Summer Reading

Let me start by saying, I love to read and learn new things. One of my favorite Saturdays as a kid would be a trip to the library and then coming home to read curled up in my favorite chair. I remember looking forward to rainy days so I could savor staying inside. I really want the kids to have the opportunity to read great books and love reading as much as I do.



Yesterday some books I ordered were delivered from Sonlight. I love to pour over this homeschooling catalog for ideas for read-alouds, and readers for the kids - so we don't have to just stumble upon good books. I ordered several of the readers for Isaac's level and as soon as the books were opened, all three big kids had found a book to read.

Faith found "Amelia Bedelia" to reread.

Isaac wanted to read about Pompeii.

Hannah quickly read the Titanic story and then Pompeii.

We have enjoyed the books we have read from their catalog/curriculum. In the past, I have purchased the k4 program (tons of good books to read to your preschoolers), and the read alouds for the kindergarten program and grade two. I knew we wanted to read aloud to the kids anyway - why not read from a preselected list. I have also searched for some of their books at the library. Most of their selections have been great books. Gotta love a little homeschool on the side.

Tractor time

So when your yard becomes over three times as large as your old yard, a riding mower starts to seem like a need not a want. Hannah says a push mower is not an option (she must have heard her dad say this). This weekend Brian was able to try out his newest tool/machine.

I was doubtful of the need for this item but I must say, it only took about 40 minutes to do the whole yard as compared to the over two hours he spent last weekend with our regular mower. That translates into less chore time and more family time - worth every penny!

Magic Beans

The girls were able to participate in the Missoula Children's Theatre production last week of Jack and the Beanstalk. They had a great time and the program was very well done. Two thumbs up - take advantage of this program if you have the opportunity. Auditions were on Monday and then the show was Saturday afternoon following one week of morning rehearsals. Free summer camp alternative. :)

It also was a good way for the kids to make some new friends and be around other kids right after our move.

Faith was a ballerina in the circus and Hannnah was in the band in the circus. In this version, Jack sells his cow to the circus for his magic beans.

Bravo! Encore! Way to go!

Making Cookies

With summer vacation, the kids and I have been doing our fair share of baking - mostly cookies. Here is Ben awaiting the latest batch to finish cooking! Yummy!

FYI: Using real butter instead of light makes much yummier cookies - who knew?

Time on Your Hands

So what do you do when your parents are busy, busy, busy unpacking...

You could try setting up a puppet theater...

You could try playdoh creations and make an undersea world of wonder...

Finally, my personal favorite, playing in your new backyard making bows and arrows out of sticks and string to play indians. Who says kids today don't use their imaginations?

Also, love the, "Let's pretend we are the Boxcar children" game. This involved, making their own clothesline (string between two trees), making a broom, etc. Too fun. I don't have any pictures of this game yet but I am so glad the kids have each other for playmates.

Fireworks and Fried Oreos

We went to Torchlight Tattoo at Ft. Jackson last night. They had a band playing, food, soldiers, and a salute to each state in the order they entered the union by cannon fire. Luckily we were far enough away that the noise wasn't too loud. The fireworks show was well done and we all had a great time with our blankets and chairs set up. We were also able to enjoy funnel cakes and a first for our family - fried oreos. I have to admit they were yummy.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July. Last night's celebration did a great job reminding me that freedom is truly a gift and certainly isn't free.

Our life this past month...

We have been busy over the course of this past month. Faith and Isaac turned seven the day our belongings were packed. We celebrated with gifts from Mom and Dad, our neighbors, ice cream and cupcakes. Ben's birthday was three days later so we let him open his presents with them.

Once we arrived in our new home, Isaac lost two teeth, Faith lost one and we began unpacking, unpacking, and unpacking.