So, the past few weeks have been busy with end-of-the-school-year field trips, teacher gifts, and other last minute school things. We’ve also been in the thick of Meghan’s room remodeling, repainting an awesome (but numerous-pieced) bedroom set we found for way cheap on Craigslist. Throw in a playdate with some new-old friends, and that pretty much sums up where I’ve been for the last few! *phew!*
School’s finally out and with it summer weather seems to have arrived as well. (Took long enough, for pete’s sake!) I had grand plans to get many things done this past weekend, but the fabulous weather yesterday coerced me to put them on the back-burner so I could spend the day outside, soaking up the rays that had been so scarce lately!
Wildlife Drama was once again the name of the game at the Flynn Ranch this weekend. Not raccoons this time, thankfully. Instead, we were busy rescuing chipmunks from our swimming pool! Three decided to go for a swim on Saturday, and one on Sunday. Problem is, once they’re in, the can’t quite get back out on their own. Enter: human with pool skimmer! While two of the rescues were uneventful, with the chippies scampering off right away, two of them appeared as if they wouldn’t have happy endings. I’ve never seen anything so pathetic in my life . . . a waterlogged chipmunk shivering and exhausted, little heart pounding in it’s chest! So wiped out that they didn’t even mind when we helped dry them off with a little towel!! We love to watch the little critters chase each other around our yard, and we were so glad to perform lifeguard duties so their antics will continue. I hope they stay away from the pool, however, since watching it full time proves to be difficult!

Yesterday, the chipmunks stayed away because the kids spent a majority of the day in the water while I relaxed in my favorite patio chair and enjoyed the day. Thoughts of chores quickly left my mind, as I hung out poolside with the whole family. Couldn’t have asked for a better day! Once again, Meg wins the #1 Fishie award by staying in the water virtually all day, with only a few breaks for nourishment!
(Meg being silly with a bucket on her head)
When the children and hubs were finally waterlogged and mildly sunburned, we had dinner on the patio. We had our favorite summer sandwich: grilled chicken breast, hardboiled eggs, avocado, tomato, blue cheese, spinach and bacon on grilled focaccia bread. Yummmmy! As we ate, we had a wild discussion as to what this sandwich should be named, since it is a staple on our summer menu. I think the tentative name of the sammy is the Flynn Family Flamwich, only because it’s impossible to say and results in everyone dissolving into a fit of laughter. Works for me. Kinda.
Because the evening was warm and bug-free . . . and because we just weren’t ready to go inside yet, we decided to cap off our Sunday with s’mores in the outdoor fireplace. It was the perfect ending to a perfect family day.

(Zoning out in front of the fire.)

(A rare Mom & Ry snuggle time.)

(The sad face of someone who’s snuggle-buddy is cuddling with her arch nemesis.)

(Dogpile on Momma! Not exactly what Momma had envisioned for Snuggle Time!)