A Summer in Review

Yes, for most of America it is still summer, and technically I keep telling the kids it is still summer for us.  Only it is summer with a twist.  A big twist of schooling.  We returned to "school" this week so that we can get in a fair amount before the baby arrives at the end of August.  But here is run-down of what we've been up to since April.  (a bit behind these days, I guess!)

1.  We had a family reunion/birthday party for Patrick's mom in May.  All the family was here except for one lone nephew who couldn't leave due to med school (oh how I remember those days!).  I think Mom liked her party...and the kids just loved it.  Twenty-some cousins, what a blast!

2.  Sean turned seven!  I can't believe how big all these kiddos are getting.  We enjoyed the day at an arcade with games and laser tag.  And he had one of Dad's yummy cakes.  He is really a sweet, lovable kid, with a hidden side of caretaker to the littler ones when I least expect it.  The best part of Sean's birthday was the visit by Grandma and Grandpa Army.  Apparently we were having so much fun, that I forgot to take pictures.  Oops.

3.  We went to visit our best friends in San Antonio and Lucy is proof it was a hair-raising good time.  We got to fly on airplanes, swim, go to parks, play games, and cook....and cook....The only low was Patrick's bout with a stomach bug.  In the 16 years I have known him, he has NEVER gotten a bug.  Bummer that it happened on vacation.  Awesome news is that no one else suffered his fate.

4.  We have been picking berries or from the garden nearly every day.  I have canned pickles, relish, and tomatoes.  I have frozen beans and tons of zucchini.  We have bags of frozen blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries stockpiled in the freezer.  I love the sight and smell of it all.  I don't necessarily love canning at 9:30 at night.  But......  I wish I could send some to San Antonio to our friends as the heat doesn't seem to work very well for a garden there.  In fact.... I would send them tons and tons of cucumbers if I could....just so I wouldn't have to pull out the canner again.

5.  Swim team started a few weeks ago and what a great thing!  It is going to make our school day a bit more cramped since we swim 4 days a week.  But it is great exercise, the kids love it, it tires them out, and the 3 big kids can all participate at the same time!

6.  Construction update....drywall in the basement finished today.  We need to clean up the space, do molding, finish the stairs, finish the floor, and paint.  I've decided to move my school room down there into about 1/3 of the space.  I've added bookcases to the necessary items.  Construction on my laundry room remodel starts soon.  My hubby is wonderful!

7.  We will try to be more punctual with our postings.  Until then, we are off learning!