Summer Catch Up

I thought I would catch up on some of the things we have done during the summer.

Tante Sabine came for a visit. We are fortunate that Sabine comes since it will be a while before we will be able to travel to Germany. The kids love her "magic bag", it always has the best gifts inside. She is our German Mary Poppins.

We went to St. Louis and Nauvoo this summer with Tante Sabine. It was a lot of fun and I wish we had a couple of more days. I guess that is the best vacation, when you want it to keep going. The kids had a great time at the top of the arch. Alex still has a hard time putting it together that he was at the top. Thank goodness for pictures!


Nauvoo was spectacular, the whole atmosphere was peaceful and beautiful. It reminded me of the feeling on Temple Square, and I realize how blessed I am to have served there. Now I really want to take the family to Utah. Henry is not the biggest fan of musical theater, but he did like the children's shows. Sophie loved learning as much as she could. Alex loved touching as much as he could. Max loved to ask questions about everything.
The kids also spent six weeks in swimming lessons. Henry loved it, Alex loved/hated it. Max only had three weeks because of his broken collar bone. Sophie participated in the Pirates swim team at the Kedron Aquatic Center again, and had a lot of fun. After five summers, she told me she wants to do art camp next year, though.

We went with Aunt Maryann to Columbus, Ga. They have a couple of free museums that were just fantastic. The Columbus Museum of Art was very interesting and the kids had a blast in the children sections. The National Infantry Museum at Ft. Benning was a hit with the boys. It was packed with so much information and great displays, we will definitely have to go again.
Through all the chaos of the summer break, there were moments that I hope stay with me forever.... Henry and Max running up to Anika's house to play with her while Sophie has piano lessons. They still have that young child run, when you lean forward and run as fast as you can in anticipation of what lies ahead. They had some water gun fights, the kind where you wear your swimming suit because you get completely drenched. I love hearing the laughter during these times. Alex running after the boys, wanting to be as big as they are. All three of them say he is their buddy, he is their definite favorite. I loved when I would walk into the family room and see them on a couch with Sophie reading to them and listening attentively. The three boys love to practically sit on top of each other as they watch TV. I hope they are always that close. I love hearing the music Sophie plays on the piano. I have to stay in another room, she doesn't like to play if she knows I'm listening. I guess it is a tween thing.

It was a good summer, not too busy. The kids are back in school and I am waiting for things to slow down. Somehow I think when they finally do slow down, that means the kids will be gone and I'll wish for this all over again.