reflecting on summer

Just reflecting on our summer so far. It's been a good one. My kids have generally gotten along really well. I wasn't sure how the older two would do around each other for 2 whole months, but they have generally played very well together. There has been a wonderful balance between lots of free time and structured activities/camps. After last week's morning art camp for Abigail and Nathaniel, this week will be a nice break with absolutely nothing planned. The weather looks glorious, lots of sunshine and warm temperatures (FINALLY!). We have my niece coming this week to spend lots of time with Grandma and Grandpa, so we will have some days where we can hang out with her. We are also gearing up for a week at a cottage.
It was nice to not have to rush this morning. Abigail and Nathaniel got right into imagination mode and were packing their suitcases and sleeping bags for their trip to Germany. I was their German host Melinda and had their breakfast and snacks all ready. My bedroom became their hotel room, where they quickly set up their beds and luggage. I love when they play cooperatively. Jesse started out being a world traveller with his sister and brother, but he got distracted with a fish light we have upstairs. He got into a secret mission of his own and came upstairs, where I was at the computer, smelling a whole lot like mint. Hmmm. I was puzzled until I saw his face.

He had gotten into Abigail's Burts Bees chapstick.

The shade...rhubarb.

As Melinda, the German host, I felt it was necessary to show my guests a German grocery store. So, I packed up the three of them and headed to do some grocery shopping. I am starting to think about cottage treats and picked up a few things that I do not normally buy. I think this goes back to my childhood. It was on camping trips that we got to splurge on sugary snacks that we normally didn't eat all year. Remember those little boxes of cereal. You did not want to get stuck with the Bran Flakes box. It was the Frosted Flakes that I was after. Luckily for us, my dad was willing to sacrifice for the family. He took the Bran Flakes. Anyways, I picked up some Oreo Sippers and caved when the kids asked for them after lunch. I figured it was a good way for them to each drink a glass of milk.

Seems to be working.

Nathaniel doesn't have the patience to sip it like a straw. He's really just interested in the cookie. And yes, he is in his pjs. But I promise he did not go to the grocery store this way. After lunch Nathaniel and Abigail were so jet lagged from their plane ride to Germany, they were taking a little nap. That was until Jesse went for a nap and they ran to have some cartoon time.