Ghetto Water Park and Family BBQ

This summer has flown by. I felt that the minute June hit, actually. It was such a long and hard winter to do anything with the kids I think I kept picturing the sun and grass. We talked about doing different trips, went to the fair but ultimately the most fun this summer, somehow, seems to be in our little backyard, the size of which mostly drives me crazy.

The kids had so much fun at the fair, in the pool and at the park we decided we needed to do something for them at home. I headed to Wal-mart and created the Butler Ghetto Water Park! These were taken back in June when I first set it up. They LOVED it. Throughout the last couple of months that slide has gotten a ton of use, almost every time we walk out the door someone takes at least one ride! The slide in the pool is a lot of fun for these two, especially Adam. We've tried to BBQ in the evening some as well, which can be hard with Todd's work schedule, so the kids could play and we could be outside as a family. I took this a week or two ago while Todd was firing up the BBQ (also a little ghetto if you see it in the background :) There is such a big hole in the bottom we have to use foil!) and the kids playing and having a ball while I got the food ready. And yes, that is a playpen my neighbor lent me in the background. Abbey was so bad at taking off into the street we use it whenever she runs. Now, thank God, the threat of it mostly keeps her in check. By the way, we have discovered that baked potatoes and NY Stirp steaks are the best on the grill! These have been some of my favorite moments this summer....time with my family, my kids laughing and me and my husband eating great food. Did I mention after the kids went to bed we've been known to sneak out and make S'mores? We were nice last time and did it WITH them, though :)

The funny thing, when I was a teenager, my Dad used to sit in our backyard at Calkins Road and grill and hang out and we'd swim and he'd say that it was the best vacation in the world as he drank a beer. I didn't get it then, Dad, but I think I get it now.