. I am so proud that she is my daughter. She is so close to reading. She now recognizes sight words and can get through most 'Learn to Read' books. She loves spending time with the Gravett cousins (especially Tatum and especially in their pool). She has improved tremendously in her swimming over the past 6 months and is so close! Avery can't wait until she starts SK next month. She asks me almost daily how many days are left until 'Big girl school'. She is so great with Dylan and I really need to work on appreciating that more and lay off a little when she's just not in the mood. She is very sensitive and can be hurt easily by friends. I am hoping that she develops a bit of a tougher skin, but she definitely gets that from her me. She loves to sing and dance. Her favourite song to dance to is still 'Mama Mia'. She will start her dance classes again next month and is excited to be dancing in the Paris Fair in a few weeks. She just finished soccer and baseball. Her soccer team was undefeated all season and won all four tournament games to get the big trophy. She was pretty stoked. Love, love, love my girl!!!

Dylan - My sweet, charming, cuddly little dude. He is at an age where he is changing so much so quickly. His vocabulary has exploded and he now talks in sentences (which may or may not be understood by others). He knows all his colours and can count to 12 by himself and 20 with a little prodding. He also loves to sing and dance and adores his big sister. He played soccer, but was not too keen on it. He would play for about 20 minutes and then annouce 'Done'! He is doing fantastic at swimming. I think he is going to be a little fish. He doesn't have the fear that Avery has. He also loves his Gravett cousins - especially Mckinley. He is fully potty trained at 2 1/2. We put a pull-up on him at night, but it has been dry every morning, so we can probably switch that to undies as well. I am over the moon that he is my son. He can melt anyone with his charming little smile, and the little stinker knows it!