Summer's Winding Down

Benjamin starts school on Tuesday, which means Summer is practically gone. Kind of sad, but good at the same time. We certainly haven't been as organized or productive as I wanted to be, but the kids had a good time I think. We've had lots of trips to playgrounds, the zoo, the science center, the botanical gardens, the butterfly house, the pool, and the magic house. We got together with friends as much as possible. We ate popsicles on a regular basis. We kept not-so-regular journals, and made lots of trips to the library. I attempted to have Bible story time every day, which fizzled out after a while, but was a good thing. We tried a few science experiments, some better than others (this "Soap Cloud" one just smelled gross and left my kitchen a mess, but this balloon one was pretty cool).

The boys made this volcano together out of clay, then painted it by themselves. We did baking soda and vinegar to see the reaction.

We went to Benjamin's school this week to meet his teacher and play on the playground. I can't believe I have a first grader. It somehow seems a lot older than having a kindergartener to me. He reminds us often how he's a "grader" now, and how that means he'll only see us on the weekends since he'll be at school all day. :)

Peter is the one I'm most worried about during this transition though. He and Benjamin have become inseparable this summer. From the time they wake up until they go to bed at night, they're off playing Legos or ninjas or superheros together. I can't describe how happy it makes me to see these two be best friends now. Peter's really going to miss having his big brother around to play with.

Nora has been my constant companion this summer, with her brothers occupied all day long. I'm hoping she and Peter bond more, and that Peter assumes the role as leader.  She's a sweet girl, but she is also very, very strong willed. And all she'd like to do all day is eat lollypops and watch movies.
We don't do that, just for the record.

Here's Ben with his new teacher, Miss Hunt. So far, I am very impressed with her. I think this will be a good year for him, and hopefully a bit more challenging than last .

We're also going to miss having Paul around on Friday afternoons. I love that his company has summer hours, where everyone leaves at lunchtime for an early weekend. It's so nice.

Random: Peter recently decided he loves eating tomatoes whole with a little salt and pepper on it. I've never been able to do it (texture, maybe?), but I told him that's one of my Dad's favorite treats in the summer time. He's probably my best eater of the bunch.

Also, Peter has been reading up a storm, and has "passed off" three books in his Max the Cat series. He reads them each ten times before moving on to the next one, and is hoping to earn something big once he finishes all ten books. I think this series is really great for instilling confidence in a young reader.

Nora has been letting me experiment with her hair a bit more lately. Of course, nothing lasts more than an hour or so, but still, we're making progress.

On Friday night, Paul's company treated us to fancy Cardinal's baseball box tickets, with a view just behind home plate. My favorite was the dessert cart though. Doesn't get much better than that!
We're really going to miss summer. Here's to a great new school year!