Getting in the Olympic spirit...

I absolutely love watching the Olympics.  In the summer, it's swimming and gymnastics.  In the winter, it's skiing, snowboarding, and figure skating.  I couldn't wait to share my love of the Olympics with the boys this year.  Thanks to the DVR, I've been able to show them highlights of swimming and gymnastics from the night before the following day.  They've been totally captivated by the idea of winning medals, representing your country, and the excitement in the announcers voices.  Surprisingly, diving has been their favorite thing to watch - synchronized diving at that.

A little Pinterest and several pieces of chalk later...we re-enacted some Olympic swimming.  Watch out Michael Phelps!

In other news, Sean finished off his first season of t-ball.  I'm not too sure he loved it as much as soccer, but I'm proud of how hard he worked and he never complained, despite how unbelievably hot it's been during his games this summer.  We'll see if he's up for another season next summer.  For now, he's reveling in another medal to hang in his room.

It's hard to believe in a few short weeks soccer will be starting.  Scott will be coaching Sean's U7 team complete with a referee, rules, positions, and score-keeping.  And believe it not, Evan will be old enough to play this fall!  We had him try on his new shin guards, socks, and soccer shoes to make sure they fit yesterday and he was loving running around in his gear.  He's getting so big!

Not only does it feel like the boys' birthdays will be here before we know it, it feels like the summer is ending rather quickly.  We're trying to squeeze in all our last minute "summer bucket-list" items and make sure we've done all our favorite stops at least one more time.  Things like Music in the Park on a Wednesday at lunch time.  Panera, a picnic blanket, library books, and relaxing with my boys is my favorite way to spend a Wednesday afternoon.

And going putt-putting.  Which we discovered is Sean's favorite thing to do this summer.  I'm happy to report that both boys completed all 18 holes...both times we went this week....in 90 degree weather...ugh!

Summer wouldn't be complete without spending lazy Saturday mornings at the Farmer's Market.  Getting pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, dipping little boy feet in the fountain, and picking some yummy fruits and vegetables.

And random trips to local beaches are always fun.  Last week I took the boys to Walled Lake for the morning and a picnic lunch.  We had a great time!  $5 gets you parking, lake access, a fun playground, and hours of fun!

Scott and I were lucky to get a date night last weekend!  It was a much needed night out and break from our little guys.  We ate dinner on the patio on a gorgeous evening at Compari's, grabbed drinks at a few bars, and headed home.  The next morning we ate breakfast at Bode's Diner before picking up the boys.  And plus also, I'm wearing white jeans for the first time....ever!!!

In addition to all these outings and adventures, we've been busting our butts, along with my parents, painting the hallway, front door, and master bathroom.  New rugs, new decor, new paint brings such a breath of fresh air into the house (post with the updates coming soon)!

And now with all those home projects behind us, next week is our busy traveling week to end our summer.  Mackinac Island Monday-Wednesday with the boys and my parents, Lake Lancer and the Ogemaw County Fair Wednesday - Sunday with Scott and the boys, and Portland for me to visit my brother from Thursday - the following Wednesday morning.  Then when we come back it's Evan's birthday party and back to school!  Seems hard to believe it's that time already, but I really feel like we can look back on our summer and say we made the most of it!  So many memories and many more to be made over the next two weeks!