Park fun

Now that it is summer time, we are slowly getting into the swing of thing by doing one of our favorite activities - going to the park! These boys love to get outdoors and run around and Lucy loves to have some kind of destination to travel to. We took the kids to City Lake Park earlier this week because we thought we would get to ride the Carousel and the train before kids start to get out of school. Sadly, the train was under going maintenance, so we didn't get to do that, but we did have fun on the carousel. Of course, there are no pictures from there, because Michael and I were busy holding boys! After that, we headed into the park.

Alex wanted to bring the ball to the park and at first, it seemed like an ok idea. However, we quickly realized that since we are still learning the art of passing the ball back and forth, that might not have been the best idea. (Also, Charlie was having an interesting hair day  .. .  I have no idea what's going on there!)

Alex won out in the end though. We couldn't get him to play with any of the playground equipment because he refused to put the ball down. I guess he was afraid he wouldn't get it back! We didn't stay too long at the playground section though, because it was just too large of an area to safely watch three little ones even with two adults! (Also, it was SO hot even thought it was only 10 AM!)

We are fortunate enough to have two local parks that we like to frequent. After dinner tonight, we decided to burn off a little energy. The boys were so cranky after their nap time and even though they have played all day, we thought it couldn't hurt to really wear them out!

Sliding is always a favorite!

They wanted to go back and forth in the tunnel over and over again. . . the also got mad when we made them stop because there was another little boy waiting to go through!

Lucy was at the park too, but unfortunately I don't have any pictures of her. She was swinging and running around and having a good time. She would have stayed later, but I promised we would come back again next week so she left without pitching a fit. I think she was also worn out after her party. Hopefully all the Flack kids will sleep all night long!

Putt Putt Fun

We took the kids to Putt Putt today in High Point. When I was in high school/college, I worked there . . . many fond memories, let me tell you!! ;) The great thing is, Chris (the owner) let us play for free! We have taken all the kids before, but this was the first time the boys were going to be able to participate.

Two little boys, ready to go!

They had a great time hitting all the barriers and trying to move them  . . . or climb on them . . .

Charlie :)

Alex :)

Lucy actually wanted to play. The boys were more interested in carrying their balls and clubs around and then standing where ever Lucy was trying to play through. ;) 

Don't let her weird smile fool you - she was having fun!

This picture cracks me up - they were carrying on a little conversation as they walked along. . . like two little old men out to play the back nine! 

We tried to show the boys how to hit their putters. . . Charlie tried it a couple of times, but Alex was satisfied with just walking around, holding his putter and ball.

We reached the 18th hole and the boys were so confused about where the ball disappeared to!

We went inside to the arcade for a little while. Lucy said she wanted to play some games. . . until it actually time to play them! We would put the coin in and then she would say, "I don't want to!" However, everyone wanted to try ski ball. The boys just simply wanted to run around the arcade holding the ski balls.  One of the ski ball machines was broken, so every time you would finish a game, all you had to do was push the start button and it would begin all over again! Sigh . . .at least they had fun!

We had a lot of fun playing and I'm sure we will be going back more this summer! Next time though, we will go early in the morning so that we can beat the heat!

Sandbox fun

After lunch, the kids wanted to go outside and play with the new sandbox from Grammy and Poppa.

Lucy jumped right in to play!

Charlie, trying to figure out just how to get the sand into the bucket. . . 

Alex wasn't too sure he wanted to be a part of any of this  . . 

But eventually, he joined right in!

Of course, as has been our pattern lately, the boys' favorite game is taking whatever toy the other one has and running away. This game goes back and forth - sometimes Alex is taking a toy from Charlie and sometimes Alex is the one having to chase after Charlie. Either way, it always leads to one grinning and laughing while the other one is screaming . . .sigh . . ..

As you can see, Alex is quite pleased with himself. :)

Our new toy

After school today, Lucy and I went by the Kaplan teacher store. I wanted to get her some handwriting workbooks for this summer. While the boys take their morning nap, she and I are going to have a little school time then. It won't be an every day thing, but hopefully, it will keep her practicing those fine motor skills that she still needs to improve. While we were there, we wandered back to where they have their closeout items for sale. Kaplan makes many of the types of furniture that you see in preschool/elementary classrooms and daycares . . . tables, chairs, cribs,  play kitchens, etc. As we were looking around, we saw this Little Tikes bus. I had seen this bus earlier this year and knew that it would be a great activity for my busy boys. However, it was a bit pricey so I never ordered it. But wouldn't you know - it was on sale!! :) So we are now the proud owners of a little bus in our living room. The kids have had the best time on it this afternoon!

All the kids, sitting in the bus

Charlie, sliding down the back

Alex loves to drive . . . and Lucy loves to just be involved in whatever is going on :)

Alex's turn to slide!

And of course, it makes a great place for two buddies to sit and watch TV together :)

Last day of preschool! Kindergarten, here we come!

Can you believe the day has come? Where does time go? Lucy is officially finished with preschool and on to Kindergarten! Just look at how much she's grown this year -

1st day

Last day

Lucy is so ready for Kindergarten and I have no worries about her being prepared. However, I did not expect myself to be so emotional today! As I told her to have a good last day of preschool, I felt my eyes fill up with tears. It seems like yesterday she was born and now she's finished with preschool and turning five in a few weeks. In August, she'll start Kindergarten and then before we're ready, she'll be graduating. I think it just hit me today how quickly time is moving. Yes, some days and weeks seem like they will never end as we get caught up in the day to day grind of life. But these moments and days are fleeting and all too soon, this stage of life will be gone. I am going to do my best this summer to hold on to those moments - to slow down and savor as much as I can . . .even the moments where the house is a mess, the kids are screaming, and I just want to take a nap. Because the day will come when my house is clean and quiet and I can nap . . .but I can never get these days back. :)

Beginnings of Summer!

It has been WARM here all week long . . . almost as if spring passed us by and summer has arrived. After dinner this evening, we cleaned off the water table and filled it up for our first use this year. We got it last summer, but I know the boys didn't remember it. However, as much as they LOVE splashing in the pool/bathtub, I knew that we were in for a good time! Charlie's little jaw stayed dropped open for the first five minutes of playing . . .he was in awe!!!

So I apologize for all the photos, but my kids are just so cute . . . . .

This occupied their complete attention for about 30 minutes!! AMAZING!!!!! I cannot tell you the last time we had something that kept their attention that long! They stayed right at the table and played . . .didn't try to run off, didn't want to go play with another toy, and everyone was sweet to each other! Woohoo!! It was such a fun evening and I look forward to many more like it in the weeks to come!