Ahhhh, summer

Two of our favorite warm weather places to go:

Durand Beach

Avery and her friend, Emalee

Believe it or not, less than 30 minutes after I took these pictures, there was a major thunderstorm, including hail! We had to race to get to the car!

HIGHLAND PARK

We love picnicking and exploring in this beautiful park, especially the area around "triple tree".

Ahhhh, summer!

UP IN A TREE

I've never been much of a tree climber myself. That's why it never occurred to me to look for my youngest daughter within the branches of the red maple in our front yard. The last time I saw her she was playing on the driveway. When I noticed that she was no longer there, I went outside and searched the garage, the road (for a little bike-rider), the back yard and the play fort. Not there. I was talking to my girlfriend on the phone at the time, and asked her to hang on since I couldn't find Ella. Just then, I heard a voice say, "Mom, I'm up here!"

That was yesterday. Today I saw her race towards the tree, then a few minutes later... "Mom, can I read books up in the tree?" Um, sure, I guess, why not? I brought her a small bag of books which she hung from a nearby limb, and there she remains.

For those of you who knew Eric when he was a little boy, perhaps this looks familiar? From what I understand, he was often up in a tree too :)

MOVING UP

Today was Avery's "Moving Up Ceremony", a special recognition for the 3rd graders at her school who will be moving up to 4th grade and middle school next year! We all enjoyed listening to special memories and songs, prepared by the 3rd graders for their teachers, staff and families.

Moving Up Song (sung by the 3rd graders)
Take one step
Then the other
First one foot
Then the other
Soon we'll see
Everything will be okay!

This has been a transition year for Avery -- switching from Christian school to public school and coming into a class of kids who have been together for the last 4 years. There have been a lot of ups and downs, but Avery has learned creative ways to be a good friend, how to overcome shyness and fear, and most of all that God is faithful in all situations.

Midway through the year, Avery's special teacher, Mrs. McClintic had to take an early maternity leave. All the kids hoped that she would be able to attend the ceremony this morning, but it looks like her baby is on the way! She sent each child in her class a sweet flower for their special day.

Mid-year, Avery was blessed with a new teacher, Mr. Sick. He is a caring, kind man who helped Avery learn and grow.

God also provided some sweet friends for Avery this year. She has enjoyed getting to know many girls and boys in her class and she is looking forward to making many new friends next year.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

We have spent the last two Saturdays completing two major tasks around the house. The first was an outdoor project...

It started out as a HUGE pile of mulch in our driveway (about 15 cubic yards which equals 30 rolling garbage cans full!)

Many back-breaking loads transformed into beautiful landscaping around our trees & swingset and even a small garden for Ella.

The second project was accomplished this weekend. Ella's room desperately needed painting.
Before

The girls went away for an overnight with cousins (thanks, Lori!) and Eric and I spent all day yesterday painting. He did the cutting-in (the hard part) and I rolled. It turned out beautifully and Ella was so excited to see it when she came home this afternoon.
After

Whew, we are tired and excited to see the results of our hard work. "The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands." Deuteronomy 2:7 Amen!

THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS

This is what happens when you try to put decorative stickers on your face while looking in a mirror. What was supposed to say "STAR" becomes...

A BIG LOSS

I've always thought that when the top front baby teeth go, and the new BIG front teeth come in, a kid just doesn't look that little anymore. Well, my "baby" has lost one of her top front teeth and the second one is wiggly. She is looking more and more like a big kid!