Super Super Something

I've spent the last year of my life so busy that to even find time to clean a toilet throws me over the edge.  Fast forward to this summer and the thoughts I keep having about being the kind of mom I always envisioned.  In short, I have TWO children now who are relying on me to be a super-awesome, super-fun...Mom.  No, that's not exactly what I aspired to be but it did have something to do with being super.

Needless to say if I go along in the fashion I've been hurtling along for the past year, my kiddos would get the shaft this summer, spending a lot time jumping on a tramp over a sprinkler. NOT that there's anything wrong with that - lots of good wholesome fun, but not necessarily what I want them to remember the summers for. I want them to have great memories of fun things that we did.  So every Monday, we try to do something fun, irregular and summery.  It's only mid-July but so far we've had some good times...

Bowling...

Liberty Park Seven Canyons (twice)...

 

Lagoon (twice)...

 

Spenser Eccles Dinosaur Park:

 

Not to mention the Gateway Fountains numerous times, tons of swimming, a Drive-In movie and every other kid movie that has come out this summer.

Summing it up like this, I guess I shouldn't have any fear that my kids aren't have any fun.  Not to mention that doing these things has reduced my stress immeasurably. Imagine that :)

Now That's What I'm Talking About!

It is so great that we no longer have a little "lump in the carseat" but rather an active participating member of our family. Tinker is just another one of the kids now and it's awesome. It made for some terrific fun this weekend.

We had a great time this weekend...a few minor hiccups...but all in all, it was everything a 4th of July should be.

Saturday, we packed up the truck and went camping.  We pitched a tent and slept under the stars. Well, The Marshmallow and Tinker slept in a cabin but Bugs and I slept on the cold ground in sleeping bags. We played games [on my iPad] and ate trailmix until we tipped over.

We came home early the next day with The Marshmallow's sister's family and we packed (again) and got lazy at Liberty Park while the kids played in the Seven Canyons exhibit. It was HOT, but we found shade and ate hot dogs and drank energy drinks.

We got home just in time to throw together a full fledged bbq for a bunch of our nephews and their girlfriends and our houseguests (The Marshmallow's sister and her fam).  True to youth, the nephews rushed off to a club shortly after eating leaving us the mess and an empty Sunday evening which we put to good use...with our heads on our pillows. We were pooped.

Monday morning brought our houseguests wanting to have more fun...this time the plan was Lagoon.  Lagoon hasn't been on our radar since the last time we went, Bugs was terrified of even the Carousel.  But she's been itching to go try the roller coasters after experiencing the milder forms at Disneyland last year.  So we went.

That's when my bro-in-law talked me into the freefall swing.  What the...  2 times might I add. The first time found me in a fetal position, screaming my head off with my hands over my eyes...the entire time.  The 2nd time however I enjoyed it much more.  The first plummet is quite terrifying and you can literally feel your guts floating as they suspend against gravity.  24 plus hours later folks, I am still nauseated...really.  You can see the vid on my FB page but here's some entertaining pictures. 
click on these pics for closer up fun :)

OOOOOORGAmi this looks good

 

Peanut Butter S'mores

• 8 large chocolate chip cookies
• 4 teaspoons hot fudge ice cream topping
• 4 large marshmallows
• 4 peanut butter cups

Spread the bottoms of four cookies with fudge topping.Using a long-handled fork, grill marshmallows 6 in. from medium-hot heat until golden brown, turning occasionally. Carefully place a marshmallow and a peanut butter cup on each fudge-topped cookie; top with remaining cookies. Serve immediately.

I'm having a family get together tomorrow evening where we're going to cook dutch oven...everything.  And while the dessert I'm making is definitely kid-approved (an easy Strawberry Shortcake recipe I recently got from a friend), if the kids decide to partake, there won't be enough for the grown-ups (like there won't be the 3 servings a piece that this shortcake incites).  So, I'm thinking I'll pull out the ingredients to make these S'mores. They look awesome!  And, any leftovers will do for my midnight closet-snack!

I forgot to say why I'm hosting this gathering and that's the most important thing of all!  My cute niece who all of the sudden graduated from high school and (I say all of the sudden because it literally to me was yesterday that she was in diapers), and is headed off to basic training in the next couple of weeks.  I am so excited for her and think it's such an amazing decision. I'm grateful that she's had responsible parenting that can guide her into making healthy decisions about her future.  Anyway, I'm going to miss her so much. She's such a remarkable girl and I can only hope to have my girls grow up into the woman she's become.