Script

There has been whole lot of cursive writing going on at our house lately.  Even Blaise is trying to get in on it...

It's adorable to see him try.  He just wants to keep up with everyone else so badly!

Silas has been doing cursive for some time and has been using Prescripts through Classical Conversations.

Just recently I decided to go ahead and start with Simeon and Lieren after reading quite a bit about the benefits of starting cursive younger.  It has been great for them!  I am thankful for the mindfulness it has brought to our handwriting work.  

This was a while back when they started day 1.  I ordered their program from Brandy Ferrell who writes the Half-a-Hundred-Acre-Wood website.  It was inexpensive and has been great for their age. I am so thankful and we love it!

I'll Take This

I was at a meeting for Bible study leaders at church the other night. We met later in the evening and stayed later into the night that I had anticipated.  We talked and talked.  Some more than others; you know how that goes.  And as the time went on, we realized how we all represented completely different stages of life.  A mom with children in college, a mom with children in high school, an adoptive mom with one child, one lady with no children, and me with 4.  Some work outside the home, others don't.  

None of the other ladies were in a hurry to get home.  Their lives are such that a late evening out could be the norm for them.  

I, on the other hand, don't live in that world yet.  I have littles at home who make a late night a bit of a challenge.  One in particular still isn't quite sleeping through the night.  You would think that at almost 5, we would have conquered this hill.  

Sometimes I look forward longingly to the days when the demands at home aren't quite so high.  But for now, I'll take this.

Each and every morning, I'll take this.

Look at that Space!

Animal Kingdom Wilderness Explorers

So one of the fun things about having Disney passes is that we are now in the stage where we are doing some of the random Disney things that you don't do if you are just going once.  The last time we were at Animal Kingdom, Silas discovered that you can get a book and earn badges by stopping at different stations all over the park.  Needless to say, he has been begging to go back.

Last week we finally went specifically to do Wilderness Explorers.  We did ride a couple rides but mainly focused on hitting the stops for badges.  It actually was a lot of fun and by default, the kids learned a great deal that we could never learn sitting at home.

We didn't even complete half the badges yet, so will return sometime soon.

And what would be a trip to Animal Kingdom without a ride down Kali River Rapids?

 This is Shane, Lieren, Simeon, and Silas riding for the third time in a row.  It was one of those great days when there was not a crowd at the park and almost no lines.  Blaise and I waited on the bridge to watch.  He was done after riding once that day.

Yes, we are the family who all own ponchos for the water rides.  Soaked one time was enough for us!

Goodbye Tooth!

Our little darling lost a tooth last week!

She wrote the sweetest note to the tooth fairy saying that she didn't want any money, she just wanted a note.  So of course, she got both!

Sundaes on Sunday

Our neighbors had us over for ice cream sundaes yesterday.  Summer weather has definitely arrived for good here...

A Very Good Visit

My sister came to visit last week.  Having her in town is always one of our favorites.  We filled the time with togetherness...

The weather outside was about perfect for the beach, even if the water was still chilly...

The last afternoon of Tara's visit we went to the Manatee Viewing place at Tampa Electric.  There were only a few manatees to be seen, but we had a fun time exploring all the learning areas and looking around outside...

The butterfly garden was especially wonderful this time...

We always hate to say goodbye and can't wait for your next visit, Aunt Tara!