The first week.

We had a wonderful first week of summer vacation!

It started off bitter sweet.

We had my Grandma's memorial service.

It was so great to be with family but very noticeable that my Grandmother wasn't there with us.

My cousins and I.

We spent a couple days at parks with friends.

 

Over the long weekend we went to see the movie FROZEN outside with cousins!!

It was sooo fun!!

This week I introduced the kids to our summer schedule.

You would of thought that I had told them they were all working full time summer jobs in the desert with the reaction I got.

Not pretty.

And please don't say the word MATH to my kids!!

Not good.



Each kid has blue clothes pins with morning stuff and math/reading/chores.

These have to be done by 11am.

After they do each thing they drop it in the bucket.

Then they can "earn" media time by going outside and other activities.

One side of the red clothes pin says "outside 30 minutes" the back of it says "earn 10 minutes"

 

They can earn up to 45minutes each day and it has to be earned by 3pm.

The first day has been rough, really just because they don't want to do it! :)

 

Except for this guy, who said, "I am happy to do math!"

 

 

Hoping it improves as they get used to it! :0

The End.

Last week our school year ended.

I think I screamed in relief louder than the kids!!

This was my toughest year so far!

 

On our last day we learned about the California Gold Rush.

I gave the kids biscuits and meat for lunch and water in a tin cup.

The Gold Rush Gang

This was our river. We have to improvise here in the city! :)



I hid gold beads among the dirt and water.  The big boys weren't into it until I told them they could trade their "gold" in for real money!  Then they thought it was the greatest idea ever!

 

We ended the weekend by celebrating this guys 11th birthday!

Were does the time go?!

Our summer plans are (in no particular order) rest, play, camp, rest, play, swim, rest, play.

Bring on summer!!!!



11

Happy 11th Birthday to my Ben!

As I watch him grow, I am amazed at his love of Jesus, kind heart, thoughtful soul, humor, creativity, ability to see the big picture and his goodness to those around him.

I am so blessed to celebrate this day with him!!!!

I love you Benjamin!!!!

Gifts from my Grandma.

My Grandma slipped away from this world last Monday morning.

My heart has been in mourning.  I loved her so deeply.

I don't think I could ever put into words what she has meant to me.

I thought I could express a small part of it in the gifts she gave me, and all of my cousins, in her role as GRANDMA.

 

These were her gifts:

 

Love since the day I was born.

As many hugs as needed.

Homemade things.



 Earplug needed, New Year's Eve parties.

Snowman building in her backyard.

Holiday traditions.

 

Making cookies in the kitchen.

Summer picnics.



A passed down name (all Louises pictured here!)

A simple boat ride. 

 Being loved just because you are hers.

 

Always knowing you are welcome somewhere.

 

Love for my children.

 

 The legacy of a strong family.

Every day I will miss her. Every day I will remember her gifts.