Busy Summer

As my month of June (remember, I scheduled nothing? Ha.) winds down, here are some of the things that have been keeping us busy...

1. VBS

Thankfully #2 child was a bit less teary and a bit more "excited" for VBS at our parish this year. I have realized that he, like myself, is fairly anxious in crowds full of people and noise. It has been wonderful to see him mature and work through some of his challenges each year.

Smiles everyone! (well, at least my kids are smiling)

"freestyle dance"!

Berea's group chant

 

2. Summer Reading

 

I love our house, because of it's layout/structure/character, but also because of its location. One of the places we can easily walk is the library. This weekend is the Summer Reading Program kickoff. This year's theme:

 

 



This is always a big deal around our house. I'm not sure why. We've always been avid readers and love our bi-weekly trips to the library. Perhaps it has something to do with receiving candy and stickers for each book that you read. Like Halloween and parades all wrapped into one!

I've added an extra component this year for the elder two (although the little ones are "participating" as well). There are millions of examples on the web, we're using one that looks very similar to this Reading Bingo. When the whole card is filled, we get to go to Five Below (Blondie has been DYING for her own, personal, tiny size hula hoop). For #s 1&2, it's just a good way to get them to branch out with reading spaces and genres.

3. Homeschool

It starts again in 2 weeks. I know, that was quick. Still, we have been off since the first week of May and the kids are asking about it so it's probably a good time to begin. We will start with a few days/week to try to get the routine down (which will now include two pre-schoolers!). I'm excited.

Recently, I purchased this


to help with the organization. Like most things, it's a little TOO organized for me but it's going to help keep everything in one place (I hope). It is also lovely in that it has a space to record things like the "Bible quote of the week" you've selected and "evidence of God's graces" during the week. I think it will be a nice keepsake if I can keep up with it.

4. Europe

Yes, that. We'll be there in 8 weeks. You would think such information would put me in a complete panic. It does. Still, there are other things to attend to before that (picnics, school, birthdays, anniversary, etc.). I'm trying, little by little, to get to it when time allows. I've also been using the trip as an excuse for lots of other things, like Blondie's birthday. She is having a princess-themed party but her gifts are all about the trip. For instance:

(she also adores Hello Kitty and I adore the way she says "Hello Kitty")


goodness...is that the cutest backpack you've ever seen?

5. First Day of Summer

Today we had a wonderful picnic with two families who are so very dear to us. We were together to celebrate one of them leaving town in a few weeks. Sigh. How blessed we have been to know both families. What a gift their friendship has been. How amazing it has been to share the journey of motherhood with them. Sigh. I know, it's all good. It may just take me a while. I am so thankful that we have had so many years together.

So, that's what's been happening here. It's shaping up to be one of our best summers yet. I'm not sure if it's the age of the kids (somewhat more independent) or the abundance of sunshine or my lack of pregnancy/new baby (I knew it would happen eventually!) but it's been awesome. I pray that you are all enjoying the sun and relaxation of this beautiful season. How blessed we are.