Peter's Tee Ball team, the Phillies!

We've signed Peter up for tee ball again this summer. He is on the Phillies team! He seems to enjoy it more this year than last. It might help that over half of the Phillies team is made up of his friends and classmates from school! It's great to see everyone twice a week and see how much fun the kids have playing together. We're getting more smiles and less whining from Peter!

First day of tee ball, we got to the field an hour early (Mommy had a brain farct and forgot what time she'd signed up for). Good thing there is a playground right next to the ball field!

Peter with two of his mates and friends, Patrick and Thomas (Natalie's buddy from preschool). Patrick got the silly bug signal a little early!

And now everyone be silly!

Run, Peter! Run!

Look at those 'magic legs' go!

First season in our pool!

Along with the anticipation of the warmer weather, we also looked forward to the higher temperatures so that we could start enjoying the pool. First time we swam, the water temperature was a chilly 76 degrees. Now, I know not to enter unless it's 80 or above!

The kids don't seem to mind the temperature. They just want a turn on our big turtle float!

If you're wondering why we have an owl near our pool, I will explain. During most of the month of May, we had some unexpected (and unwelcome) visitors - ducks! Apparently, our pool looked like a good pit stop or hangout for them and their friends. We tried everything from strings across the pool to running (like lunatics) out to scare them off. Sydney, the wonder dog, was not a deterrent either. So, after reading many online help and spotting an owl perched on another neighbor's pool fence, we got one from Amazon. Ever since "Hedwig"* made his appearance at our pool, the ducks have gone away.
Even Elaine wants to make sure Hedwig is safe around the pool!

Pure happiness in the pool!

So far, we've enjoyed many days (pretty much every day that it's not raining) in our pool. We've had so much fun sharing the pool with neighbors and friends. It's been such a great way to get to know everyone better while cooling off in the summer sun!

The swimming lessons have definitely paid off!

*We also named the Dolphin machine that cleans the bottom of the pool...her name is Dolly. We've yet to name the giant turtle (thank you Shey family for the floats). I'm thinking Tuck (a Wonder Pet), Leo (short for Leonardo, the TMNT), or Yertle (from Dr. Seuss book).
Any thoughts?

Here comes Summer 2010!

Trees have leaves, the grass is growing, sweaters are put away, and the sun is shining bright! We've enjoyed summer weather for over a month. It's been a wonderful time, getting to experience our new house and surroundings in a new season.

Peter, Natalie, and Elaine are having many summer adventures around our house, inside and out.

Peter enjoys just laying around on the grass.

Natalie enjoys eating ice cream outside (who also didn't want to stop eating said ice cream for this picture).

Elaine likes eating corn on the cob, like a true Iowan!

After such a long winter, the Burers are loving the outdoors now!
Even attempting a family photo...

...and now with Daddy!

Oh, what does the world outside our door hold for Elaine!?

Picking flowers (weeds) and playing hide-and-seek outside have been the favorite things to do outside for the kids.

Natalie still needs to learn to find a better hiding spot from the seeker!

Improving her skills, Natalie even discusses strategy with Peter. Not sure if that's really what they said!

More likely conversation, "Peter! What do you think is for dinner and will we be able to get that special treat?!"