But today she is at her elective classes until 2; Anna is with a friend; boys are at school; and I am alone relishing in the quiet of my home! And NO teaching responsibilities for the moment! Man... I thought I'd make a good teacher-- I have a lot to learn!! But enough about this-- let's move on to something way more exciting and fun to read. A review of the last month of summer!
At the beginning of the month we headed off to Palm Dessert to enjoy a weekend of fun, sun and swimming. We stayed at the ShadowRidge-- a hotel that offers all sorts of amazing activities for the kiddos- cannonball competitions, water slides, mini golf, Dive-In movies, crafts, games, snow cones, etc. It was really sweet to be together as a family. Wish it had lasted a little longer!
But speaking of vacations... we also enjoyed a wonderful few days at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Anytime we spend the week with them, it feels like we are relaxing at a 5 star resort! The boys took an amazing sailing course at Doheney Beach while Anna and I enjoyed the baby beach all day. Evelyn participated with her buddy Lily in theatre camp prepping the play GREASE. We enjoyed swimming, eating Pickup Stix poolside, the Orange County Zoo and renting Surrey Bikes around the Railroad Park. We watched the edited version of Grease in Grandma's bed and stayed up super late playing Wi and practicing songs and lines for the play. SUPER fun week and so grateful to Grandma and Grandpa for going to so much trouble to make it special. We won't mention the parasailing that was scheduled but then wasn't able to happen due to VERY poor costumer service! Who needs parasailing when you're staying at a 5 star resort anyhow?
Super fun to have the Bachmans in town for a few days before school came back into session. We had a fun slumber party and the boys played hours and hours of soccer. We visited Old Town rock store and candy store and took 6 kids out for Mexican! That may have been a little ambitious... but it was fun. Loved listening to an outdoor Spanish concert and panning for gold at the Mormon Battalion. Loved spending time with our buddies.
We enjoyed so many wonderful beach days this summer and the last week before school began was no exception. The beach is beautiful and relaxing and so much more fun when all of your friends are there to make it that much better. The boys were extremely hyped up on mini-golf this summer so we enjoyed a few days of trips to Pelly's in Del Mar. I can't begin to describe the level of competition that takes place for my two little buddies. They are in it to win it- I tell you. If I miss recording even ONE point, I'm in trouble. It was stated by one, Dane Marston, that going without friends was better because then you can keep better track of your score instead of being distracted by having fun with your friends.
Another tremendous summer feat was the hours we logged hiking about. One hike in particular was note-worthy: Potato Chip Rock. Man, that was a steep slope. 2 hours up and 1 hour down. We went with our good friends- the Perrys and felt very euphoric once we reached the top and posed for a picture on the very awesome rock whose appearance was akin to a potato chip. Let me rephrase that, Dane and I felt euphoric; Grant felt terrified. He wouldn't stand or sit... he just held on for dear life. Ha!
As we prepared for the first day of school... we decided upon the D & C 6:36 for our family theme: Look Unto Me in Every Thought; Doubt Not, Fear Not. We enjoyed a wonderful back to school night at the Konolds where we ate a yummy mexican buffet and then discussed the theme and how it could apply to our school year.
The kids have grown and developed so much this summer. I feel like I'm more of a cruise director these days then a care taker. This summer was WONDERFUL in the flexibility it offered. Anna is just about the greatest little four year old a mother could ever hope for. She is always up for anything and doesn't get too worked up about anything much. Her very favorite pastimes include: drawing her family members, painting her nails, asking to wear make up and settling on a little bit of colored chapstick, and fixing her hair. She loves when Evelyn fixes her hair in braids or straightens it. Anna is so kind to all of her siblings. When one is hurt physically or emotionally, she doesn't hesitate to run out and hug or kiss or tend to the wound. Last week when Evelyn was sick and could barely move- Anna stayed right next to her side and scratched her back and legs. So sweet. And such a people person. Anna misses having Nora in her class at school but is happy to meet new friends. Plus, she knows she can always see her best buddy at church on Sunday. See pictured below the whole gang during Stake Conference- haha! The adults may have missed a good majority of the meeting content that day.
