Making Summer Memories

I realized about a week ago that my oldest will soon be in school all day, everyday. Kindergarten is full day.  My burn injuries, 3 rounds of strep throat, and then a respiratory infection all contributed to us spending a lot of time at home this summer.  Which isn't all bad when the weather is beautiful and you can dig for dinosaurs in the sandbox, chase fireflies, or swing on the tree swing.  There is a lot to do in our little yard.  

But when I realized how little time we have before my little boy is off to school all day, everyday, I decided that we were going to make some summer memories.  Last week I took the boys to my parents house for a few days.  They have a fish farm, Busch Family Fish Farm and Pay Lakes.  The boys and I had an incredible time.  It was a long drive for us that took way longer than it should have because we had to stop so many times, but it was so worth it.  The boys had so much fun and wanted to stay longer, but we had to get back for Kindergarten registration.  

Our fun memory making at Grandma and Grandpa's included lots of fishing, four wheeler rides, playing on Grandpa's playground (my Dad built a huge playground for the grandkids), apple picking, berry picking, playing in Grandma's garden (sorry Mom, I think a few stalks of corn bit the dust), playing with some cousins, eating homemade apple pie, and a very exciting paddleboat ride.  

Oh yeah, and playing with worms.  How could I forget that.  Doesn't every little boy love to play with worms?

This little guy is becoming quite the fisherman.  He asked to go fishing the whole time we were at my parents' farm.  He can bait his own hook and is pretty good at catching fish too.  

Another fisherman in the making...he caught just as many as big brother which kept Grandpa very busy as his fishing assistant.  

I picked fresh blackberries which the boys love.  

We made some wonderful memories and will make many more.  I have some fun things planned for next week including a Zoo trip.  I'm glad to have gotten the push of school starting to remind me to enjoy my children and make some fun memories.  

My Dad told me when we were leaving their house after the 4th of July last month that these are the happiest days of my life.  I thought it was really sweet that my Dad looks back on his life and remembers raising my sisters and I as "the happiest days of his life".  I have to remember that when things are chaotic and I feel like I don't have a moment of peace.  My precious boys and I are making memories...I want them to be good memories.  

Although, the mishaps can be funny memories too.  I had to use the restroom in Target yesterday and of course had to take my two year old in with me.  While I was indisposed, my adventurous toddler opened wide the door to the stall and wondered over to the paper towel dispenser.  I tried to convince him to return to the stall and shut the door with no success.  There was an older woman in the restroom who found the whole situation quite hilarious as she saw my toddler not responding to my request.  She thanked us for the good laugh and said it brought back many good memories.  

An older man said the same thing to us in church one day.  The boys had been loud and antsy the whole time and we were pretty much mortified and couldn't wait to get out of there after the service was over.  This kind older gentleman who had been sitting all alone made a point to tell us that our boys had brought back fond memories for him that day.  

I love these little reminders that help me to appreciate every moment with my boys.