Level 1 -- PASSED!!!

Benny had his last day of swim lessons today -- he passed Level 1!!!! Great job, Benny:)

Groundhog

Well, we trapped a groundhog! Last week I saw him peaking his head from underneath our shed (and signs that he's been eating the tops of my bean plants). We borrowed a trap from our neighbors and ta-da -- we caught him!

Groundhog release

We released the groundhog at Autumnwood pool (we're hoping that he will not find our garden again)!

History -- China and Japan

Last Friday we continued our history study. We learned a bit about what was happening in China and Japan during the 1600s. Our China project consisted of learning about the 8 phases of the moon using Oreo cookies -- very fun and tasty too!!

Wrestling matches

Tonight the kids made me laugh!!!

July -->> Hike -- are we in Arizona??

On our hike at the Great Falls of Maryland we caught a lizard and spotted this cactus and wondered if we had stepped into Arizona!!

July -- >> Hike -- ouch!

Unfortunately, we did have an injury on our hike. Ben (aka the Mountain Goat Wannabee) was scaling rocks and hiking like a little man on a mission. We told him to hold dad's hand on the climb down thru some rocks, but he decided to go at it on his own and fell and whacked his chin, scraped his nose, had a bloody nose, and his glasses made a small cut by his nose piece. Ouch! We were so, so thankful that is was not worse! After that, Benny was a slow and cautious little hiker:)

July -->> Hike -- Great Falls of Maryland

We had to take the Honda into the dealership on Thursday, last week. So, Greg planned a great hike not too far away. We drove Great Falls of Maryland and hiked the Billy Goat Trail. It was a great day and the kids had a great time rock climbing and exploring. Virginia/Maryland is soooo beautiful!

July -->> A little summer learning

Here is a some snapshots of some fun summer learning. The kids and I did a bit of art (step-by-step art instructions on the computer). And I wanted to make sure that Benny remembered all his letters and sounds (he did great -- he is ready for Kindergarten)!!

It wouldn't be a complete visit with our friends without a night of toad hunting!! We packed up a cage and some very weak flashlights and headed out to toad hunt (not too far from home). We had a bountiful catch -- we took 8 toads home for the night. The kids were thrilled. Greg and the kids returned the toads the next day -- what a great memory:)

July -->> All-Stars

Taylor qualified to swim in the All-Stars meet on July 25th. She swam in the 8 and under free-style relay. She did a great job and was rewarded with a very sprinkled cookie. She also brought home a 7th place purple ribbon. Great job, Tay!!

July -->> VBS

The week of July 20th the kids went to VBS. They all had a great time (only a few tears from our Benny). Greg and I were able to take walks and have breakfast together. We ALL had a super time:)

July -->> Clara Barton house

We had a great day on July 23rd. We packed our snacks and headed up to Maryland to visit the Clara Barton house. The first shot is of Greg and the kids running to the house (trying to make an on-the-hour tour). The tour was great and the kids had a great time earning their first ever Junior Ranger badge (even Ben was given an honorary badge to wear). After the tour we ate pizza at Ledo Pizza (yummy).

July -->> Our dear friends

Our friends from Florida arrived at our house on July 19th and stayed until the 27th. The kids were thrilled, and it gave the grown-ups a chance to catch up.

These pictures show the crew recreating St. George and the Dragon. Abby was the horse that carried Princess Una and the dragon, Clara was Princess Una, Anna was St. George, Taylor was the dwarf and Ben was the shopkeeeper. They did a marvelous job!