This Kid Needs A Pool!

Aaron is our Water Boy!

He loves to be all engulfed in anything wet.

He has a bit of an obsession with dunk tanks and begs every day to be in one.

I found a small sprinkler for him this year but rather than playing with it the correct way, he took the spinning top off and created a "fountain".

Then it became clear to this creative little boy that he could indeed create his own "dunk tank" by sitting on the chair and pretending to fall in.

This activity has continued to evolve over the last few weeks but he spends more time out with his creation than anywhere else these days.

Most kids play in kiddie pools.

Apparently all mine needs is a Rubbermaid bucket from the garage :)

Boys Exploring the Dunes

One reason we are lucky for living where we do in Michigan is our close proximity to Lake Michigan. In less than an hour's drive, we can get to the "Big Lake" to play whenever the fancy strikes us. In the past couple of years, we have frequented the beach in Grand Haven, particularly because it had the scenery of the lighthouse and because it contained fond memories of our college years. But it was missing the one element that I remember so well from my childhood...sand dunes. So a couple of weeks ago, we decided to drive a little further north and try out the other nearby state park beach, complete with sand dunes.

We are loving it!

We had so much fun that we returned again this past Sunday, this time with my sister and her three kids. After lots of swimming in the bigg-ish waves, the four boys set off to explore the dunes. With varying degrees of success in the "stay together" instruction, they had a great time. They found a couple of tepee type structures in which to play "warriors" and also a big branch that extended over a two foot or so drop. I remember climbing on sand dunes when I was a little girl and I am happy that the boys are going to makes these memories as well.

After several rounds of back and forth between lake and dunes, we decided it was time to head home. As we were leaving, my sister and I started noticing "battle wounds" on the happy little boys' bodies from branches, but I chocked it up to "boys will be boys" and after a good shower and antibiotic cream on the scratches, my boys are already asking if we'll be back this week for a third Sunday in a row.

I may not be able to provide a big summer vacation for my boys. But I know that this memory will be one that will last, as it has for me for well over 30 years.

So, in response to the boys' plea if we're going back this week...given the forecast of highs in the 90's and humid, muggy air, I'd say that the chances are good :)

How to Enjoy A Splashpad

In our area, ever the last few years, splash pads have been springing up all over the place. They're safer, easier, and less expensive to maintain than city pools and do a great job keeping the kids cool in the hot summer weather.

Aaron is a water MANIAC. He is one who from day one has always wanted to be engulfed in water and will do anything to be wet, no matter what the weather outside or what he happens to be wearing at any given time. So therefore, the boy begs every day to go to the newest splash pad that was recently installed right around the corner from us. And true to hos personality, he has a blast every single time, with a bucket and a smile :)

Noah hasn't been so enthusiastic this year about splash pads this year. Each time we go, I bring his bathing suit but he's not interested. He finally told me why the other day and so now I understand his thought process. The last time we went with some friends though after we were there for well over and hour, just as we were getting ready to leave, he asked to put on his suit and join in the fun. Unfortunately, I had to tell him no. I felt so bad. But I am hoping that means that he is ready to join in the fun next time.

Which I'm sure will come very soon.

WordlessWednesday: My First Baby's Nine!