The Mardis Family: I think I like this thing called Summer Break

With school starting back on Tuesday, I have spent the last several days reflecting upon our 1st true "summer break" and the fun we had as a family. To say that summer flew by would be the understatement of the year. Just as a I recall from my childhood, the majority of this summer was spent in or near the pool and was filled to the brim with way too many activities. Jake advanced from not wanting to get anywhere near the pool to running and jumping in and swimming the length of the pool. Kate learned 3 new strokes - freestyle, breast, and back - and spent more hours in a bathing suit than not. We spent almost every waking hour outside in the yard, driveway and/or court and spent countless hours with her best friend and neighbor, Grace! I am tremendously thankful for our neighborhood and all that comes with feeling safe in allowing your kids to play outside. We are well rested and ready to start 1st grade.

As for activities, Kate finished her swimming lessons and decided to take a break from guitar. She will take a 2 week break until soccer starts on August 26th and with the arrival and departure of the Summer Olympics, Kate has a new found interest in gymnastics. She spends the majority of her time on her head or hands so I guess gymnastics lessons will be the next adventure. She has lost yet another tooth since my last post, for a total of 4 (front 2 and bottom 2).

Jake's personality shines through a little more each day. He is generally happy and content with a smile on his face! He is talking up a storm with the words becoming a clearer each week. He transitioned well into his new classroom at school and loves to play with his 2 best friends - Ian and Etta. He emmulates Kate's handstands and cartwheels with little success but that doesn't stop him. We are going to hold off a few more months before we start the extra-cirrcular activities for Jake! Kicking, throwing, and shooting balls in our driveway will have to sufice for now!

Here are some miscellaneous pictures from the past several weeks. We have had something to do each and every weekend, which left little time to post updates. Enjoy.

Fun with Instagram...