I keep telling myself that I need to be better about updating the blog, but it never happens. Plus, we are so bad about taking pictures, and posts are better with pictures. That being said, I couldn't get the pictures or video to upload, so I will have to add them later.

To help battle the heat, and boredom, I finally broke down and bought a kiddie pool for the backyard. Ethan loves the blow-up sides and slide and that they bounce when you jump on them. Having the pool has been great for Ethan. Every time we have taken him swimming he has hated it. The pool lets him play in the water at his own pace.

In an attempt at embracing summer, I have grilled on a couple of occasions. We have had a grill for a couple of years, but I've never used it. The first time I made ranch turkey burgers and then later I made chicken kabobs. The kabobs were delicious and I've considered doing more, but just keep forgetting because I prefer cooking indoors where I have access to everything.

Sam has been working like crazy; the city keeps him pretty busy in the summer, what with fireworks and festivals. Also, I've learned that criminals are more active during warm weather. In the meantime, I struggle to not die of boredom. It's been too hot to play at the park (no shade makes for extremely hot toys) and I don't feel like playing in the water every day. I have tried taking Ethan to McDonald's, which for those of you who know me well is a huge effort because I hate McDonald's (thank you childhood family trip), but Ethan won't play on the toys. He just stays close to me and occasionally runs by the toys.

So, if you have any suggestions of things to do, I'd love to hear them. Preferably nothing that costs money (or at list very little) and things that will entertain both of us. Being completely honest, I hate staying home. I've stayed home with Ethan ever since I finished school last year and every day I feel like a waste of space. I need something mentally stimulating and something that doesn't involve just sitting. Keep in mind Ethan is very active and requires lots of attention.

Lastly, a video (hopefully to come soon) of Ethan's new favorite thing, gargling. One day he saw Sam gargling with mouthwash and thought it was quite funny. Now Ethan gargles all the time, with water, milk, yogurt, and even food.