If you’ve checked out Meez Avatar (see sidebar link on the right), you already know where the Catholic Family has been these days - at the pool. But just because we’ve been swimming practically every day doesn’t mean we’ve abandoned the rest of our summer ‘to do’ list. Just the opposite! In fact here’s a list of what we’ve accomplished so far:

• Las Vegas - and blogged about it here.
• Great Wolf Lodge - also posted, right here.
• Kids Day Camps - basketball for Catholic Son, arts & crafts for Catholic Girlie, complete fun.
• Reading Program at the Public Library - this one is on-going, but officially ends August 1st. Lots of hours logged - great reading!
• Strings Summer Jam Sessions - CG plays cello for the community every Tuesday at the park. Yowza.
• Zoo - visited yesterday and enjoyed the butterflies & budgies. We’ll be back for more exhibits later, as there’s way too much to do in one day.
• Swimming at the Pool - we’ve really covered this one!
• Tennis - some, but we’ll pick up court time when the temperatures move away from the 100’s.

When you add actual work into to the equation, you see exactly why this blog has taken a backseat lately. In fact, sometimes the idea of blogging about all of these activities seems a little silly to me when I know a million other interests have been pushed aside. Kinda makes me wish these long summer days could stretch out even longer, like 48 hrs/day maybe? Oh the amount of work & play I could accomplish then… and I’d be sporting a serious cape.

… and then some! After returning home from our annual Lodge vacation and cleaning up all that chlorinated laundry we brought back in our suitcases, the Catholic Family and I were absolutely thrilled about celebrating Independence Day WITHOUT our rude and obnoxious neighbors. That’s right - THEY ARE NOW GONE! It’s like the Dad Dude gave his wife and kids the boot, leaving us to enjoy our little family fireworks display in peace. Because really, we’ve had enough of all those teens partying it up on the Fourth by aiming roman candles, bottle rockets and other illegal fireworks at neighborhood homes and/or vehicles in our area. Enough.

So just sit back enjoy this flashback of our Great Wolf escape as I revel in our 4th of July family fun.

Who says God doesn’t answer prayers?
Thanks, Big Guy.

It’s just a tad bit windy but perfectly nice otherwise at the Lodge today, which is why I was able to capture a teensy video from my poolside perch. Look & listen closely to this clip and you’ll see my favorite Jamaican Jammer playing a funky tune from behind that water umbrella:

Summer just doesn’t get much better than this! Ok minus the wind, of course.

Last week, the Catholic Family and I trekked ourselves to Las Vegas, Nevada and had the time of our lives. The reason? To get together with extended family while enjoying the sites in a fun new location outside of our usual digs. And after all was said and done, I must say that we accomplished that goal to the fullest, leaving me to blog about our favorite events of the week in Vegas listed by each of us individually:

ITCM (me): By far, the biggest WOWEE! moment for me happened when we stepped into the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace and witnessed the sky ceiling. Amazing. Given more time, I could’ve wandered through that place all day (and night) long. The fountains, sculptures and shops actually made my heart skip a beat as I walked around in complete awe. Next time, if there ever is one, I’ll be sure to add more time to my personal agenda dedicated to the Forum.

CS (Catholic Son): Never had we seen CS light up as much as he did when we found the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Up until that point in our vacation, we thought Vegas was completely lost on CS, then we entered the elaborate aquarium where we viewed rare and exciting sea creatures never to be seen before. All wide-eyed, CS looked at us and said, “I’m really having fun now!” His comment was made even before purchasing a stuffed shark at the gift shop, so you know he was being sincere about it.

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