Adventures of Summer!

I can't believe it's already July! The best part is we haven't needed the air conditioner on for almost the last week. Say what!? Last year we were going through that stinking drought and it was over 100 with the heat index for weeks. THIS is my kind of summer!

It's been nice to be able to do some more fun things with Daniel this summer.

I took him swimming at the Y for the first time a couple of weeks ago for Charleigh's birthday party. He was hesitant at first, but after an hour and a half in the pool he was a little fish. His feet looked like prunes when we got out. It was adorable.



Since he loved it so much, I added him onto my YMCA membership! I barely have to pay anything, so taking him sometimes isn't going to break the bank! We already went again last Saturday. He was a little apprehensive at first, but eventually was smiling and wanting to venture away from me a little. I taught him to kick his feet while I pulled him and he even let me dunk him under the water.

We went to a park in Springfield to play! I get very bored without planning out some fun activities. I was whiny and needed out of the house so Jacob agreed to this outing! We also had $50 gift card to Applebees so we went there afterward. Splurged on steaks and a triple chocolate meltdown. SO worth it!



Old school Merry-go-Round!



We've had more opportunities to play outside. Because let's face it...this momma doesn't play outside when it's humid. Ever. This weather is the best!








On a side note, I just have to say how much I LOVE that Daniel carries a walking stick (or adventure stick as we call it) with him all the time. It makes me think of my Grandpa S. He always used a walking stick to go on a hike and always found one for me too. Makes me smile that even though Daniel only met his Great Grandpa twice as a tiny baby, he picked up this little trait.

Daniel and I went on an "adventure" last week. I had a doctor's appointment and Jacob was out of town. It was just a regular exam with my OB/GYN...but it's fun to take Daniel so she can see how much he's grown. She loved seeing him and he was so well behaved. Made me happy!

Then we went on a Mommy/Bubby date to Panera. It was delicious as usual, and Daniel was only slightly ornery.



I had a $5 gift card to Barnes and Noble, and since Daniel was such a good boy at my appointment I thought it would be fun to let him pick out a new book...since he's OBSESSED with books. Yay!
He took many books off the shelves to look at them. We finally got another book in the "Little Pookie" collection. They are adorable books and when Daniel sees one now he'll even say, "Pookie!" Anyway, the kids section is in the very back of the store. That booger took off at full speed to the front of the store...laughing the whole way! Brother!
After a quick trip to Target for diapers we ended our adventure and headed for home!

Yesterday, we planned to go to the St. Louis Zoo. I found someone to work for me and we decided to leave really early because it was supposed to rain in the afternoon. We did NOT beat the rain. We left at 7 and it started pouring about 40 minutes from home. It proceeded to pour the whole time we were in St. Louis.

It was supposed to be in the mid 70's so we were in shorts. Poor Daniel. We decided to go to the Science Center since it's free. We parked and started walking in the rain. I had a jacket for Daniel but we figured it wouldn't take long. Well...we walked in the wrong direction for 5 minutes...and then had to walk back to the car. We were pretty wet! I got Daniel's jacket on and we drove closer to where we were supposed to be. My phone said it at 59 degrees! Thankfully, it was easy to dry off and not cold inside.

Daniel had so much fun!

You can watch cars go by through the floor!







Then we went to St. Louis Mills Mall



And then to Steak and Shake before heading back home, once we decided the rain was for sure not ending!


We made a fun day out of it! I was still full from our later lunch...so Daniel and I had puff corn for supper while we watched TV. Haha!



More fun adventures to come this summer! Parade tomorrow! Plus a trip to Iowa and Minnesota in a couple of weeks! And hopefully a trip to the St. Louis Zoo. :)