Summer Break

We've had an enjoyable and relaxing summer thus far.  We consider ourselves blessed!

What have we been up to?

Swimming -- lots and lots of swimming!  With so many opportunities to swim this summer, some in lakes and ponds, we went ahead and had a short private session with our swim teacher of 9 years just to make sure everyone could swim adequately to save their lives in the murky depths!  

All of the kids are actually advanced swimmers -- and do quite well.  In fact, Isabelle will be the demonstrating student in her next swim session with kids much older and bigger than she is.  After living through the drowning of a friend during my college years, it is really important to me that my kids are competent and confident in the water.

Isn't this location beautiful for a backyard pool?  We've come here for 9 summers in a row and I think I love it just as much as the kids do.

In addition to a hefty load of summer learning time this year (college classes, webinars on computer hardware, hunter's safety online, and a 'history of the horse' unit study for the horse lover), each of the kids has time to pursue his/her special interests -- particularly during the hot (104!) afternoons when the cool of the inside feels so good.  Isabelle's latest pursuit has been hat making for her doll "Felicity".  She spends hours with ribbons and lace and styrofoam bowls (yes, you read correctly -- styrofoam bowls!).

I have a very creative daughter!! 

July is the month when all of my favorites bloom including lavender and daisies.  They are beautiful and oh so happy!!  These pockets of sunshine bring a smile to my heart every day.

The garden is doing well.  Harvested thus far: garlic, zucchini, tomatoes, lettuce, swiss chard, spinach, beets, potatoes, yellow squash, and herbs of all varieties :-)

My first hydrangea plant (given to me as a surprise found in my front seat by a friend last fall) is blooming.  It is lovely and a sweet reminder of friendships near and far.

And then there was food.  Summer has its own tastes, don't you think?  Our annual "Frog Day" celebration with our church brings out loads of water fun as well as yummy food abounding.

Isabelle literally spent from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the pond!  She loves playing with kids of all ages.  The boys enjoy the boats, jumping off the dock, and playing sports.

Volleyball is the game of choice this year it seems.  The boys are playing it weekly along with soccer and ultimate frisbee.  Lots of fun along with work, college classes, mowing (LOTS of mowing!), weeding, chores, renovating the barn, and camping ...... we've been busy at home and some away.  It's been a blessing!  I'll be taking a break from blogging until the end of the summer.  We'll see you then!
Happy summer y'all!!