Mothering in the summer

Mothering in the summer means lots of swim suits, sunscreen, bug spray, and baths. 

Mothering in the summer means homegrown tomatoes and catching frogs. 

 

Mothering in the summer means water gun wars and filling up water balloons until your fingers hurt. 

Mothering in the summer means washing more laundry and wishing it would put itself away.

Mothering in the summer means bedtime before sundown and ceiling fans. 

Mothering in the summer means wishing there were a cooler way to make homemade pizza. 

Mothering in the summer means road trips and adventure. 

Mothering in the summer means going to the library and spending time with friends. 

Mothering in the summer means happy mom, happy kids, happy home. 

Summer Reading and Book Club

You may have heard, "You've got to be kidding me!" burst from my five year old when I explained that we are going to read for at least three hours every week this summer to meet the summer reading requirements. 

Despite this outward show, this boy will sit and read with me for 45 minutes or more if you have the right books. This is the boy who loves "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" and "Hank the Cowdog." This is the boy who can't wait to read on his own (and he's learning!). 

But, yes. We love the library. We love summer reading programs, extra trips for extra books, and the juvenile nonfiction section that teaches us something new everyday. 

Even if trips can be a little stressful with three little bitties, it's worth it to me, because I am determined to raise readers!

P.S. I'm thinking about hosting a book club for young elementary kids (ages 5-8 approximately) when the school year starts up. It would be one day a week, or every other week, after school. The kids could share a book they read recently. We would also talk about characters, narrative vs. informative writing, etc. It sounds intense, but it would be pretty laid back and fun. Anyone interested?

Arizona Lovin'

Once we finally made it to Arizona we sure did love it! Here are some highlights:

A couple of nights in the tent with Uncle Hayden were in order. Then, a couple more in the garage with the gigantic boxes they found on the side of the road and redesigned into sleeping quarters. 

Ellie loved hanging with her Aunties, especially if they would take her for rides on the go-cart. 

Hyrum got to attend pack meeting with Hayden and Grannie. The grand finale was building and launching soda bottle rockets. He had a blast!

Pops is a fun guy too. His bed is the best hang out place. Lindi especially likes it there because she can keep her distance from the dogs. 

Rope climbing and zip lining at Riverview Park was a blast! Lindi would have zipped away all the evening if we had let her!

 

Splash pads, the lake, the wave pool, the city pool, and Grannie's pool...phew! Sounds like Arizona summer to me! Lucky for us, we left just before it decided to jump up to 115 degrees!! Yikes!

So, when can we go back??