4th of July

It's hard to believe that the summer is almost most over.  At least for teachers it is.  The fourth of July is a reminder each year that I have about 1 month left of summer. 

The kiddos and I started the fourth off at the beach with my sister and her family.  Of course Curtis had to work because everyone and their brother is at the beach around the fourth.  We are used to it, so we always try to make the best of it.  It was extremely hot but the ocean breeze made it easier to stand the heat. 

Afterwards we headed over to my aunt and uncle's for their annual 4th of July cookout which included burgers, hot dogs, lots of delicious dips, and DESSERTS (yum)!  The kids always enjoy seeing cousins that they haven't seen in a while.  After dinner we made our way to the beach to watch the fireworks show.  The beach was packed.  We spread out a nice larger blanket and just chilled and enjoyed spending time together.  So glad to live in AMERICA!!!

Mallaree's Birthday Surprise!

McKinley and I helped my friend Jill to set up a small surprise birthday party for her daughter Mallaree, one of McKinley's dear friends.  Jill made Mallaree think that they were having lunch at California Pizza for her birthday.  She didn't know that all of her friends were already there waiting to yell out SURPIRSE! I have to say she was truly surprised!  I think she almost wet her pants. We all enjoyed pizza and cake! Mallaree, hope you enjoyed your birthday!!

She was SO surprised!

Birthday Girl!

Summer Scholars and Myrtle Waves Fun

Last week McKinley participated in Summer Scholars with two of her friends.  They took a class called Coastal Ghost Hunting.  It was a class about the coastal ghost stories.  It required a lot of reading and they had to decide on a ghost story that they wanted to present.  Each student created a powerpoint with graphics as well as sound.  On Thursday they presented it to the parents.  The girls really had a great time and have already decided what they want to take next year.

The girls with their certificates!

McKinley's powerpoint!

We ended our week of Scholars Camp and headed to Myrtle Waves for some water fun!  We had such a great time that we didn't leave until the water park closed.  I feel so blessed to be able to spend my summers with my sweet babies. 

Ethan with ALL the girls!

Gracie and Kennedy

The crew!

VBS Amazing Wonders Aviation

Our bible school theme this year was Amazing Wonders Aviation.  This is one of the highlights of our summer.  I have been teaching VBS for at least 13 years. This was McKinley's second year being in my class (I teach the 3rd and 4th graders).  Ethan is very excited because next year he will move up to my class.

Teaching VBS is very hard work:  you have to decorate the classroom (this year the room was supposed to look like Victoria Falls: one of God's amazing wonders), you have to prepare the lesson which involves studying and cutting lots of little pieces out for games, and finally my least favorite part; cleaning up and taking everything down.  But it is all worth it for the sweet little children that are involved.  It also gives me another opportunity to examine my own life and to reflect on what type of role model I am.

We learned about God's amazing power and how He has power over all things: our circumstances, our sin, death, and our life.  Thank goodness that he does and even when we feel we are at the end of our road he is there to help us if we only trust HIM.  God is AMAZING!

Peyton went to VBS with us!

McKinley took her friend Gracie!

Crafts

Recital Snapshots

One of the highlights of dance is the recital.  The kids get to show off what they have learned all year and it also means that we get a little dance break afterwards.  I was not able to get good photos on stage because of the lighting but I did manage to get of few of the girls in the dressing area.  I hope to post pics of McKinley's solo when I find my CD.

My sweet sister!

McKinley and Ethan's Birthday Bash

This year I decided to have a joint birthday party for the kids.  Every year McKinley wants a pool party but it is a little too cool in April so this year we did both of them in June around Ethan's birthday.  It turned out great!  They each invited about 8 friends and a friend of mine from work made each of them a birthday cake.  They were amazing.  She has so much detail on her cakes. 

The kids enjoyed playing in the pool and the boys even started a game of baseball  in the yard.  It was nice just having ONE party! We may try it again next year!

My Birthday Stars

Silly Girls

Forever Friends

Cousins; Evan and Peyton

Ben, muscle man

The Beach Ball was actually a rice crispy treat!