June draws to a close...

And here comes July!

Aidan starts book 5- Order of the Phoenix.

We joined the Y again so we could use the pool. So far it's been worth every dime! Amy has already gotten enough confidence to swim underwater and go down the slide by herself. Aidan has discovered the fun of pool noodles!

This month the kids had VBS, which was themed "Faith through Fitness"- all about taking care of your body, your body being a temple, and slowing down. We had a jump rope coach one day come teach the kids how to jump rope in all different ways. We went for hikes, cooked healthy snacks, did yoga daily, Tai Chi Chih, and had a carnival the last day, complete with snow cones and cotton candy! It was fun.

Amy falls asleep in my dad's shirt.

Take two...

Last week my niece, Aari graduated from high school. For her graduation gift, she and her dad (my brother Russell) went.... SKYDIVING! At her graduation party we all watched the video of them jumping out of a perfectly good airplane and land, thankfully, safe on the ground. It was nice to see Elizabeth's family again! This photo is Aari and Emmory, my nieces.

Yesterday the kids and I took a short road trip to the Hill Country to visit with my childhood friend, Tracy, and her family (Steve, Wesley, and baby Reeve) at her parent's home near Bandera, TX. We had a great time catching up, sharing stories, eating, and watching the kids play. Aidan and I spent a good part of our time fishing and he was thrilled to catch at least 7 or 8 fish. He also learned from Tracy's husband how to remove a fish hook, among a few other handy fisherman tips. At one point, one of our canvas grocery bags blew into the pond and sank to the bottom, so Aidan and I spent about an hour taking turns casting and reeling and using a long pole and rake to retrieve it! Sunburned, knee deep in pond scum, ankle deep in sludge, but successful! And amazingly, not a single mosquito bite! And we had a fantastic day!

Tracy taking a picture of Amy's fish.

Catch and release...

Tracy helps Wesley catch fish.

Steve shows Aidan how to remove a hook.

Summer break, take one.

I love clearance sales at Michael's! I found this project last week and the kids are having a great time coloring it. Aidan is in charge of the security system.

The kids started karate last week for the summer.

Another hot day... another popsicle.

Dancing

Amy, dancing in the spray from the hose... (can ya tell it has a leak?)

Then she got ME wet!

This is my niece, Emmory, in her costume for a recital. I didn't get a chance to take one of Aari in hers- she changed right before and right after backstage. They did a great job and had a lot of fun, too!