Last Week of Summer

We have had such a fun summer this year. This was the first "summer" we have taken since we started homeschooling. We took the entire month of June off, and then started working on writing with Emma and math with Zach. They both also read everyday during quiet time while I put Luke down for his nap. Zach has gotten into the Narnia books this summer, which I am very thankful for. He has been hooked on Magic Treehouse books for quite sometime and would read a couple of them a day. I felt like his reading skills were not being challenged enough with them. They are great for some quick fun reading, but I am glad he is branching out some now.

We have been fortunate to get some beach days in, as well as some pool days. We had an amazing vacation to Idaho with my family, and I got to go on a girls weekend to Oakland with my cousin. We have had several overnights at both my parents and Dan's dads house, and lots of time with friend both near and far.

One would think I wouldn't want summer to end, but that is not the case. I'm ready to get back to a sense of schedule. I'm ready to start learning again. I'm looking forward to our first year of both my big kids doing the same curriculum. I'm curious to see if this year will be any easier to get through our school days with a two year old. I am ready for some cooler weather (although I'm sure I am going to be waiting awhile for that!).

Some of our summer fun...

First Day of Summer

We spent the first day of summer at home, all day. It was so nice to just be. There's much to do around here and I went from task to task slowly knocking things off my mental to-do list. I have been moving rather slowly lately, more tired than normal. I was determined to make a good dinner for my family. I decided pizza on the BBQ was in order, complete with the first ripe tomato from our little garden. Pulling the last pizza off the fire, I decided that dinner ought to be enjoyed alfresco. It was the perfect way to end the day.

Today starts dance recital madness with rehearsal before the big show tomorrow night. Then a couple months break from dance classes. Another thing checked off the list ;-).

Happy Summer!

Donut Break

The boys and I drove down to pick up Emma from Nana's house a couple days ago and decided a walk to the beach via the donut shop was in order. We love the beach and we love donuts, so put them together and you've got one great time. Throw in Papa's awesome wagon and getting to see two trains, and well, that just (almost) too much fun to have on a Tuesday. To top that all off, Emma lost another tooth while eating her donut.

Calm After the Storm

I'm very blessed to be able to say that my kids are normally very well behaved and good tempered. Today, however, has been a challenging 2 year old temper day. It started first thing this morning, so I know it wasn't because he was tired. I can't even explain it, because 2 year old tantrums don't really make sense. So I will just say that his little body falling to sleep on the way to astronomy class was just what I needed. We dropped of Zachary at class and I drove straight for the library. I found the biggest tree I could to park under, opened the car windows so the breeze could blow through, and we've been sitting in the parking lot for over an hour. I have water, my iPhone, and my knitting. Ahhhh, it's like a mini vacation in the middle of my day.

Now, here's to hoping he doesn't wake up so late that there isn't any library or park time left. Because then the tantrum will start all over again. But at least mama is rested now, and ready...

Lately...

I love how my iPhone is so kind to send the photos I take on it directly to my computer. It's quite convenient. Here are some of my faves from the past several days.

Zachary is totally schooling his father in Backgammon. He serious rolled no less than 15 doubles. It was awesome, and at the same time scary. I'm thinking of checking the Google search on his iPod for "weighting dice"???

I got to "borrow" a baby for a couple hours one night. Awww, two weeks new and snugly as can be. This is good stuff for my soul.

We had a Disney day last weekend with the cousins again. While the dad's took the big kids on Soaring Over California, the moms went for a glass of wine. We found these guys on the way to the wine bar. Luke was so excited to meet "Ka-chow" and Mater. He got a little camera shy when we had our turn, but he really was amazed. I was amazed that we got a relaxing glass of wine while the men corralled the kids :).

On Monday we had Astronomy class at the park. The weather was perfect and the labs were so fun. There were rockets, Mento's and diet cola geysers, and marshmallow guns. A GREAT science day indeed.

This photo was taken by my mom of my dad on his new yacht. (Well, perhaps "yacht" is a bit of an exaggeration, but I'd hardly call it a kayak) I can't wait to see this in person, perhaps with a grandchild on board?

What have you been up to lately?

Right Now

Outside my window... it is sunny, but chilly.

I am thinking... we should be doing spelling, but I would love to get his post done first.

I am thankful for... the fact it is Thursday, which means tomorrow is the start of another three day weekend with my love.

From the kitchen... my crock pot is my friend. Tonight it's making split pea soup for us. I believe it is the third time it has been used this week.

I am wearing... my new favorite pants. Black cotton yoga pants with a built in skirt and wide legs. I could seriously live in these pants.

I am creating... nothing at the moment. I'm between knitting projects (recently finished a beautiful shawl). I have had the urge to scrapbook lately. Perhaps that will happen soon??

I am going... to be taking the youngsters to dance class in a couple short hours.

I am reading... just finished The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels. A fun and fast read.

I am hoping... the events in front of us this weekend go smoothly. (Perhaps more information on this in an upcoming post?)

I am hearing... Zachary practice piano. Both he and Emma started lessons last month with our favorite science/piano teacher. They both seem to be enjoying it, and I love to hear practice going on in the house.

Around the house... cars, Legos, books, dolls, school, and lots of dust... need I say more?

One of my favorite things... time spent with my hubby on Wednesday nights at a new class we are taking.

A few plans for the rest of the week... taking things one day at a time, as much as I can. Butler taxes on Friday, desert property on Saturday, and visiting the "Mouse" on Sunday. Time with my family.

This Kid

Need I say more?