Summer Vacation Done Right!

We got off to a rocky start this summer break. Kaylin was competing for attention, Ryan wasn't used to being home so much and wandered around the house looking for something to do, the kids weren't used to so much time together, fighting ensued, jealousy developed...it wasn't fun.

But once I discovered that I was dealing with a classic case of middle child syndrome and began spending one-on-one time with each child at the beginning of each day, Ryan and Kaylin remembered that they have a best friend in each other.

And it's been great.

They've gone back to doing everything together and dressing alike daily...

(stuffed animal "jewelry")


(wearing goggles when there are no plans to go swimming)


(pretending their bedrooms were outer space and wearing full protective space gear - I think Jason was an alien they found on another planet)

(combating evil together)


Ryan has even started "doing Kaylin's hair" every day. He's so proud of the fact that he can make his own hair spikey that he wants everyone to enjoy his hairstyling talents...


Here are a few other pictures from last week. We went to a fun new-to-us public pool...




We've also had play dates and friends come over to swim...


...and Ryan has developed a new love for indoor kitchen hockey. As a result of falling in love during a play date, he got hockey sticks for his birthday. (Thanks, Jake and Joe!)


Every day, I've thought, "Now THIS is what summer should be like!" I'm glad we all found our groove.