Adventure Oasis and Penguin Park

This summer has begun with a bang! Have I mentioned yet that I am LOVING being at home with my kiddos?! We love exploring new places and have already ventured out with our cousins for some fun!

The first place was Adventure Oasis. This water park is literally a mile from our house, yet this was the first time we visited. They have a great "splash 'n' play" program in which the park is opened early for 2 hours, twice a week so kids 7 and younger can play without being run over by the big kids :-) Excellent idea! Jackson stayed with Grandma B. for our first visit- not knowing how crowded the park would be and how "on-point" I needed to be for Lily. We love it already and plan to return soon...

ready to hit the water!

down the slide she goes!

ready for the "big slide"

cousin Jacob loved the water!

The gang! Karen with Jacob, Hilary with Colin and Maria

ahh....this is the life!

The next place was Penguin Park. Aunt Carissa suggested this park as a favorite of her's from childhood. The kids had a blast playing together!

The babies in their strollers: Maria, Jackson, and Christopher

the merry-go-round...one of their favorites

posing for a quick picture: Powell, Maryanna, Lily, Lola, and Colin

silly "fireman" Colin

Maryanna and Powell

snack time!

Jackson- 8 month update

Boy how things change in one month! Our boy is now more than mobile, he is standing up! He has advanced his army crawl to an "up on all fours" crawl. And he's fast too! I have realized now that my "baby-proofing" is not substantial enough for this little guy. I have more work to do in that area. As a result, he has successfully pulled out many drawers which has caused many bruises and even a popped blood vessel in his right eye. (Thankfully, per the optometrist, no eye damage) Our Jackson is quite the mover and shaker and consistently testing my reflexes as I am always trying to catch him!

Just after his 7 month update, he began saying two-syllable "words". "Ba-ba" is his favorite, although he has come up with other babbles as well. His ultimate favorite thing to do still is yell. And it's not a cry. It's just a loud yell...typically with a smile afterward. Just like his Daddy. He is definitely a Bolinger.

And he is STILL working on his first tooth, hence the wet drooled collar in every picture. I am thinking it will be in the next few weeks, as his gums have started to bubble a bit and I am able to see the "whites" through the gums.

Ever the comedian...

happy boy!

Daddy & Jackson hanging out

first bath with big sister

Swimming at the Stewart's!

Our good friends, the Stewart family, built a gorgeous new pool this year and invited us over for a pool party. We had a delicious brunch and then pool time! It was a nice and hot day so a good thing we started early.
This was Jackson's first time in the pool and he loved it! (Much different experience than older sister, Lily, who cried her first time in the pool.)
Lily had a fun time as well. We have seen a drastic change already in her comfort level with the water. Last year at swimming lessons, she had difficulty putting her head under water and still had quite a bit of fear to overcome. She has only been in the pool three times this year so far and is already swimming laps in the pool! (with her life vest, of course) We are happy she is less fearful and starting to practice kicking and using her arms.
Thank you Stewart family for a fun afternoon!

Wyatt, Lily, Jackson, Holly

Brunch on the deck

The gang enjoying the water

Mommy, Jackson, and Holly hanging out on the steps

getting ready for lunch, poolside :-)

Memorial Day weekend

Every year, we enjoy the Memorial Day weekend at the lake. Typically, the entire Bolinger family comes down for all, or part, of the weekend to relax and eat great food!
This year did not disappoint. We had a great time of relaxing by the pool (which was a bit chilly for the adults, but not for the kiddos!), mule & gator rides, fishing, tie-dying t shirts, log-roll kisses, eating great food, and above all...special memories with family!!

Tie-dying t-shirts with Grandma and Grandpa

Pool time!

Yummy breakfast on the porch

Mule ride with Grandpa

Jackson enjoying watching the big kids in the pool

the daddies with their baby boys in the backpacks!

Christopher and Jackson

fishing with Lola (& Daddy)

big catch with Uncle Chris!

Sleeping in the living room...all out of their sleeping bags :-)

What a fun weekend to start off the summer!