Summer

Early in the Morning

Early in the morning, you might find the kids riding their bikes. Cooper is doing so well with his bike. Marlee has just about outgrown her bike. She's tried out some larger ones at the store and does really well.

Park Play

We arrived at the library before it opened this morning, so we decided to spend some time at the playground behind the Civic Center. Marlee and Cooper were the only kids there and really enjoyed themselves. I hope the early wake up combined with hardcore play at the park means a long nap for both kids today.

We finally got our pool key and are super excited to try out the new splash pad and beach entry pool this afternoon. Of course, we'll have the camera in tow to catch all the action.

New Adventures for Me

I'm trying something new. Since we have been living off of one income for over a year and a half, I am looking to join the work force again. Teaching jobs have not been saved in this wacky economy, so I have decided to try a new outlet for working. I am now a Premier Designs Jewelry Independent Distributor. I hope to build my contacts and fill up my calendar with shows over the next few months. If you are interested in helping me jump start my business, please let me know. I would be ever so grateful!! I'm hoping to secure enough shows each month to offset the kids preschool expenses and to play catch up from not working over the last 18 months. Only time will tell how successful it will be for me, but I am very excited to try something new!!

Also this summer I hope to pick up a few clients for tutoring while the kids are in preschool. My favorite thing about teaching has always been watching a child learn something new and gain confidence in their abilities with weak areas. Tutoring would allow me the one-on-one time with students without the added pressure of paperwork, testing, etc. I plan to offer my services to PreK-5th grade aged students. If you know of someone in need of some extra help, please give them my information. I would like to work in Roane, Anderson, and West Knoxville areas.

Wish me luck!! I'll update in a few months with my progress in both areas.

Experimenting

Cooper is showing more and more signs of readiness to potty train. So we went and bought him big boy underwear and a a little seat for the big potty. He'll sit on it and say, " PEE!" and think that he's been to the bathroom. He didn't like the underwear on and would rather go naked. Marlee trained bare bottom, so I may give that a shot with Cooper. We'll see, but I think it's safe to say that the potty train has arrived at our house!

Marlee didn't want to be left out, so she tried Cooper's underwear on for size.

Isn't that the cutest??!!

Faces

Marlee and Cooper have so many different faces. Some I love, and some I don't like so much. lol

Sprinkle Me

Cooper enjoyed playing in the sprinklers while we were at the beach.

Family Pictures at the Beach

We tried again this year to take family pictures at the beach. Here are a few that we took last year. The kids have changed so much over the course of a year. The kids were not all that excited about getting their pictures made. I even tried bribing them with candy. I guess they were too distracted by the beach construction and men flying right off shore.

We did manage to get a few good ones though.

Beautiful Time

We spent the last week enjoying the beautiful Destin beaches. The water was amazingly clear and the sand was so soft and white. The kids had a wonderful time. Cooper was fearless in the pool and pretty adventurous at the beach. Marlee was a little more cautious this year compared to her time last year.

We spent our mornings at the beach digging and playing saving the afternoons for the pool. We enjoyed some very yummy dinners and quality time with our family. We look forward to future trips with Marlee and Cooper where they can really take full advantage of a vacation.

Of course the headline news each morning talked about the oil spill in the gulf. Luckily, we had zero exposure to any of it, but it does make me extremely sad to think of all that yucky stuff washing ashore and hurting the wildlife. I hope they get it all under control to minimize the damage.

In the meantime, enjoy some of the fun we had this past week.

Very calm water the first couple of days and very big waves the last few days.

She was struttin' her stuff!

Marlee's island for her castle.

They are on top of a "mountain" according to Marlee.

She was practicing wearing her goggles in the water. She dipped her face in only for a few seconds, but she was so proud of herself.

Just a digging on the beach early one morning.

We saw dolphins right off the shore. Cooper couldn't miss out on the action.

They were so excited to try out all the new sand toys. Cooper didn't have any sandy diapers this year. LOL

Bookwise

How sweet! Mar and Coop enjoying a book in the middle of the kitchen. Actually, Cooper used the book to distract Marlee from her mission to take something away from him. Just another day in the McCormick House!!

Cutie Pies

I just can't seem to get enough of these cutie pies! We're working on our attitudes, sassy behavior, and tantrums. I hope staying busy this summer will help. I'm currently up to my elbows in books about toddlers. Who knew the older they get the more work they would require!?!? LOL

Laundry

I've just been catching up on laundry around the house lately. We are super excited about summer fun right around the corner.