Did you think we left the country?

No, we haven't left the country, and hardly even the state, but I just haven't updated the blog this summer!  I kept telling myself it was because I hadn't downloaded pictures from my camera in a few months.  But, more likely it was because this summer has just been packed.  We started looking at our weekend schedule back in May and realized we had something going on for every weekend up until mid-August.  On top of that, Sam has been giving up his nap this summer (its an ongoing process).  So for the past four years I have counted on a couple of hours in the afternoon to teach my classes, and that hasn't been happening.  I feel like I'm constantly playing catch-up to get my work done!

So, since this is an entire summer's worth of blogging, I think I'll give our updates through pictures:

Playing with Taylor at the water table

This was mid-June and Anna was practicing walking.  Stay tuned...it took her awhile to actually walk on her own!

Summer picnics

And summer foods!  (Yes, Sam ate all of those pieces you see on the counter!)

What are we going to do when it's winter?  All of the fun toys are outside!

And, now, mid- July (a month after the other walking picture) Anna is finally walking on her own!  She took her own time doing this, but finally at 15 months it seemed like a good idea to her.  I was thrilled since all of the knees of her clothes were filthy from crawling around outside!

The whole Robillard clan took a long weekend trip to Steamboat (a Christmas present from my Mom and Dad!)  What cute boys they are in the morning...

Swimming was a major event of the weekend

Some nice botanical gardens

My one picture of the summer (literally!)

Not sure why, but for kids statues are always chairs!

One delighted little girl!

Papa Tom and Papa Wayne bought and built a new playset for the kids. It has been a HUGE hit!

Sam even got his own toolbelt and gloves for the project!  He has informed me that he now knows everything there is to know about construction (and firetrucks) because he is a very smart boy.  We may have to tone down how much we boost his self-esteem...

Anna found the dryer one morning.  No, we did not let her "dryer ride".  Yes, that dryer is really old - at least 40 years by our estimation!

At the end of July my mother's whole family (from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Colorado) came to Laramie for a reunion.

Loving the new playset...

Conquering the old playset

And, we'll end this photo journey with an installment of photos Sam has taken.  He has his own 4-year-old perspective on the world that is quite interesting to view!

And, with that, we are now at the end of summer!  Sam goes back to preschool on Monday, Anna begins an in-home babysitter, and my new semester begins (with additional job responsibilities this year).   Summer, we love you!