On a not-too-warm summer's morning, I took the kids blueberry picking against their will. This picture perfectly sums up how the outing went:
Eli goofed off, Afton happily worked hard, and Sam complained and didn't do much.
Our local donut shop has different ways you can get a free donut every day. (For example, one day it might be to sing a show tune, another day it would be if your birthday is in January, etc.) This day it was "draw a picture of an alien eating a donut and you'll get a free donut." The kids were all over that. I took them swimming after, hence their clothing.
Our neighborhood doesn't have a pool. Our gym only has an indoor pool. So this summer we bought a pass to go to the pool at a nearby condo complex. It was fantastic because it was huge and hardly anyone else was ever there.
Another visit to G&G Cheney's complete with splash pads and puzzles. I don't know how it happened, but my parents and I have started doing puzzles when we're together. I've never liked puzzles before.
Sunday morning bike ride.
Our primary started having birthday parties each month for the kids. After dropping Afton off at the August party, I took the boys on a nice walk.
Afton and her birthday buddy. There were other August birthdays, but a lot of families are out of town in the summer.
We had a big trip to Washington state planned and we were going to be gone on Afton's birthday, so we let her open her presents from Grandma and Grandpa Cheney before we left.
Dan built a rock wall in our garage. I hope it never falls on my car.
Afton drew family pictures.
And her own personal "Poiles offeser Afton" computer.
For fourth of July weekend, we went to my parents' home. Dan worked on Wednesday while my parents and I took the kids on a little nature hike along a river. It was beautiful!
Later that night we set of poppers and some small fireworks.
July 4th we set out early to Luray Caverns. We totally beat the rush, thankfully. It was really packed when we got out. The caves were really cool.
Next we checked out the car museum next door.
Eli loved it.
Dad made the world's fattest burgers.
We went to a magic show at the library and Afton was chosen for a trick
7-11
Another visit to Mom and Dad's.
Stopping by the apartment we brought baby Sam home to...
Dan had to speak at a Virginia lawyers meeting at The Homestead again, so this time we took the kids. Let's just say it was a lot less relaxing this year... We still had a great time.
While Dan was speaking, I took the kids mini golfing. Holy smokes it was super hot.
We had a delicious dinner at one of the hotel restaurants and then Dan took Eli back to the hotel room while I roasted s'mores with Sam and Afton. Then they took turns rolling down a big hill.
The next day, Dan and I took turns exercising, then we all headed down for the amazingly huge breakfast buffet. Oh, it was so good. When we finally got ready to go swimming, it started to rain. So we, along with the rest of the guests, all headed to the indoor pool. It was chaos. The rain finally let up and we had lots of fun swimming outside in the pool, going down the slides, and floating along the lazy river. At night, we lounged in some hammocks and played some lawn games.
The next week, Sam and Afton were signed up for classes at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. They loved it. After class, we'd wander the halls for a while.
Here's some of Afton's artwork.
We also made lots of trips to the library. It was a fun July!
