Fun without Scott (is there such a thing?)

Scott decided to be on the staff for a scout camp. He also is the leader over Varsity scouts in our church and had to take them on their summer camp. So, between those two things and his being busy trying to prepare for those two things and to be ready to be away from work, he was not around much in July. I did my best to find fun things for the kids to do to keep them occupied and to make the time go faster. I figured they deserved to have a fun-filled summer even though Scott was gone and so couldn't help.

We first went to a nearby railroad. Peter LOVES trains and we thought it would be fun to take them on a train ride. I found a coupon back to use, but Scott just couldn't find a time to make it work. So, I took them by myself. The kids had a great time! I was glad we picked the shortest ride, because they were definitely getting bored. However, we were just climbing in the car to leave when Peter asked when we could go again. I guess that makes it a success!

We also went to a local water park quite a few times. The kids had a lot of fun with that. We often went with either friends or family, and so that helped keep things exciting. All the kids seem a lot more confident in the water. I am glad we got the passes that allowed us to go an unlimited number of times, because then I felt OK about only staying for a couple of hours. On time we went and they closed the attractions 10 minutes after we got there due to lightning. We decided to wait and see what would happen, because there seemed to be sunny skies in the distance. Most people opted to just leave. So, a little more than an hour before the park would have closed anyway, they opened the attractions. There was hardly anyone there! Marie and Peter had the whole baby pool to themselves for quite a while. Only about 4 other kids ever eventually joined them. It turned out to be a great outing! (I have no pictures of this. It's too hard to maneuver a camera around water and keep four kids safe by yourself. Sorry.)

Richard and Audrey took swimming lessons and passed their levels. I was able to carpool with a friend. We'd take turns driving and watching the littler kids. That worked out really well. Hopefully all the time in the water this summer will help them keep the skills they've learned.