Summer Days

Ah, the lovely days of summer. Unfortunately there was no sleeping in and lounging away the day for us - we were up every morning by 6:00 to get those boys to swim practice. And of course there was no TV or electronics allowed unless enough points were earned by doing daily chores, reading, and other select chores around the house so the kids found other fun things to keep themselves busy. Movies were a fun part of our summer, especially with friends.

Xander and his best friend Devin were allowed to go to the $1 movies by themselves for the first time...

I think they enjoyed their independence!

But going with mom was fun too.  Our summer movie viewing included Finding Dory, Pete's Dragon, Alice Through the Looking Glass, and Ice Age: Collision Course.

Along with signing up for the library's summer reading program comes that beautiful sheet of coupons so we always head to McDonalds for the free sundaes.

Bored? Never! Not when one has a creative mind.

We all loved his little minions.

After seeing Xander's paintings from our date earlier in the year the other two wanted to give paint-by-number a try. We ended up with our own little gallery of fine art.

I even got them to do some workbooks and studying every once in awhile.

A family that shucks corn together stays together.

I can't remember what we were doing here but I'm pretty sure it was Family Home Evening and obviously it was super fun!

We went on a few dates - me and Xander to Barnes and Noble for a new book and a frap...

and Noah to menchies for some frozen yogurt on a hot day!

The woods behind our house are a source of great animal activity, especially the birds. I love watching all of them and this particular morning I just had to get a picture of these two woodpeckers who were doing their woodpecking thing on the playhouse next door.

And of course those summer evenings are filled with lightning bugs and boy, does Noah love catching them!

Come here, little guy!

His new buddy.