I started writing a daunting post to catch everyone up on our lives and to be honest, it was overwhelming to write so I could only begin to imagine how overwhelming it would be for all of you to read. Can you say bleeding retinas? Instead, I'll keep it simple and write about the one precious thing that's most on my mind right now...
Cayel has been in Colorado visiting his dad for the past week and will be gone for another 4 days. To say that I am missing him tremendously would be an understatement - my heart is aching for him! To hear his giggle, see his smile, answer his unending questions, read him books, snuggle with him...ugh, 4 years and this never gets easier.
We have gotten to talk to him on the phone a couple of times throughout the week and he was thrilled to share the news that he can now ride his bike without training wheels! My baby is riding his bike without training wheels! How did that happen!?!? He's just a baby.
I guess learning to ride his bike without training wheels is just one of things he has learned to do so far this summer...
Cayel has also learned how to swim this summer, without his mommy's help I might add (sniff, sniff). He took his very first swimming lessons class this past month and passed with flying colors. Although he isn't doing the crawl or butterfly (yet), he is doing his own modified version of the breast-stroke and it's quite adorable, if I do say so myself! He got to meet some new friends and loved playing sharks and minnows. Thankfully when it was his turn to be a shark he didn't dunk any pig-tailed little girls.
We took Cayel golfing for the first time before he left for Colorado and he loved it! He inherited auntie Chelsea's youth golf clubs and although they are still too big for him, I must say he looks like a natural. Thankfully nothing like his mother who lifts her leg as she swings - what can I say, I played softball.
Cayel also got to go on his very first tube ride behind the new boat.
Oh goodness, I almost forgot...ta da, the new boat!
Isn't it perty? Obviously it's Josh's parents new boat but they say they bought it for the grand kids to enjoy - aren't they awesome grandparents?!?! And in turn, we bought grandpa's old boat from him to ensure that the two addicted fishermen in my life would always have a boat on hand. You know, just in case another family member or possibly the owners, are using the new boat. So both boats have officially made their home (when they are not on the water of course) in our garage. As Josh would say, "it's a beautiful sight!"
Speaking of fishing, junior fisherman is still going strong and the obsession still lingers. I thought for sure it was going to be a phase that would quickly fade as summer progressed...but nope, he still chooses fishing over anything else. When we went to the lake to try out the new boat and tube, mommy was busy taking her turn when Cayel asked if I was done yet so he could fish. You can imagine how thrilled daddy is!
This summer has been filled with lots and lots of cousin time! Josh's sister Betsy and her family were out here visiting from Iowa for two weeks. 5 boys=energy. 5 boys=noise. 5 boys=wrestling. 5 boys=fun. They celebrated the 4th of July together, rode the 4-wheeler, played at the park, went camping, swam in the pool, went to the lake, ran, played, ran, screamed, ran, wrestled, ran! And they never ran out of energy.
It's been so fun to watch Cayel experience new things this summer. He's went from a trike to a bike with no training wheels. A life jacket to the breast-stroke. Sunnies to a 19 1/2 inch Walleye. Plastic golf clubs to the golf course. A ride in the boat to being pulled behind. I'm so excited to get him back and spend the rest of this summer with him. Praying the next 4 days goes fast...
