August 2014

Well Marlowe is really nervous about starting school next week.  We did orientation last night and she's now a little more excited but I can tell the nervousness is still there somewhat.  I can't believe she is already starting school.  I'm gonna miss our winters together.  Going to the library, museums, reading stories and playing games.  Those are probably going to be the best days ever for me.  She's starting to hit a ball really well off the tee.  My favorite thing she says this month is when I ask her "are you sure" and she responds "I'm sure I'm sure."  

She's a lot like me in the way if she really likes a pet or person she will have a nickname for them.  Cleo is Clee Clee, I'm Dad-O, Drew is Baby Drew, and Lydia is Lydee

She's been spending a lot of time with her friend Lydia from preschool.  Especially since they won't be going to the same elementary school.  They've both stayed the night with each other and have had many play dates this month.  I hope they stay in touch because they get along so well.  

We went to the grape festival again this year, the 3rd year in a row with the Donnel's.  Jake and Marlowe had grape ice cream together again and Traci and Jenna played Bingo again and Scott and I talked about hog football practices again.  Its a nice little tradition I hope we can continue for many years.  Marlowe was much different with all the rides.  She used to ride anything and everything she could ride on.  Not anymore.....She was scared of a lot of rides for the first time.  I did get her to ride the ferris wheel with me.  She refused to let go of the bar in the middle even though it barely moved.  I did get to take this picture of her up at the very top

July 2014

We had a great camping trip with the Donnels and Hass' out at the lake this month.  Bobby took us all out on his boat and it was Marlowe's first time.  She was really nervous at first, but of course she liked it after a few minutes.  The kids all had fun on the tube.  Hopefully we get a couple of more lake trips in before summer is over.  At the campsite they had a park that had all sorts of equipment from the 70' and 80' from when I was a kid.  Teather ball, monkey bars, aluminum slide.  This is picture of Marlowe riding one of the old horses there.

Tired little girl and the end of the lake day curled up with her mommy.  The boat was going about 35 MPH and she was sucking her thumb trying to take a nap

Marlowe has really gained some strength this summer.  Gymnastics and swimming are the main reasons.  She now jumps in the pool at the deep end all by herself and swims to the ladder.  She can tread water for up to 20 seconds.  I can't believe how much she has progressed swimming this year.  Very proud of her.  She's even trying to ride her scooter and playing catch with the soccer ball with me.  I didn't think she would have any interest in a ball of any sorts but she's starting to come around.
Here is a pic of her wearing my favorite dress we got her while in Jamaica.