Zoo Time

Sam feeding the giraffes

Ella and Mommy all aboard the train

Sam enjoying the train ride

Ella has really been into reading non-fiction animal books this summer so I thought we would take a trip to the local zoo to see some of the animals we have been reading about in person. Sam has always enjoyed trips to the zoo and we finally got a day that wasn't incredibly hot. They enjoyed seeing all the animals and riding the train. I think there favorite was a parrot that when you would talk to it, it would say hello.

M, I, Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter, I

Sitting in the Gulf!

No beach chairs? No problem, just make your own in the sand!

Basketball at the hotel

We had a short trip this weekend to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The kids did a wonderful job on the drive and we got to spend some great time together as a family. The drive was filled with many movies, too many bathroom stops, and a few exciting alphabet games.

The hotel had a pool and tennis court/basketball court that were big hits. We got plenty of use out of them all. John, Sam and I enjoyed some competitive games of PIG and did we ever let Sam win... of course not because that would mean John or I would have to lose to each other. We each one a game and had to have a third game so someone could be declared the victor.

We also made a trip down to the beach. The kids enjoyed playing in the sand but the water was very warm and the waves were disappointing. I would say that if I made the trip just for the beach we would have been disappointed. Luckily, we will get plenty of good beach time in a few weeks. The highlight of the beach though was a beautiful shell I found that I was going to pick up for Ella except the crab I didn't know was still inside had a different idea. The kids enjoyed watching the shell while John tried to coax the crab back out so the could watch him walk. It kept them entertained for quite a while.

Summer on the Courts

Most of our Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings this summer will be spent on the tennis courts. Ella is excited because she is old enough to start lessons this year. The staff at Highland is amazing. They make learning tennis fun and make every kid feel like the next Federer, Nadal, Williams or whomever your favorite tennis star may be.

Sam has really improved from last summer and has even won a few of the contests his class has on the courts. He wants to go early every day to practice and visit with his coaches. There is no problem getting them both up and ready every morning.

My Boy of Summer

Sam decided to try out baseball this summer. There was a group of boys from his school that were all playing together and he wanted to play too. He is at a bit of a disadvantage since many of the boys in his league have been playing for years but he is starting to understand how the game is played and is really enjoying himself. I think it is great for him to play with the kids in his class and he is making some better friendships while having fun.

Field Day

Getting ready for ring toss!

Lunchtime!

Perfect form for the water balloon toss.

Before the last day of school each year is field day at Hickory Hills. The kids spend all morning playing games and have a total blast. Ella and I went around 10 to watch Sam and his class participate in some of the activities and to join him for lunch. They were all having a great time! Ella wanted to jump in there on all the games, it is so hard to just watch. She was happy when she got to go down the big inflatable slide with Sam's class.

Math Whiz!

Sam's school has an award ceremony at the end of every year where each student receives an award. It is always fun to attend and Sam was trying to guess all morning what award he might possibly receive. This year he won the top notch math student for scoring so well on the end of the year math test. He hadn't listed that as one of the options but said he wasn't surprised since math is his best subject. I am very proud of him and also very thankful that he got his dad's math genes.

Last Day Picnic!

Ella with her best buddy!

Playing with Boston on the bridge.

Ella had her last day of preschool last Tuesday. They celebrated with a play day and picnic at the park. We both had a good time visiting with friends and were glad that the rained stayed away for that one day last week. She was looking forward to the park and lunch with her friends for weeks and I don't know what we would have done if it had to be cancelled. I will say she was not disappointed. She ran and played for hours. She has made a lot of friends this year and learned more than I would have ever imagined.

Confirmed

Ellie with her cousins on Confirmation Day!

My niece, Ellie, celebrated her confirmation a week ago. I was privileged that she chose me as her sponsor. What an honor to get to stand with her as she received the gifts of The Holy Spirit and tell the bishop her name. I am a proud aunt and Godmother!