Dog Days of Summer

I feel like we have been busy around here but honestly, its been so hot- we aren't really doing much if it doesn't involve being fully submerged in a pool.

I did get the kids presents for our car trip to St. Louis complete. As a way to make the time pass faster, I occassionally pick up small toys and games at garage sales and then wrap them up and every hour or so the kids get to pick a new toy to play with. 3 on the way up and 3 on the way back this time.
The kids have been saving money for almost a month to buy a build a bear at the St. Louis Zoo. They have been doing extra jobs in addition to their marble jar jobs to earn money. They also went to Grammy and Papa's and did some work and have been digging in cushions and in the car to find any extra change. We cashed it all in and they have $47.63! They are so excited to each get a new Build A Bear and Brian and I are thrilled of the lessons they learned about saving, working hard, and patience!

A fort in the dining room was must one day this week after the pool. We called it rest time so only soft items and books were allowed in the fort. They loved it!

While its only been in doses of 10 minutes or less at a time, the kids have been able to get outside a little to enjoy the new playstructure! They even had snack in the playhouse together. I love being able to see them play so nicely by themselves from the kitchen window!

We are hoping for some relief from these temps but in the meantime, we are enjoying the indoor Dog Days of Summer!