Wordless Wednesday

Summer begins!

And we are off to a great start! The Minnesota Catholic Home school Conference was this past weekend. I always enjoy getting a couple days to visit with other "like-minded" moms, listen to the speakers, and, my favorite part, browse through the numerous books and curriculum ideas on display. It is nice to have the time set apart to think through our last school year and to make some decisions about what to accomplish in the next. And it is always fun to come home with a few new books to share with the kids.

Myriah took a few classes at the public high school this past year as well. Due to an incentive program that allows the students to miss the last day of the trimester if there attendance was good, Myriah was done with classes on Friday. So, last night I allowed to kids to start their summer vacation with a camp out, campfire, and smores. (the 2 extra girls are neighbors who joined in on the fun)

Along with the arrival of summer come the critters... some enjoyable, some not so enjoyable.

Here are a couple of are more enjoyable ones. The little redbelly snake (James named Junior) stayed with us in a little tank for a couple of days. He was actually pretty cute and fun to play with (yes, those are my fingers he is wrapped around) but the kids released him today. I am sure we will have plenty more snakes through out the summer. Not a one of my children are the least bit squeamish when it comes to snakes.

As of now, I am listening to the sound of the thunder and rain and enjoying the refreshing cool breeze floating through the window. A perfect opportunity to grab a cup of hot cocoa, a picture book, and a kid or two (or three, or four, or even five) and curl up for a good read. Off to go find a few of those kids...

Pumpkins!

Yes, I know... this should have been blogged awhile ago. Oh, well!

Fencing!

Uncle David and Aunt Kari... you were right! James and Lawrence have been participating in a fencing class and having a grand time! I think they look very cool in their gear!

"Pret??"

"Oui!"

"Allez!"

My boys and I are learning French! Isn't that exciting??

Well, I knew I was picking up a few new words in French, the boys just knew they were learning a few terms needed for their new sport. Any guesses as to what that new sport may be??

I think I'll make you wait a couple weeks until they have class again and I can take pictures of them. They looked really cute tonight in their gear! (Please, don't tell them I said that!)

They both had a lot of fun!! They are excited for the next class, and so am I!

Apple Orchard 2009

My extended family gets together every year and heads to the Pine Tree Apple Orchard. It is a fun time of family, hay rides, carmel apples,laughter and fun! After the appl orchard, we all head to my cousins' house. They serve up stew and chili (homemade and very tasty). We sit around and visit, enjoy a bonfire, and eat! The one downside is that this year's get-together was on the same weekend Magdalene and Lawrence were away with G'man Jan for another cousin's birthday party. (But listening to them share about their trip, they sure didn't mind. They had all kinds of fun themselves)

My sister, Michelle

My sister, Denise and her hubby, Vince

Denise

Me

My cousin, Ryan

1. 
   
   
   
   Myriah and my niece, Tori

My mom Nana and the kids

Me and my kids

I really like this picture of Myriah.

Pyramids are made by
someone every year.

Piggy-back ride anyone?? I think James could hold a few more, maybe??

Mom, my sisters, and me
Joyce and her girls, Michelle, Wendy, & Mary




YUM... those carmel apples are really good!

Breezy Point

Thanks to some wonderful friends, my kids and I were able to enjoy some time away at Breezy Point Resort. It was wonderful to just do whatever... no "business-y" phone calls (well, except a couple that couldn't wait), no neighbors, no school; just swimming, walking, hot tubs, playing games and enjoying each other.