sweet summertime: part 1

Because the original plan was for us to head to Africa sometime this summer, the fact that we are still here has made our summertime enjoyment even sweeter than usual.  After over five months of living on the West coast, it has been so nice to be back in the South (much of our time was spent in Louisiana with my parents), reuniting with friends and family, and just relishing the lazy days of summer.  Since this is the closest I'll likely ever get to scrapbooking (and I do want to preserve some of these great memories), and I've got a slew of pictures that I want to share from these past couple of months, I now present without further ado...Summer 2012, the Unexpected Edition :)

One of the kids' favorite places to visit when we are at my parents' home in south Louisiana is a fun kids water park that is filled with all those fountains, water dumping systems, and sprinklers that provided a much-needed respite from the heat and (intense!) humidity.  So much joy to watch them enjoy––both the water, and each other.
 

While not a usual experience during our summer breaks, the opportunity for the girls to participate in a cheer camp just a couple of minutes from my parents' home provided a fun distraction for one week.

 

Of course we also spent as much time as humanly possible enjoying the great pool in my parents' backyard.

 

 Some weeks before the summer Olympics were even on our radar, there was an early entry for synchronized swimming.

...and perhaps, "rhythmic water dance," or something...

And, of course, more meaningful than all else was the wonderful quality time that we have all enjoyed together, especially with my family of origin.

 Caroline baking up a storm with Aunt Shell

So much fun on the iPad with Appa

A little afternoon yoga session with Amma

Even some surprise moments of quiet joy among siblings

And, oh-so-much cooking and eating my parents' wonderful food.  One day, the kids helped them create one of our favorite Indian snacks, a fried savory treat called murku.

And while we missed the time with Daddy while he began work in Houston, we relished our reunions with him.  And now that we are settled in Houston, we give much thanks for the chance to be within an easy drive of Louisiana after all these years. 

Ahhhhhhhhh, summertime!