When we got back from Utah we still had about 2 weeks of summer left before Grace started 1st grade. We tried to finish up a few backyard projects, spend a lot of time outside, and do a couple things on our summer list. But mostly I tried to enjoy the time I had at home with the 3 kids each day. I admit, it's been a really difficult couple of months for me (and all of us), but I'm trying hard not to wish time time away just because of this new stage our family, as a whole, is in.
We finally set up the slip-n-slide I found on clearance some weeks ago. The kids didn't know what to do and were too scared at first. They just stared at it and whined for the first 10 minutes, and since we're really not supposed to be using a lot of outside water I kept warning them I'd have to turn the hose off soon so they better get movin'! Ryan tried showing them, and we explained it over and over, we even pushed them down the slide ourselves (which they got upset about). They were being total grumps about it! haha.
They finally each got into it after some time. Silly kiddos.
Chillin' in the backyard. Boston loves being outside!
The kids and I invited over several friends and their moms to come break in our new play set and swing set. Some of them were so funny and burying themselves in our pea gravel... which turned their skin and clothes light grey. They also liked running around the entire backyard with bare feet and then walking all over our house (and new carpet). I was really bugged, but didn't say anything because I hate to be labeled as "that mom who doesn't like dirt". But seriously people... I hate dirt!! I know this about myself and it's just how I am. Especially this red, Paradise dirt that stains everything. It was fun having time to chat with my friends, and the kids had fun. So at least it was worth it.
After our thursday afternoon swim lessons in Chico, Ryan met us downtown Chico for their farmers market. We got some gourmet grilled cheese and they were SO yummy! I'd been wanting to try that particular food truck for months. The kids weren't happy with theirs but Ryan's and mine were super good.
Tomato, basil, chicken and cheese.
Ryan and I went out on our first date since Boston was born! We went to a driving range with our friends the Kambourians and then to this tiny little Thai restaurant in town. We did bring Boston along, but he was a good baby. :) It was a lot of fun!
Ryan was able to order whatever decorations he wanted for his two exam rooms. He chose superheroes (of course!) but especially this HUGE Superman. He was telling me for weeks how much he loves it! His other room is Princess themed. Good call, doc. Definitely the coolest exams rooms in the building.
We have played outside a ton! The kids enjoyed some sprinkler time with a slippery slide. So much fun! We love our backyard so much.
A week before school started we hosted Ryan's pediatric staff dinner in our backyard. All of our projects we wanted to do back there were being rushed because we wanted it all done by the day of the party. It was a close one! We literally finished cleaning things up the night before. Ryan worked his tail off! It was fun to have everyone over from both clinics. There is some bad blood between the two clinics' staff members (it's so silly, really), and Ryan feels like since we are new, and younger, and frankly NICER than the other doctors, we make a good bridge for everyone. So we were really hoping to make this dinner a fun and uplifting experience for everyone so they felt appreciated and could be on better terms with each other. It didn't exactly go as planned, since the two different groups of staff sort of kept their distance from each other (seriously so silly), but otherwise the night was wonderful!
Another lady took this cute photo of Ryan and I. Something about it makes us look so old!
We hired a caterer (rather than a cheapy food truck). It was a gourmet burger bar, so the flavors felt gourmet but overall it still felt casual for a backyard setting.
