Our summer vacation has started off busy, but good. The kids really amazed me with our first day of English-language reading, and I can only hope they’ll continue to burn their way through it. 
Here’s our first day’s ‘homework’.
We’ve also been to the nearby petting zoo, always a favorite outing. There were so many animals and plants to enjoy, not to mention the totally revamped playground. Two hours here just fly by …
Today we tried to go to the beach, but not long after we got settled (Arden needed some extra time to get used to the sand), the skies opened and we got soaked. It was one of those icky summer storms where the air felt even more humid and oppressive after the storm, so the kids got to to cool off by playing in the bathtub (and nearly flooding the bathroom!) once we were home.
Post-bath, Rowen and Arden enjoyed some special playing time while the bigger boys played cards upstairs. It was so sweet watching them together.
There hasn’t been a lot of stitching time, but I’ve put in a length or two on my over-one WIP. Lovin’ it. Wishing for more hours in the day so it’s possible to do everything I want to do!
I hope your summer days are full of fun – and of enough hours to really enjoy yourself!
Patti said
Well Barbara but sorry to have to tell you this but nobody gets anymore hours in the day unless of course you travel from east to west and then you get loads more.
My Nephew and his Dutch wife live in Holland now and my sister’s only complaint is that her grandchildren speak mostly Dutch and she can’t understand them. So well done you teaching them English. You have a great summer too. Lots of Love Patti xxxx
Beth said
You posted about lots of stuff here, and all I can say is… THAT OWL IS AMAZING!
Julie said
So so cute and so much fun you all had.
Hey, I wanted to say that I’ve been thinking about your mom. I do hope she’s on the mend.
BeckyK in OK said
Oh, I’d love to spend a day with you. Your children do the neatest things.
Nancy said
Way to go on the reading and homework kids! The petting zoo looks like so much fun.
Your Autumn stitching is lovely! I can just smell the cinnamon and pumpkin from looking at your colors.
Margaret said
Enjoy those kids while you can! They grow up so fast. Looks like a great petting zoo you went to. Too bad about the beach, but at least the kids had fun in the tub! Love your WIP!
cj said
Summer fun and Autumn stitching both look great. CJ ok;-)
Von said
English reading lessons are an excellent summer vacation project! Do your children speak English pretty well? A friend of mine is of Finnish descent and she speaks only Finn to her children. The oldest is just now old enough for first grade, so I’m sure reading Finn will be a part of the curriculum in their house.
In fact, they’re in Finland now visiting family.
Hope you’re all dry now and that the sun will return to shine on your activities.
angela said
Wow, you certainly pack a lot into a day, I’m amazed you’ve got any stitching done at all.
Kathy A said
Oh what fun photos. I agree with Becky – I want to come and spend a day at your house and be a kid again.
Jolene said
Sounds like you had a wonderful day and the children are all smiles. Great start on autumn….how did you fit this in your busy day…amazing!
anneke said
We didn’t have any rains and were surprised because of the weatherforecasts. But now I understand: you got the rains, we the sun!
Love the looks of it: teaching, outings, and playing together. AND some stitching done (think about cooking, laundry, cleaning): it’s surprising you can stitch at all…
your parcel arrived today! I’m writing an entry after this comment.
Brigitte said
I love your autumn stitching. I feel the urge to stitch soemthing with autumn colours myself.
You seem to have a great time on your vacation time. So many great activities including learning English. So much fun!
Dianne said
Busy, busy at your house with fun too! Sorry about the beach. I remember that happening more than a few times for us.
I wasn’t sure if you were bilingual at your house-I understand you are concentrating on reading this summer.
Great photos!