Bring on the Summer!

Now that we've been in Charlotte for over 10 years, we're finally starting to get the hang of these summer holidays. Whether it's Memorial Day or 4th of July, it seems to be all about playing, drinking and grilling. So, we started our long weekend by playing at the Baxter YMCA pool which opened Saturday. The water was super chilly, but that didn't stop Will from getting busy. Alex wasn't sure about the whole thing and preferred snuggling with us in the pool chairs and watching the action.

Sunday morning, Will and I had a "date". Since it's usually me with the boys, or otherwise Scott & Will running errands I rarely get to hang out with just Will. We were past due for some quality "Mum & Will time" so, we decided to spend the morning together. Our first stop was Toys 'R Us for Will to pick out a birthday gift for Alex. We did a tour through the bike department too, so Will could go for a few spins and narrow down his choice for his birthday gift. It seemed like the green & blue "dirt bike" style one with a water bottle holder was the favorite. Next stop was REI to check out the bike selection there. Then, we spun though Barnes & Noble to pick up a birthday gift (and a new book for Will). We even sat at the kid's table and read "I'm Dirty" which is the sequel to "I Stink!"...a book about an NYC garbage truck and Will's FAVORITE library book pick-of-the-week. It was so awesome to not be on schedule and just enjoy the moment. After a spin though Children's Place and Gymboree for some t-shirts (since Will's are all getting too short) we went for lunch. Will picked CiCi's pizza (because of the arcade, I'm sure!) So after a great morning, we headed home for naps. Will was so fun to hang out with, and as chatty as always. Our date helped remind me what a sweet and personable boy we've got.

After naps, we hit the boat with our neighbor Geo. That's the great thing about inviting people out on the boat...they never say no! It's always more fun when we take people with us. We went to one of our regular sandbars to hang out and it was packed! The water was cool, but not as freezing as the last time we were out 2 weeks ago. Since Scott had to get in to secure the anchor, Will was thrilled to have someone else in the water to catch him when he jumped in. For the next hour, Will would jump in, swim to the steps, climb up and jump in again. He loves it! Even Alex got in!

He wasn't so happy at first, but got used to in and seemed to enjoy himself. Plus, Will's continuous jumping entertained him.

By 6pm we figured it was time to head home. I fed Alex and put him to bed while the boys whipped up an amazing feed on the grill...beer brats, hot Italian sausages and huge scallops wrapped in maple bacon. YUM!! Even though we were stuffed, we managed to find room for a couple roasted (strawberry) marshmallows. They sound horrendous, but where really pretty good....they tasted a lot like strawberry mousse.

It was a great weekend, and we're ready to keep doing more of the same thing until September (and Labor Day) rolls around!