Summer is ending TOO soon!

    We're enjoying a wonderful summer as a family - a nice vacation, Royals games, Worlds of Fun, Festivals, and many many family outings around town, but I have to say "The Simple Things" are some of our favorites.

    Sunday afternoon, we took the girls to Longview Lake Marina to feed the fish (we save the heals from our bread and any another stale pieces for fish and ducks). It was a beautiful day on the lake. The girls love the water, the rocking of the dock and the sheer excitement of the fish as they have a "Feeding Frenzy" fighting for every last crumb of bread. Daddy throws in a large pile of bread crumbs all at once and the carp attack it with full force. The girls then go into a "Giggling Frenzy" and Daddy is thrilled... just the reaction he was hoping for!

    We also love outings to the park... some of our favorites being Leawood City Park (close to home), Penguin Park (giant animals), Lowenstein Park (Butterfly Garden!), Loose Park (Rose Garden and Spraygrounds) and Antioch Park (Wild West ambience). It's great to visit new parks to discover what hidden secrets we find. This summer, we discovered three Pirate Parks in town that were new to us!

    The local nature centers are another favorite. This week, Emily and I are taking a Crayfish class at Burr Oak Woods (FREE) and her birthday party will be held at Lakeside Nature Center. The nature centers are free and they offer great educational programs. We love the nature trails and the girls enjoy seeing the new animals. Plus, they're never crowded or hectic, so it's a great peaceful outing.

    Summer also means free bowling for kids, summer movies, reading lots of library books, berry picking and Saturday morning blueberry pancakes... and so many fun filled days of saying, "What sounds good today?" and doing whatever that may be at our leisure.... only one month left!

    I have met many moms who are eager for school to start and ready for routine. I have to admit, I'm not ready for that routine to resume just yet... and we plan to relish every last day of Summer!

    What about you? Are you loving your summer? Had enough? Want more? Do tell!