A Slice of Summer at Home

In between the beach and our trip out West, we enjoyed a week at home.  After quickly unpacking and hiding the suitcases, we settled in hoping to make the week stretch on and on.

Here are some highlights.

The girls went to a Makin' Music camp which they loved.  One of the highlights was the rope swing.  Each day at pick up they begged me to swing. 

After an impressive storm, we caught a glimpse of a double rainbow!!  Evelyn wasn't too impressed.

Did I mention that it was hot!!

Evelyn stayed out of the heat and hung in her swing. Next year she will likely be a part of the action. 

Savannah, Lila and Daddy ran the Triple Threat Relay.  They were the youngest participants.  Each runner ran 1.67 miles.  Savannah ran her leg all by herself.  This was her first time navigating an adult race solo.  Lila was accompanied by Alex and ran like a superstar.  They might have been the youngest runners but they certainly weren't the last to cross the finish line!!  I loved watching them compete as a team.

At the end of our week, we drug out the suitcases and packed it up.  On the road again. . .(don't laugh until you have traveled as a family of six for a 21 day vacation!)

My Beautiful Girls!

Holden Beach (year 11!)

 It is my favorite two weeks of the year.  My best friends, favorite weather and nothing to do but enjoy my those I love.  It is my own slice of heaven.  The kids LOVE it too. 

Pond Study

The girls were itching to learn about something this spring and summer.  I was beat and didn't think I could pull off a space unit like last year.  Nor did I think we could travel all around to see monuments and other great American symbols.  They loved those units so much that they were happy to repeat them.  I needed something easy and close to home.  PONDS!!

Our study was pretty free form.  We already had tadpoles at home so we decided to investigate other living things in a pond.  Daddy dug up lots of pond muck.  It stinks!!  The girls sifted through it and found all sorts of interesting creatures.

We found. . .

snails

 beaver dams with snakes resting on top (zoom in)

lots of plant life

 

and algae.

This was just one night at one of our local ponds.  We went to many.  There were fish, birds, water striders, turtles and one very large and creepy spider!  YUCKY!!

We charted our findings and made little books.  It was low key but I find their learning continuing to pop up every time we visit a body of water.  What was more important is that it gave us something to do as a family that interested all six of us.  Well, almost all six of us.  Evelyn was more or less along for the ride. 

Seven!!

Happy Birthday to my bright shining, seven-year-olds!  I love you more than you know. 

Happy Father's Day (A little late)

To the best daddy we could have ever asked for.  If there was ever a dad meant to have four girls, well. . . really five (I probably add to the girl drama in the house from time to time), it was you!  We love you to the moon and back.

Piano Recital

Savannah and Lila had a piano recital at the end of the school year.  Lila had only been playing for a few months and was very excited.  Savannah was equally excited as she decided to tackle Fur Elise!

Lila did great!  Her song was well above her level but she didn't shy away from it.  She memorized it bit by bit and got it down.  I was very proud of her.  She was such a mature little girl!
Savannah had spent months on her song.  She knew it front to back, back to front.  Savannah was more than ready for her recital.  Sadly, it was one of those days.  She just got stuck.  Really stuck.  I could physically feel my heart breaking into pieces as she kept trying to dig herself out.  I was so disappointed for her.  I have heard her play this song flawlessly so many times that I am sick of Fur Elise.  It just wasn't meant to be.  I was proud that she held her head high and gave it her all even though the song was choppy.  She smiled and bowed like she was pleased.  However, she was a fountain of tears the minute we left.  Savannah wanted a re-do and sometimes life doesn't have one to offer.