Pool Closing to Close out Summer

In tradition for our neighborhood, Labor Day closes out the summer months with the closing of the pool.  It is such bummer that it has to end, so we always go to soak up the sun and pool time. 

We also help out with the social committee, and sometimes, that means the whole family chips in with getting the very important deliveries to the pool.

The pool is such a great amenity to enjoy some family time with plenty of R&R.  We always are so grateful that fate brought us to our new home, complete with a community pool.  We Love It!

The boys loved the Otter Pops that someone brought to the party.  Kellan may have been wondering if he could get more while Oliver enjoyed it so much that he even had a stream of red popsicle down his chest.  

Mmmm Good!

Everyone knew that it was the last day of the pool, so every kid was in the pool.

The biggest event of the day was that Kellan expanded his comfort zone in the pool.  Up to this moment, he wanted to wrap his legs around our waist, his arms around our neck and we had better have a tight hold on him.

Take note of how he is freely hanging on Keith's back and he's even giving a life jacket a chance. 

 This is big.

Look close, Kellan is on Keith's back in the middle of the pool while a stream of sharks kids follow them.

All good swim sessions require popsicle breaks.

The Boys relaxing poolside.

Take another note: Look at Kellan.

"Look Ma, No clinging arms and legs!  I'm hanging by myself!

We could make our own Coors Light commercial for Rocky Mountain Cold Refreshment.

Coming to the pool is always an opportunity for a reunion for Oliver.

On this last day of pool season, he ran into his school buddy, Tanner.  They had a great time climbing all over this floatation device.

Another big moment, Kellan getting out of the deep end with a ladder, all by himself!

Check This Kid Out!

We told him to go around the pool, so he did.

One hand shuffle at a time, he went all of the way around.

Then, we he got back around to the Dad's, the Dad's refused to move.  So, what's a kid to do?  He went around!

Yes, he let go and floated/swam around them.  This is SO BIG!!

Once he realized that he didn't need to cling to Mommy, Daddy or the side of the pool, he turned around and decided to swim through the pool.

It felt so much like a Forrest Gump moment.

Swim, Kellan, Swim!!

We are SO SO SO proud of you, big guy!

This evening after we had left the pool for the season, he said, "I love the big pool."

This is such big news for you.  We can't wait to see where you take your love of the pool next year.

Before we left, Oliver got in a few more airborne moments.

He could do this for hours.  Often, if he finds a willing tosser, he does.

Think Matrix.

Samantha wasn't about to let Oliver have all of the fun, so she got in on it too.

As we fly out of summer in style, we bid adieu to the fun summer sun and pool fun.

Taking R&R to Great Heights

It is quite possible that we had THE BEST Labor Day weekend, ever.

For those of you who have always wondered why the perceived last weekend  of summer is called Labor Day Weekend, here's the definition for you,

"Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."

It's not just to round out the summer with a three-day-weekend sandwich.

We took full advantage of labor day weekend to fill it full of nothing but R&R.  Well, this was the outcome.  The plan was to have a little R&R and cram some responsible chores in the middle.  Needless to say, there was considerably more R&R and the responsible chores were far and few between.

On Saturday morning, we drove up the Rockies Mountains to our favorite destination at 9,300 feet above sea level, Mike and Linda's house.

Shortly after our arrival we departed for a hiking trail that they thought would be Kellan friendly.

It was definitely Kellan friendly, but I'm not sure that they knew the degree to which Kellan takes the advice "stop to smell the roses".  The boy doesn't get in a hurry for anything.

This patch of trees took a considerable amount of time to get through as Kellan poked, prodded and talked to every tree.  He really does remind us all to enjoy the moment and stop to smell the roses pine.

After an hour or so, we headed back toward the cars once the storm clouds started building and the wind started blowing.  It was time to head off the hill.

Back at Mike and Linda's, we noticed that it had gotten quiet.  Our littlest cutie pie, who is nearly always talking, was nowhere in ear shot.  

I found him downstairs on the swings, talking with himself quietly.

To be honest, swings always make me nervous, especially with the young ones.  There is so much opportunity for them to fall backwards.  Kellan proved to me that he's quite alright and I have no reason to worry. 

He's a big boy and can do it himself.

(envision Mommy holding her breath and taking photos, all at the same time)

My most favorite swing photo, ever!

Meanwhile, Oliver was finding his own version of R&R as was Clover.

Mike and Linda were dog sitting while we were visiting.  We all agreed that Clover and the boys all hit the jackpot with this visit.  The boys LOVE her and she clearly LOVES them.  There is no modesty when a six year old boy is handing out belly rubs. 

Much to our surprise, Oliver had no allergy issues with Clover.  For his (and Clover's) sake, we were SO happy.  Oliver absolutely loves dogs, but for the health of his lungs, a permanent canine resident for us is not a great idea.

We concluded or evening with an amazing dinner of ribs, which I'm still dreaming about.  While the boys curled up with a movie on Linda's iPad, the adults laughed until we cried over a game of Cards Against Humanity.  There was definitely fun had by all.

On Sunday, we considered staying another night but we had chores to take care of back at home.  As the morning flew by with each cup of coffee, morning turned to afternoon, turned to the Big Question, "should we spend another night?"

It didn't take much effort to answer "Yes" to the Big Question.

With this answer, it took no time at all for the boys to receive an invite from Linda to curl up on her bed for some quiet time with the Disney Channel.  If we aren't careful, these boys might try to move in.

With a sanctuary like this, how can you blame them.

The little boys were curled up with the Disney Chanel while the big boys were hurling horse shoes.

Oliver had been raving about the grilled pizza and asked if we could have it for dinner.  Amazingly, Mike and Lina had everything that we needed in house, so pizza for dinner was the menu.

Just like last time, Oliver was front and center to create the grilled master pieces.

Oliver was so focused, but I'm not sure that those of us that could read were very focused.

We all had a big laugh over Keith's apron.  This may be the last time that he wears it in Oliver's presence as Oliver has started reading every word in sight.  This apron may be tough to explain ;)

For Keith's second time twirling pizza crust, he's getting quite good.  It may be time to try this at home, even if Oliver appears to be ducking for cover.

Oliver quickly moved from rolling out pizza dough to spreading out pizza sauce.

As well as sprinkling mozzarella.

Oliver with his cheese pizza masterpiece.

MmmmMMmmm Good!!

Oh, what a great weekend!!!  We loved each and every moment.  From each cup of coffee or glass of wine to each and every meal that far exceeded any of our imaginations.  We loved it all, but really, the best of the best was the great company.  Thanks to Mike and Linda for another amazing weekend.   If we ever can't find out kids, we'll be checking to see if they moved into your house.  We may just join them!