Summer Recap

I hate to even admit it, but our summer is rapidly coming to an end. Eric goes back to school a week from tomorrow (which he will not talk about yet), we are getting a new addition to our family ANY day now, and our 10 carefree weeks as a family of 3 are pretty much over. This summer absolutely FLEW by! I honestly don't even know what we did to fill the time! Ty had a huge "growing" summer though, both physically and developmentally. For one, his little toes now hang over the edge of his size 4 sandals, and he has next to zero pudge left on his legs...he shot up like a weed! (Still a very tiny weed for a 2.5 year old, but still, he grew a lot!) He's also become this incredibly independent, sneaky, always-into-everything toddler, and has gone from learning to walk to running (the cutest little ostrich-like run you'll ever see!). Where did my baby go?! I guess he's assumed the "big brother" role, leaving room for the newest Momnie to take the place of baby in the family. It's been a fun two months, though. Here are a few highlights of our summer...

*4th of July*

At Ty's first fireworks show, waiting in the back of the car.  He wasn't too impressed with the fireworks at first...I'd call it "sheer terror"...but by the end he did watch and even clap!

*Ty's First Wedding*

In July, we went to the wedding of one of Eric's cousins.  They were nice enough to let us bring Ty, who looked so studly in his little suit!  Ty had a blast playing with his cousin Ella (second cousin?  third cousin?  I can't keep track!), who kept him occupied for a large part of the reception!  They were a pretty darn cute pair!

*Beach Days*

We did get to the beach a few times this summer, and discovered Ty is wholeheartedly a beach addict!  Whether it's a lake or ocean, he has zero fear approaching the shoreline and diving right in!  Even though he was visibly shivering from the Arctic-like ocean water this day, he refused to get out, and laughed hysterically every time a wave chased him away (or knocked him down)!  These are the days I really think about investing in a good toddler leash... :)

*Playground Adventures*

This was the first summer that Ty was walking, and could really enjoy playgrounds.  We have a bunch of great playgrounds in the area, but re-discovered this old wooden one from my childhood, that has become our favorite!  I'm pretty sure Ty would stay here all day and night if we let him!

*Gym Class*

One of the best parts of summer was Ty's gym class!  We enrolled him in 8 weeks of classes instead of physical therapy for the summer, and it was the best decision we've made!  Ty went out of his comfort zone and learned to walk up and down ramps and stairs, hang from bars and swing from trapezes, sit and participate in circle time, and meet new friends.  The difference in motor skills over the course of this class is amazing.  We loved it so much, we are going to continue the class through the end of the year, instead of doing formal physical therapy.  Nothing can compare to letting a little guy explore, play, and get stronger all by himself!

*Old Home Day*

Old Home Day is Londonderry's "big event" each summer.  For several days there are lots of events geared at children and families, and this year was the first one where we were home to take part (since I last attended as a teenager!).  We took Ty to "children's night", where they had activities for kids around the town common.  Above, Ty got to sit in a police car with his friend Jack, and below he's playing with his favorite...playdoh! 

*Family Time*

Ty got to spend a ton of time with his family this summer, which I know he loved!  He got to visit with his Lala and Poppi, he ran around Grammy's courtyard, went to "Nanny Camp" while mom and dad worked, ran around Grandpa Bill's yard, spent time with all of his aunties and uncles (hanging with Auntie Cara in the first picture), and got to know cousins he hadn't met yet.  In the pictures above, he got to spend an afternoon with his cousins (second cousins?) from North Carolina, Gabriel and Vincent, and had a blast playing with Gabe's cars and chasing him around the yard.  We were busy! 

*Relaxing at Home*

Probably my favorite days this summer though, were the ones where we spent time as a family of 3 around the house, playing in the yard, swimming, and just being silly.  Pretty soon (VERY soon!), we'll go back to our school-year routine, and get used to life with an extra little guy in it.  We can't wait! 

 Happy End of Summer!