Kids College

This past week, we have been running, running and running. We signed "E" and "I" up for 2 classes at a community college near us for Kids College. For 4 days, they learned about Rock Climbing 101 and were able to learn more about trees and flowers. They went to a Master Gardener's garden and picked vegetables one day. The next, they went to a park and bought home a willow tree to plant, but they don't look like they will survive the heat here. Then, they went to a local nature trail and found some Paw Paw Trees (I have no idea if I am spelling them correctly) and the last day they went to a nursery and brought home pots of geraniums! They also discovered that if you rub a petal for a little while, it will release some dye and you can paint with it! We had red and purple fingerprints everywhere!

The girls and I had fun, while the boys did their thing! One day, we went to a lake with friend and her daughter and swam all morning. I went home with a horrible sun burn that day! We hung out at Mickey D's play land for two morning with the same friend and daughter. The girls loved playing there! I did too...it was air conditioned! We did some shopping one morning for a little while...my girls LOVE shopping!

Swim Lesson Photos

Regionals!

"S" has been playing baseball for a small town team and although the team didn't do too well for the season, he was recruited by another team at his last game! So, "S" was able to go to Regionals! They did that this weekend. His first game on Saturday was a blow out, the pitchers("S" is one) had a no hit game, it was great, it was...QUICK! The other team didn't show up...rumor has it that on this 14 year old team, a majority of the boys were 15 and did not turn 15 after the league started, therefore, did not have enough players.

Sunday, "S" went for game 2. Although his team lost, he did quite a bit of pitching. Game 3 was supposed to be the winner of game 2 and the missing team from day 1. Since the team was still missing for game 3, "S"'s team played again. They did lose again, but "S" did get a lot of pitching time in and made a run for the team!

At the end of the games, the officials handed out awards to the boys and "S" received the MVP award for his team! Pretty good for only playing on that team for two games!

"S" is now ready for a break from sports until Cross Country starts this fall at school.

Another Two Weeks of Swim Lessons!

Here we go again! "E" and "I" stayed in level 4 to perfect some of their moves. "A1" moved up to level 3 and "A2" moved up to level 2. This two week period should prove to be easier than the last time, as then we had levels 1,2 and 4...we live 12 minutes away, so it wouldn't do any good to go home for that 45 minute period, so they played and played in the HOT, HOT sun!

Of the children, "A1" has made the most progress from last year. Last year, she refused to jump off the diving board or go down the slide...not this year! Last session, she was the first one from her class to do both the diving board and slide! The boys have started diving this year. "A2" has never been afraid of the water, in fact, when we went to Great Wolf Lodge last year, she would go under water and come up laughing because it was so much fun! She had a blast in swim lessons...of course, she can have a blast anywhere!

The pool where the children take swim lessons also offers water aerobics twice a week for $1 each night! I did it two weeks ago and had a lot of fun...it was nice to be in the water and not worry about a little one going where they should not! Last week didn't work out, but I plan to go this week, at least once.

Take the "Flip Flop" Test

What Your Flip Flops Say About You

You are an outdoorsy person. You feel most comfortable in nature. Beautiful scenery and good weather always brighten up your day. Being outside allows you to feel calm and connected to the world. Problems don't seem so big when you realize how small you are in the scheme of things. Your ideal warm weather place: Costa Rica

The Flip Flop Test

Summer Plans

Our summer plans include:

2 sessions of swim lessons for 2 weeks each for "E" and "I" in level 4, "A1" in level 2 and "A2" in level 1.

Continuing Piano Lessons for "E", "I" and "A1".

"S" is playing on a local baseball team and will be going to church camp for one week.

"E" and "I" will be attending "Kids College" for one week, where they will have two classes, one is rock climbing, the other learning about plants and trees.

We will be moving upstairs in a few weeks to our newly remodeled 3 bedrooms and bathroom as soon as our carpet is installed! It will be so wonderful! I can't wait!

We will have two birthdays to celebrate this summer, "S" turning 15 and "A2" turning 4, which means her birthday party will be Chuck E. Cheese's. We only go there when one of our children turns 4 and we give each person a certain number of tokens, but all the tickets won go to the birthday child to pick out a special birthday prize!

A local church is having VBS on a week when we are free, so "E", "I", "A1" and "A3" will attend that.

I would like to make a trip to the zoo each week and focus on a different part of the zoo each time, but that is up in the air.

I would also like to take a trip up north to go to my brother and sister in law's new house. Or go in a slightly different direction and go see my dad and other family.

Normally, we are not busy during the summer, but with the new baby coming, I thought perhaps I would kick our summer up a notch and let them have lots of fun now, as I will not be leaving the house much after November!

Happy Summer!

Summer Reading Programs

We love summer reading programs around here!

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Different libraries near us do different things, so we go ahead and sign up for all of them!

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The big library system gives out goody bags with tons of free kids meals in it, along with a few toys. This library system has shows and programs through out the summer, but it really is too far away to attend those without having a reason to be in town.

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A rural library a few miles from us gives out a neat prize at the end; one year it was a beanie baby, last year each child was able to pick out a ceramic piggy bank and a kids cup filled with little treasures.

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The small town library a few miles in the other direction has a big swimming party for all it's participants and has some neat shows to attend through out the summer.

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This year, we also have the option of two other libraries!

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One in the city, where we used to live. They give out neat prizes each week, and since we will be there for piano lessons each week, we might take advantage of this one, this year. This library has the neatest shows and classes each week. I hope that some will be on the same day as piano lessons. The children's librarian at this library is so wonderful and has the best story time!

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The other one is in a city near us that we have to drive through to get into "town". I have no idea what this library offers for their summer program, but I am going to find out!

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Aside from library programs, Barnes and Noble has a summer reading program. You read 6 books, write your favorite part down and receive a free book! This years theme is based on the author Andrew Clements. He has been touted as the new Beverly Cleary. We enjoy listening to his books on CD, and they often has the entire family laughing out loud! If you go to Barnes and Noble, you can print off a reading sheet.

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Most people are familiar with Pizza Hut's Book It program through out the school year. They also have a summer reading program. You don't earn free pizza, but instead get entered into a contest to win prizes, such as a Nintendo DS lite, Spiderwick books, Pizza Hut gift cards and if you list a book you read together as a family, you can be entered in a contest to win a $100 Pizza Hut gift card! Go here to print off the form and mail it in by August 15th.

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Happy Reading this summer!