A Few Summer Friends

Our school's science teacher adopted two male hamsters and brought them to school for her class to observe. Amazingly they were both pregnant!! So almost every elementary class ended up with pets this spring. And being the easily persuaded mom that I am, we are one of the lucky families that will be taking care of a pet hamster this summer. Rocky is the kindergarten hamster who will be living with us for the next 12 weeks. Oh, lucky, lucky us!!!



Then look who else crawled into our lives and decided to join the pet party. Mr. Claws himself. After a little research we learned that Mr. Claws is a male Eastern Box Turtle who would rather not bake in a plastic tub all summer. So we released him back into the wilderness of our back yard, with the understanding that he is welcome to come visit us again.

End of School Festivities

Margaret climbing the rock wall.


She had a blast during her class field trip.


Just swinging away with her good friends.


Andrew's Reading Medal.


With his great teacher.


Our proud graduate.


Tanner's fun-loving class.


We were all glad to be wrapping up our school year.


Oh My!! That last week of school was a whirlwind! Actually the last three weeks of school were chalk full of assemblies, parties, gifts, water day, field trips for each class, readers' theatre and a graduation ceremony to boot. It left my head spinning, which only added to my anticipation of family time this summer. I think that I have been more excited about this summer than any in the past. I've been planning some major changes in our summer routine and I can not wait to see how things turn out. (More about that later.)
After all, this year was a big change for all of us. We moved into our new home last August and the kids all attended a new school this year. Tanner has really enjoyed his year as a 3rd grader in his multi-age classroom. Andrew moved into the ranks of an "all-dayer" at school and has had a wonderful Kindergarten year. Margaret also spread her wings and attended half-day Pre-K. That means I had two full hours each day to myself. Which I thought I would spend organizing our home and finally getting some "Me" time. But I actually filled with making copies, teaching reading and fundraising at school. I am just not really cracked up for a bunch of "Me" time. I would much rather be helping out at school, where my children are. That's where my heart is.

Our Cub Scout

Tanner is still enjoying Cubs and was so excited to earn his Bear Rank last month. He has worked and played hard with his den this year, and is really thrilled to be moving on into Webelos and the world of camping out and learning to be a "REAL" grown-up Boy Scout.

Work Kids Work!

We had fun this past Memorial Day. We really did, even though you may not know it when you see these pics. It seems every picture I took was of the kids working away.
Something about seeing them try to do their best just makes me so happy.

Jason and I really want to teach our kids the importance of working hard, but I have to admit that I am a softie. Usually it is easier for me to just do the chores myself than to wrestle with the kids. But I know it is SO important for them to learn the value of work while they are young. So wrestle I do. And work they do- even if it is sometimes less than eagerly. That is why seeing them work away (and not complain) makes me so happy!

How does your garden grow?

Ours grows with lots of "help" from these three.


Jason patiently expanded our raised garden with help from Tanner the director, Andrew the measurer and Margaret the assistant.


I mean who wouldn't want to spend time working in the yard with this one?