Slip, Slidin' (Cold) Summer Days

Busy summer days in the bluegrass. This is how I would describe this summer. School was out relatively late this year, we took a mid-June vacation, and returned for the 4th of July and the arrival of baby Alena! Whew! Our last few weeks have been spent organizing the house in preparation for the arrival of our little one this fall. It has been a slow process due to my growing belly and the arrival of the dreaded sciatic (spelling?) nerve pain. (Yuck!) We have also spent quite a few days playing with friends, celebrating birthdays and going on road trips. Here is a recap of the month's events.

Mom stayed with Ashley and Jason for a few days after Alena's arrival. Dad came to pick her up and stole some precious moments with grand baby #2.

Julie invited us over for an evening of swimming, sliding, and grilling-out. Fun times!

Tristan especially enjoyed the baked beans. Yum!

Julie also dragged out the ultimate in kid fun...A slip and slide! This is Sarah's first time with one of these. Needless to say it won't be the last!

slip and slide from Angela Coleman on Vimeo.

Wheeeee!

Later that week, Maura and Julie joined us for lunch at Firehouse Subs. This has become one of my favorite stops. It is adjacent to the UK campus. Aren't the hats cute?

Our goofy girls!

Next summer event: Chris's birthday.

Chris was born on July 16, 19...... (I won't out him...) He mentioned that in all of his years on this earth, he could not remember a cooler birthday. Brandy is even wearing a jacket!

Chris cleaned up the backyard and moved the playhouse into the "forest" for fun playtime.

But the kids had a better idea...turning over rocks to look for bugs and worms. I wonder who came up with this one hmm... Check out the hands on hips. Sarah is such a girl!

Cohen had other secret plans. He jumped into our pool clothes, shoes, and all. How cold it must have been! He wasn't complaining.

Jason came over to inspect the mischief.

Soon after, the pull of the water became irresistible for even the older kids. I was cold just watching them!

They weren't in long. Notice the blue lips on Caden.

Burrrr.......
Cohen was the only one who did not complain. Happy Birthday Chris!

The past week has been quite busy for the Coleman clan. I have made no less than three trips to Cincinnati in search of a mini-van as well as furniture for the toy room (I know, I am nesting). The first trip resulted in the wrong color furniture making it's way back to Kentucky. I asked my friend Julie if she and the kids wanted to make a run back up to good old Ikea for a return and exchange followed by some fun at Totter Otter ville. Julie and the kids never pass up an excuse for playtime, so they agreed! Sarah is striking a pose while she drives a baby around Totter Otter ville in a stroller.

ballet class from Angela Coleman on Vimeo.

Maura and Sarah sharing their very first "ballet" class.

The cutest event of the day was when the three kids decided to cook for their Mommies. It was so sweet!

Untitled from Angela Coleman on Vimeo.

We also moved outside for some "fishin'" Maura was proud of her catch.

Sarah quickly moved over to excavate some "dinosaur bones".

Overall, an otherwise cumbersome trip became lots of fun thanks to good friends. By the way, the third trip to Cincinnati was a charm: we now own a mini-van! Photos to come soon.