Backyard Shenanigans

The mini-hard-sided pool has been a hit this summer.  Last summer we had a big 20 foot inflatable pool, used it twice, and in a bad storm it blew across the lake never to return.  So, this summer I told Pat I wanted a hard sided pool that could easily be dumped, dried out, and stored in the garage.  Finley picked out the pink one and although it's a size smaller than I envisioned, she has played with it enough for us to already have made a return on our investment!

Fiona on the other hand would prefer to stand at the water table and drink the water by the pitcher full, so naturally I have to make sure that water is always fresh too!  She sat in the pool a few weekends ago while we finished a mulching project and was happy for over an hour with Finley until Finley asked me to refill the pool water.  When I walked over it was very cloudy.  It turns out Fiona had marked her territory with a number 2.  That will ruin an afternoon in the mini-pool, I tell ya.  Hopefully the grass was fertilized when I dumped out the water :)

This humidity has turned her hair into a mess of curls.  I love it, but also can't wait until it's a little longer and can be partially tamed!

I am surprised Finley isn't plugging her nose - she does when she runs through the sprinkler!

She's all teeth these days!

Summer Time

Life has been chugging along and I'm trying to keep up with the old blog! We've been trying to consciously slow down, simplify, and not sweat the small stuff while purging lots of clutter.  The girls are growing and changing quickly and we have also had a lot of life changes lately.  

For starters, Pat started a new job in the middle of June.  It's at a completely new company that is slightly closer to home, but offers more financial security, an interesting client base and workload, and a great work/life balance thus far.  It is such a great opportunity for him and we are so proud of the work he's done to get to this point.  

We also traded in Pat's car for a mini-van!  I never thought I'd be excited about a van, but the stress it saves me is fully worth the less than pleasing exterior.  The automatic doors/trunk, DVD player, captains chairs, and blue tooth are all responsible for making this mama happier to be around during all of my taxi-ing around.  

Finley will start pre-school at the end of August and we can't believe how fast time flies.  She cannot wait for it though and talks about it constantly, wearing her backpack around and "going to school". 

Fiona is busy moving around exploring nooks and crannies of our house and yard.  She can climb up/down the stairs, get off the couch, and loves to pull her sisters hair.  She isn't walking consistently yet, but takes steps between the couch and ottoman.   

As Pat now has a new job that affords us a little bit more flexibility and stability in the future, we've begun to start thinking (albeit not seriously at this point) about making a move to ultimately be closer to our work, since we now work pretty close to each other.  

The logistics of this are quite complicated given the housing market (which is quite improved in the Twin Cities), daycare/preschool/elementary school, and overall timing of when this might be right for us.  Or, if it even would be right for us.  While we adore our neighborhood and treasure our neighbors, and feel so comfortable in a house that fits us just perfectly, we can't help but wonder what it would be like to live within miles of both of our jobs.  

There would be gains and losses and pros and cons if we stay put or move south.  And we're taking our time trying to figure out what makes the most sense.  But at the same time still dreaming and listening to our hearts and what feels right for our family.  Summer has been slow enough for us to ponder these deep thoughts : )

We have had the best time the past few weekends - you know the type where you have absolutely nothing to do except explore your own backyard.  

Summer seriously rocks - and we have the second half still to go!!

Beach Day

Today, we soaked up a little more of that summer sun!  We hit up the splash pad first - with its ice cold water.

Happy little animal : )

Rainbow!

This floaty jacket is the best invention ever.  She played happily in the water while I sat on the beach and watched.  I really don't think there is anywhere she'd rather be...