Summer Fun

Dear Luke and Nora,

I looked at the calendar today and realized we only have 2 1/2 more weeks of summer. The summer season has never been my favorite as a stay-at-home mom because I miss the structure and activity of the school year. It's also so hot outside and the pool can be a challenge with only me to watch both of you. But I have to say, in spite of a few long days at home, we have had a really good summer! I think the awareness that a year from now you will be starting kindergarten, Luke, and we will be preparing for you to start preschool, Nora, has helped me seize these days and make the most of them! I've been keeping a "bucket list" of the fun things we've gotten to do together:

Beach vacation in Galveston
Our neighborhood pool (we've spent lots of time at the pool and you've both become much more comfortable in the water! I can probably only handle it with two of you because you are both fairly cautious and obedient. :)
Backyard water table
Bubbles in the backyard (a favorite of yours, Nora)
Riding your bike, Luke, at "the tunnel park"
Nora's birthday party, baby dedication and family visit
Chick-fil-A (always a reliable favorite)
MOD Pizza
Frozen yogurt
Fort Bend Childrens Museum (the first time we stayed 4 hours and last time we stayed 5 hours!)
Grace Fellowship VBS (this was a wonderful activity for us while Daddy was in India. I was sick and even lost my voice, but working the crafts gave me something to do every day without having to make a plan, and you both LOVED the childcare program. You still talk about it a couple months later!)
Jump Street
Play-doh
Stickers
Stamps
Uno (So. Much. Uno. :)
Dice
Hide and seek
Watching movies in our PJ's (the first full-length film for both of you, Cars. Nora, you lost interest pretty early on, and Luke, you asked several times if it was almost over.)
The library (Story Time and checking out books)
TX Borders
Exploration Park
McDonald's
Shipley Donuts (mmm)
The carousel at Katy Mills (this was for you, Luke; Nora, you cried the whole time. :(
Majest Kids
Downtown aquarium
Showcase gymnastics
Pengu swimming lessons
Long Meadow Farms pool
Pine Mill Ranch splash pad
Picnics (by the TV, at the pool, outside the childrens museum)
Ice cream
Memorizing verses (mostly you, Luke, but Nora, you picked up on a couple, too!)
Trip to Keller
Visit from Aunt Holly, Caroline and Wesley
Trip to Carrollton
Kid Zone
Riding the Dart Train
Carrollton spray park

Still hoping to visit the Sugar Creek Baptist Playscape next week and also the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Oh, and today, we "went bowling" downstairs and you both loved it for almost an hour! I sure love you, too, and am so thankful I get to stay home and be your mommy.

Love,
Mommy