Summer Stuff

Well, here we are almost two weeks into July.  Summer is in full swing!

The end of the school year came and went.  As it was with Connor, Kylee's last day of Kindergarten was full of emotion and Miss Mac invited families to be a part of the day.  We watched the kids play with sidewalk chalk they created and listed as they shared the wisdom they learned in kindergarten (Kylee's sentiment was something about the importance of being kind to the Earth).

Kylee and her sidewalk chalk

Kylee at a "Kindergarten Graduation party" hosted by a friend from her class

It is hard to believe that we will begin next school year with a 1st and 3rd grader.  Both kids had a good year in school and really liked their teachers.  We pray that they are placed in classes with teachers next year who will continue to nurture them.

Miss McPherson

Mrs. Watson

Summer has been good to us so far.  The kids have spent time with both sets of grandparents in Baldwin City and Colorado, played with friends, and enjoyed swimming anywhere and everywhere we can find water.  We celebrated Connor's 9th birthday with LaserTag and a sleepover with 5 of his best buds from school (whew!).   We celebrated Mother's Day with a picnic in the park and Father's Day found us at Worlds of Fun with the McKinney clan.

Fun in Colorado

Fishing with Grandpa Carlson

Mini golf in CO

Horseback adventures in Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Wild Kids at Connor's birthday!

The big kids played, too!

Fun opening presents

Connor received two big Lego sets from Grandpa and Grandma Carlson and Mom and Dad.  He and Daddy worked hard and here are the finished products!

Close up with the masterpiece

On the Carousel at Worlds of Fun with Grandpa and Grandma McKinney (hard to see...look to the left!)

The girls riding the Lady Bugs at Worlds of Fun

Connor "driving" at Worlds of Fun

Hadley has thoroughly enjoyed having brother and sister home during the week (all the more hands to wait on her, right?).  We are doing well to get the kids in bed before 10:00 pm and most mornings they are sleeping in until 8:00 am.  We are unconcerned with schedules, showering, matching outfits, and nutrition.  I am trying not to think about how fast these blissful summer days are flying by.

Chef Hadley

I have been very deliberate about planning things to help occupy the children during the days.  Kylee informed someone the other day that her summer had been nothing but boring because she "has to do all the work with Hadley while Connor just plays".  Ah, sweet Kylee.  I suggested that if summer was so boring, perhaps she'd do better to be in summer school next year.  I was hoping that mentioning that would be a bit of a deterrant for her.  But, being Kylee, she informed me that she'd think about it.  I'm sure she'll let me know what she decides would be best for her. 

Work has been busy for Brandon and I, and the kids have been patient with us as we spend time on our computers.  My workload will decrease substantially this month, which will be such a blessing. 
We are also eagerly anticipating a family trip to Branson and celebrating Miss Hadley's 2nd birthday this month.  We will continue to enjoy moving at our own pace and spending time together as a family.

We are soaking up every minute and hope this finds you doing the same!