the really long days of summer

This is the part of summer that we enjoy- the days are lasting forever, and the children are wearing themselves out, playing. We spent a few days with the Grandparents, and that always includes going to Dairy Queen for ice cream!


Ladybug had just finished applying quite a few stickers down her legs- can you tell she is pleased with herself?

After visiting with the donkeys and cows, Monkey showed Ladybug how to jump on a trampoline- she was very excited.

The Avents invited us out to see the donkeys and cows. Ladybug thought they would come up to be petted, like a dog. She was rather disappointed when she could not touch them. One donkey , Leroy, allowed us to pet him, and that was just not enough for her.

We put a little pool out at the Grandparent's house- ladybug did not understand that she was not supposed to empty the entire thing right away.

one birthday party after another

Monkey has turned ten. TEN. It is hard to believe that he is that old. I guess it has something to do with the fact that we have not had him for ten years, but for eight years and nine months.
At any rate, his birthday has come and gone, and he had three seperate celebrations.
First was Meg's party - they have the same birthday, just six years apart. We went to her house, jumped in the castle, and hit the pinata. Lots of fun, even if it was really really hot. That evening, we had family party number one- at my mother's house. Monkey really loves his family, so he had a great time.
Next was a trip to Chuck E. Cheese on his birthday- just the four of us. He played, ran, ate pizza, and won some of those fabulous prizes, then went on to his ballgame that evening.
The next Sunday [ a week ago yesterday] was his birthday lunch. He decided to have one of these several years ago, and we kind of like the tradition. Clark's parents, Uncle Dale and Aunt Susan , the Phillips , the Kalchenkos , and Texas girl were all here. Again, he loves his family and friends, so he was really in his element.
Now it is summer - we have been out of school for a week. Ladybug takes a nap every day at one, Monkey is still plotting and planning with his birthday money and gift cards, and Clark is planning where to go for our twentieth wedding anniversary. Good times, I can tell you!
We went to Taylor saturday, to the Farmer's Market/Craft Fair. There were not as many veggies and fruits as I envisioned, but we did get to hear the Paperwhites sing for an hour- a good way to spend a little time!
Book #1 of Monkey's summer plan is finished- a Hardy Boys mystery . I hope he sticks with his goal of reading one chapter book each week- there should be plenty of quiet time for that.
I hope you are having a great summer!