End-of-Summer

A few more pictures from the end of July and beginning of August, and school starts in 2 weeks.  Alas - good-bye to the best summer we've ever had, except I say that every summer!

We watched our share of videos...

We did science experiments

Anna finished her 6 weeks as a counselor at Camp Woodsy

We baked and cooked with ingredients from our first garden!!!!!!!  Huge accomplishment for me who kills everything (besides children) that enter my care.  zucchini bread and cheese and tomato sandwiches with our own zucchini and tomatoes.  We also grew strawberries, green peppers and an orange watermelon - still waiting to see what that will be like since we grabbed the wrong plant at Home Depot....still trying to figure out this gardening thing but reading labels would help.

We had a garage sale with the neighbors on our street.  We got rid of a lot of old furniture and baby toys, but somehow managed to pick up a few things, including this antique doll house and a bunch of new baby clothes!  Well, one of our neighbors didn't sell some of her little boys' clothes and gave them to us, and in her collection were just some darling church outfits!  Have to post the little jacket and romper, sorry!

Colton is now old enough to go to nursery, and church is becoming a lot more relaxing!  I am still in love with my primary class above.

Our new thing is after church on Sundays, to go for a drive a reunite with nature.

We're also trying to do one artistic thing on Sundays.  We are trying to depict scenes from the scriptures.  We are learning about the wars and violent missionary efforts of the sons of Alma.

Olivia loves to pick flowers and stick them on contact paper on Sundays.

Even though Olivia has yet to go fully under the water!!!! she still loves her swim lessons, especially when she wears her leotard from her last dance class.

The girls have had some nice play-dates...minature golfing with the Acremans was hilarious..when did these girls grow up?  We loved going to the beach with the Fletchers and seeing seals, fish, pelicans and a snake during his meal...yikes!  

And of course we had to hit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for dollar Tuesdays.

And the most exciting thing about July, was that our darling Anna turned 11!  Can you believe it?  She is the most sought-after member of the family, and her cousins, little and big!  She is a sweet, caring friend, got all A's this last semester at school, proving herself as a sports girl and has recently been cracking me up with her grown-up remarks on life.  I'm getting to be kind of drag for her, but you'd never have known it if you saw how tight she was holding me last night on the Ferris Wheel.  Buddies for life, right Anna?

I love you!!!!!  Happy B-day Anna!!!!!!  You're the greatest girl ever!!!!

More July Days

Anna is working as a camp counselor for 6 weeks at her old preschool.  Can you find her?  This picture is of all the counselors.  Next time I'll post one with the kids!  Her favorites are Colton and Kade.  I wonder why?!  She and Ella have had another work experience selling sno-cones this week with the neighbor girls.  Yum!  They each earned $10.00.  Anna has to do 15 hours of service for her new school and do a report on it, so she'll use the money to buy shoes for the local homeless center.  Awww!

Happy Birthday Tauna!  Happy Birthday as well to Katlyn, Ethan and Emerson this month!  Wish we could all be together on your b-days!  Hope it was a great day.

Ella finished has the last two weeks at Girl Scout Camp doing an overnight in the hills close by.  She loved it more than any other year because she said that as you get older, everything gets "harder and more interesting."  Well, hmmm, there's a bit of wisdom.

Colton watches the girls playing outside and waves and talks to them out the window.  He moves the stools around all over our house.

Olivia has been going to another summer camp at her Bible School.  Here she made the lions from Daniel's Den.

and Princess Dance Camp was a hit, artwork, ballet and gymnastics!

Happy 4th of July!

Last week

My mom is home from the hospital.  She had surgery on her hip, which she broke last week.  Somehow she makes us feel like she is the one serving us, instead of us trying to serve her when we visit her.  She has such a strong and happy spirit, and is making the most of her time resting.  Now I know that whatever comes her way, she will remain busy accomplishing things.  Being bed rest is just a chance to catch up on projects she can from her bed.  I love spending time with her and watching her get things done.  It's inspiring!

Ella and Mia had play-dates for 4 straight days in a row, instead of doing a camp together!  A few of their activities were going to the beach, roller-skating, seeing the movie Brave and seeing the play "A Little Mermaid" starring Greta and Jane.  

Anna spent this week doing soccer camp with the AYSO British coaches.  She loved it, as you can see!