We are in full summer mode over here and still a bit in shock that there's only about a month left of it! It's been busy and crazy (I don't feel like we ever fell into a solid summer routine with everything we have going on) but we've been making the most of it.
Little Sweetie has been having lots of fun on the water this summer!
Boat time is the best time! And look who is standing tall on the board this year!
Also, look who is passed out after boat time!
Swimming time with friends!
We've also kept busy with out of the water activity too, including some Fourth of July fun.
Rewarding Big Brother's horse with a carrot after horse therapy.
Summer reading superstars!
Independence Day smiles!
Little Sweetie has also been kept super busy with all of her camps! After VBS it was time for WOW Science camp. It's always a favorite, but even more fun this year since she lucked into being in the same group with her friends.
Our turtle friend, "Mr. Post," who we found and who got to spend a day at Science Camp.
Friends forever!
Another great year at WOW!
Momma even got to get in on the camp fun when joining Little Sweetie at her Girl Scout Daisy Day!
Such a wonderful day with my girl!
She also got to do a cake-decorating camp at local bakery with some friends!
So. Much. Cake.
Speaking of cooking, the one thing we have been able to put into a somewhat reliable routine this summer is Little Sweetie's chef stylings. Love watching her cook!
After our trip to the Dr. Seuss experience, she was inspired to make this Green Eggs and Hamwiches. They were awesome!
And she made some fruit creamsicles for dessert!
If we want sweet treats, we make them! Chocolate chip cookies and M&M cookies.
Taking on a Greek-inspired three recipe challenge for dinner!
Falafel, tzatziki, and a Greek salad! Crazy impressive.
Some comfort food with tomato soup!
One of the nice things about all Little Sweetie's cooking is that she's constantly trying and re-tryings food. Guess who now likes cantaloupe?
Enjoyed our time at the park and water park areas!
Little Sweetie enjoyed her time at the newly updated sensory village exhibits!
There was even fishing!
Piñata fun at Mimi and Pop-Pop's!
A storm diversion on our way home led to a fun little detour into Round Top!
We were also happy to provide a bit of service this month to Little Sweetie's school!
Happy to be helpers!
Height and Weight
Little Sweetie is now 54.2 pounds and 49 inches. She just keeps getting bigger and stronger, as exemplified by her success during her swim team season this year!
She broke all her previous records this year and had new PRs in all her strokes!
Personality
Alternating between confidence & fearlessness and shyness & uncertainty. Seven going on 8 isn't for the weak of heart, but we're working on helping develop exactly who she is with love and support (and lessons on kindness and empathy).
Developmental Milestones
Making waves at her first in-person triathlon this month! Very proud of her for pushing herself and taking on this challenge. We also realized it's the first race she's ever done without one of us running with her.
Triathlon success!
Her reading has also reached a new level. She's finally started reading more often for her own pleasure and she's developed enough that she can find the humor and nuance in comics! We've started getting her the newspaper and she's discovered one of Daddy's Calvin and Hobbes books.
Just a girl taking time for her daily newspaper reading.
We are also s-l-o-w-l-y finishing up Little Sister's sewing project. She has the skill, but it is taxing, so we've been doing it step-by-step so she doesn't get frustrated.
One day the cat stuffy will be done, I know it!
Notable Moments
Well, this month I'm renaming this section from "Fun Tidbits" to "Notable Moments," but it really should be "heartbreaking moments." Our dear, sweet Chesney had to be laid to rest this month. We are thankful for his long life and that he was able to pass peacefully, but what a tough time for us. I am glad that the kids got to have time to say goodbye but we're still not remotely over the sadness.
Rest well, sweet friend.
Little Sweetie has been processing the loss by carrying around our German Shepherd stuffed animal named CJ, for Chesney Junior. Oh my heart.
Next month brings us closer to another school year, but with rising Covid number, we still don't know what it will look like. One day a time, one day at a time, as always.
Until then,
LBM
Little Buddy's Momma