Grant has been keeping busy all summer with his soccer tournaments. He continues to play for Arsenal and guest for Leon. And he loves every minute of it. He's always happiest to guest for Leon because they typically win the entire tournament. And come on, what kid wouldn't enjoy this sort of outcome? I love the mornings when Grant wakes up with an idea in his mind. He wakes up and decides he wants to put together a sale of toys and/or books. So he makes signs, organizes a table and decides on pricing. He sits out manning his table for a few hours with no complaints. Then he bags the idea realizing that unfortunately, our new street has far less street traffic than our old one. He is just so funny with these darling little ideas. One morning he woke up and wrote a sweet note to Dane, thanking him for attending his soccer games. Just completely unprovoked. So thoughtful. Grant's favorite pastime is certainly soccer and skip bo these days. He is GOOD. It's not every 6 year old that catches on as quickly as he does. Grant prides himself on his mathematical abilities. And I'm grateful as the poor little guy is down about his reading skills. He hasn't quite caught on yet, despite all of the summer practice. I pray it happens quickly because so far, school is a bust. He's not particularly happy to go and it breaks my heart seeing him so unhappy. Unhappy is not a word I typically use to describe my second son. Here's hoping we make some reading headway soon!
Dane has also kept busy with many a soccer tournament this summer . He guests for Leon as well and absolutely loves those opportunities to join this awesome team. Both Dane and Grant were thrilled earlier this month when given the chance to meet all of the professional Leon players (who don't speak any English, btw). Such a fun day with buddy Braxton. All three boys plus Anna dressed in Leon gear and were able to get their jerseys signed by the players. Poor little Anna didn't get any signature at the event and so decided to sign her own jersey on the way home, unbeknownst to Blake. Yes, she signed ALL over her new jersey in black sharpe. But how could you scold such an adorable gesture? Loved one morning when Dane came out with every single medal he'd ever won hanging around his neck. He's so proud of his athletic achievements. Dane has a new pet these days.... a praying mantis he found in his buddy's backyard. So cute how he's taken such good care of the little critter with water, mist, crickets, plants, etc. I am THE WORST mother ever for not allowing a real pet. My children have only ever known bugs and fish as their household pets. Bah! Dane felt quite a bit of anxiety as school approached this year. He loved summer and didn't want anything to do with the old school routine. Especially considering he'd have a new teacher and new classmates after three years with the same class and teacher. But he made it through like a champ and is loving everything about school. I'm so so proud of him and the responsibility he's shown this year. The joy this boy brings into my life knows no bounds. He is a hard worker and a sensitive, kind little friend that I adore.
Evelyn continues to practice piano, read, do gymnastics, sing and bake. She also loves to work on her youtube channel and public instagram account (BeJoyful). Her channel features songs that she sings and plays on the piano or guitar. Similar to Grant... I love the mornings that Evelyn wakes up with a bee in her bonnet. She wants to learn a new song on the guitar. She finds the music and learns it....and then records the entire thing in 2 to 3 hours. She is capable of most everything, I've learned. And now that I'm her teacher... I'm even more impressed by her problem solving abilities. So grateful for her cooking skills and computer skills. She is able to make 5 meals when needed which again, is extremely helpful! Last week the kid baked the most delicious banana muffins ever. Evelyn has started babysitting for a few of my friends and she loves it! Current costumers: Douds and Ashcrafts-- can't believe I have a child old enough to sit for others! Super funny story: A few days ago, Evelyn sent me a screen shot of the music.ly profile a boy from her most recent play had posted and sent her. The description listed that he had a crush on Sandy played by Evelyn. She was pretty flattered. But come on... way way waaaaaaay too young for a boy to have a crush on her?!? Love this girl of mine and grateful for the responsibility she has shown in accomplishing her school and housework. As previously mentioned, homeschool is no joke and is kinda kicking both of our bums a little but we've had a good time working together as a team.... and really, what more could we hope for?
As for me... the month has been full of new and exciting adventures in homeschooling. Joining two new communities of people/parents has been quite the obstacle in some ways. I wasn't expecting my time to be in such heavy demand. I like volunteering at the elementary school! That is where I feel comfortable and useful. But this is a new season of life and i'm trying to have a positive and happy attitude about it all. I think I'll look back and marvel at it all- the sacrifice, the growth, the friendships. Let's hope anyway. I've learned so much just attending a few conferences (Jumpstart) and trainings. I've tried to be a little healthier this year in taking a little time for myself through exercise. Hiking in particular. Love to meet up with my friends and hike or walk up hills. This has been a stress reliever! Love the views from the top-- nothing beats that. I continue to love my calling in Activity Days. This month we put together a fun back to school night at my house-- emoji themed. We discussed all the "feels" that occur this time of year and how to move forward with courage and discipline in all that you do. Love my activity day girls. Also enjoyed putting on a workshop for the young women at church as well-- just a part II of 7 Habits of Happy Teens. A fun night. All in all... a wonderful month.
