SHEESH! It's HOT Outside!

I've made a real effort this summer trying to organize more playdates and activities for Karson. The first week she was out of school, she was ready to go, go, go. I can't say that I blame her. School days are long and there is a lot to accomplish. Me and the boys don't operate on that kind of grueling schedule. If we get at least ONE thing accomplished daily, it's a miracle =).

There aren't many places to go in the summer when it's THIS HOT outside, but one place we have come to LOVE is Beech Bend. We decided to purchase season passes at Christmas, and they have certainly paid for themselves. We've pounded the pavement all summer long at the ol' Bend. Karson's friend Kaylee joined in our fun last week. I don't know who was more excited Karson or Kaylee--they both love each other and get along very well.

The boys also LOVE our time there. We usually go once or twice a week. With the summer heat blazing down on us, we spend most of our time at the waterpark.
Summer 2010
The kids have turned into water bugs this year and are now sporting the regular goggles and not the gigantic scuba masks.
Fall 2009
Pools seem to be the highlight of our summer. We haven't been to Matt's Mamaw's pool as much this year because of our BB passes, but we did venture over there last weekend for Emmie Lou's birthday party.

The kids had a blast playing together and jumping off the diving board.

I took the kids to Circus Square park on Friday afternoon for some sprinkler action. I think it's neat when cities offer places like this (free of charge) to go and cool off. I really wish I had worn my suit. It was 1,000 degrees that day, and sweat just poured off of me.

I think all the sweating has been good for me weight-wise. I have actually lost weight this summer with all the running around and SWEATING. The main cause of my sweat is all the ballgames I've attended. Tonight is Karson's last game of the season. Her league had a tournament over the weekend. It was single elimination. The girls made it to the semi-finals game but were beat out by the Herricanes. There were lots of tears, but all of us parents were proud as peacocks with a 3rd place finish.

Our coach Bud and his daughter Peyton had to miss this game due to vacation. I know it killed both of them not to be there.

As a mom, I've discovered that the summer can become QUITE challenging with three youngsters. Last year, I was still able to implement mandatory rest time and catch a few hours of peace. This year, not so much. It feels like this summer has raced by. And with changes and busy, chaotic schedules, the behavior and temperament of the kids can become AWFUL. What's a mom to do??? At this point, I'm purely operating on a reward system. Bribery seems to work best with kids as a whole. Fortunately a local Dollar General is going under (I guess that isn't fortunate for the employees but definitely for a desperate mom of 3), and I scored some great treats for nothing. Almost all of my goodies were $1 with an additional 40% off. The kids are working hard at earning their goodies, and I am yelling a lot less--win, win!