Summer Coming to an End...

Where has the summer gone? Anna starts school in two weeks...we are in the official countdown! Does the fact that I am looking forward to school being back in session make me a bad mom?? I have enjoyed the down-time with the girls that summer provides, but I must say the sibling rivalry and 100+ temps (which forces us to stay inside) are getting to me! I always get a little "gnarly" at the end of summer...mommy needs a break!
We have had a great summer. VBS and a family trip to Marco Island in June, Camp T'Sungani thru the YMCA in July -- for Anna...and finally Lauren's turn for camp in late July at her school. She felt like such a big girl heading off to "camp" for 3 hours! During that week, Anna and I had some time together which we do not get much of without lil' sister in tow! We had a busy week of pedicures, the American Girl store, Smashing Times for a little creative art, and of course lots of errands. Of note, Anna used her own money from her piggy bank to buy her 2nd American Girl doll. The dolls are special which has made them pricey...$90!!!! About 6 months ago, we realized she had $47 in her piggy bank (thanks to the loose change daddy leaves around!) and then decided that if she really wanted another doll, she should consider using her own money. Therefore, she became a scout for loose change left around, offered to help in extra ways to earn a little extra, and lost a few teeth which certainly helped her cause. She's proud of herself, as are we, in her first big purchase. I even tacked the receipt to her bulletin board! She loves her new doll, Mia...but as you can imagine little sister is a little jealous that she still only has one doll. She's handling it pretty well, although she does have a birthday in September, so we shall see! Anna has told Lauren she can "babysit" her old doll, Samantha, while she takes care of Mia...oh my! Gee thanks, sis.
We've also spent alot of time out at the pool. Anna has perfected her dive and Lauren has decided that putting her head under water is much more fun than just playing on the steps!! A breakthrough...so nice to think that next summer, mommy may actually be able to sit and enjoy a book while at the pool! Lauren has no fear. She has learned that jumping off the diving board is lots of fun. She feels like such a big girl! Oh, and of course, as Lauren does so well...she has become friends with all of the lifeguards. She knows a few by name and even calls to them on the stand as she is preparing to jump off the diving board, saying..."Watch me...woo-hoo!"
So, there you have it...our summer in a nutshell. Sad to see the down-time go, but looking forward to 2nd grade. It should be a good year!