End-of-Summer Sprint

July vacation was wonderful but we were met upon our return with a mad dash through the rest of the summer.  I would like to think that the rapid pace was just a result of lots of fun but regardless, we woke up one morning and Cael was suddenly heading off to his first official day of preschool!

The end of Cael's summer was filled with several other "firsts" including his first visit to the circus.  He loved the show but the cotton candy was a close second.

 

 

Cael also completed his first round of swim lessons.  He was very proud of the wristband that he was awarded ... until he lost it in another pool, of course.

 



Cael also did a great job at his first dentist appointment on his own (I've held him at every other appointment up to now).  He had such a good time that we've continued to "play dentist" since the visit.

The little guy's most exciting "first" had to be his first fish that was caught while fishing with Zac, Grayson and Uncle Cody.  I'm not sure whether Zac or Cael was more excited about this experience but it was special to see the guys having such a great time together.

All of Cael's firsts were pretty exciting but we fit in a few adventures too.  I enjoyed time visiting one of my dearest friends during a trip to Napa ...

... and San Francisco.

Zac headed into the Alaskan wilderness ...

... where he enjoyed a little time in the mountains.

Cael fit in his own adventure on the very last weekend of summer as we spent time with Zac's family at the Gaylord Texan.  The big excitement was the waterpark ...

... but he found fun at every turn.  As he explored the resort he visited with fish along the River Walk,

checked out the big boots from the glass elevator,

inspected the train displays,

and marveled at the Gaylord Texan replica made from Legos.

He also enjoyed the weekend's culinary offerings including a delicious sampling of his breakfast favorities,

a relaxing, poolside lunch,

and dinner with some very interesting creatures at Rainforest Café.

He loved the time with cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles but also made a new friend or two during his visit.

 

We were sad to see summer go but are looking forward to lots of fall fun.  Cael has already moved through 3 different Halloween costume selections so we're excited to see "who" or "what" we'll be trick-or-treating with in just a few weeks!