New Beginnings

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During the past few weeks both girls have started their school years.  They were so excited and nervous and giddy.  They both breathed a huge sigh of relief after each open house.  They saw old friends and old teachers.  I am so thankful they both love to learn.  I can't wait to see what this school year brings us!  I don't know if you can tell by the pics but I've got me some tall girls!  Shocking, I know.  

Lemonade Stand

Freshly squeezed lemons + sugar simple syrup + water = summertime

Waving down customers.  We had to work on "don't scowl or yell "oh man" or sulk when people drive by and don't buy lemonade (even if you know them)."

The girls worked really hard making lemonade, finding the perfect spot in the neighborhood, and learning food service etiquette.  In the end, they hauled in 20 bucks a piece.  They shared a portion of their earnings with Compassion International and squirrelled away the rest in hopes of someday buying American Girl Dolls.  : )

Summer Bucket List

I checked the calendar this morning to see how much summertime we have left.  I can feel the school year beginning to close in.  Even though there are many, many wonderful things to look forward to about a new school year (new outfits, backpacks, supplies, teachers, friends, bus rides, etc), there are so many things left to soak in.

Done:

Long snuggles in the morning

Beach

Hawaiian Ice

Swim Lessons

Time with friends at pool every week

Dollar theater movies

Hopscotch

Lunch dates

Visit grandparents x 1

Tea parties

Day-long playdates with friends

Vacation Bible School

FIFA World Cup Soccer (!!!!)

Ice cold watermelon and cantalope

Homemade Smoothies

Rollerskating

Sandcastles

Evening sprinkler runs

Rooms switcheroo for the girls

Peach cobbler

Firework watching : )

Beauty Shop

Splash Park

Bikes

Jump House

Stackable Bubbles

Group exercise each morning (running, swimming, soccer, dancing, stretching)

Dress-up

Pillow fight 

Reading new books

Still to plan:

Lemonade Stand

Waterballoon fight

Build something

Create some wall art

Treasure Hunt

Homemade Ice Cream

Very tall block tower

Uno

Visit grandparents x 2

Waterpark

Photo booth

Science Project

Obstacle Course

Outdoor theater

I was so humbled and honored and thrilled to teach the bible stories to all 80 kids who walked through our doors.  Such smarties we have.  I was so impressed with their overall participation, questions, memory of bible verses and stories.  The experience was such a blessing.  : )

VBS girls

My storytelling room.  Much thanks to my friend Kelly for lending me their tent!

12 years : )

Jules decided she wanted to wash her bike.  Here she is taking great care in rinsing it.  What you can't see are my clean dish towels laying in heaps on the grass and the pearls around her neck (soooo cute).

Hee 

(Okay she beat me the first time.  So I had to bring the heat.)

Love ya Jacks.  : )

Fourth of July dessert (very yummy)

Myrtle Beach 2011

Dear Atlantic Ocean,

    Thank you for your breezes, the waves rolling on the shore, the splashing contests, the boogie board waves we caught, tan lines, sand in the sheets, and the time we shared together with our little family away from all the normal routines and distractions and demands.  It was another unforgettable trip.  See you soon.  

  

                                                                                With much love and respect,

                                                        Quattromortonos



Two amigos

Julie Bean the seashell queen!

Dad and his lovelies.

Our little family : )