Memorial Day Fun!

For Memorial Day, aside from the biographies the kids wrote, we decided to have a day where we just "saw what happened."

We woke up and Claire said, "I want to climb a big rock today!"

So, we went to a big rock for her to climb.

Then we went to a park with a zipline, then to Grandma and Grandpa's for a second lunch.

Memorial Day

While at Arlington National Cemetery a few weeks ago, Audra said, "Mom, it's too bad we didn't look up the life of any of these people before we came and learn more about them and how they served our country."

Well, am I a homeschooling mom or am I a homeschooling mom? I wasn't going to pass this opportunity up! We took pictures of some headstones and today Audra and Claire each researched a little about two men who served our country. Severino Di Cocco emigrated to America when he was 3, and later enlisted in the Air Force and was part of the famous Berlin Airlift of WWII. He ended up serving in the Air Force for his entire career while raising a family. Donald Burkness was shot down by the Nazis at the Battle of the Bulge, was a POW, came home and got married and worked for the NSA.

We also talked about my Great Uncle Earl who didn't make it home from Okinawa.

The debt we owe the great men and women who have served our country is great, and I hope their stories continue to be told for generations to come.

Kindie Graduation

I'm pretty sure Kindie Graduation is the most ridiculous event on the planet, with the only purpose to try and make moms cry. It's not like it is really that tough of an achievement- we fully expected Camille to pass.

But, anyway, she had Kindie Graduation.

They sang some cute songs, then even got a diploma.

Ms. Dawson was a great teacher!

 Even if it is ridiculous, we are still proud of her- even if I am still upset that she keeps getting bigger and bigger!

Piere Michele's

Audra chose Piere Michele's for her Birthday breakfast. Nobody minded!

Field Day

I don't know why they wait until the last week of the school year to do Field Day. Apparently there isn't enough going on the last week of May. But, nevertheless, today was field day. Audra and Claire came with me and went and cheered Camille on.

Camille was so sweet- she is so great at following directions (when they don't come from me), being patient, and waiting her turn. It was really sweet to watch, even though I had to watch her not get a turn being "it" for one of the tag games, because she kept not being chosen. They kept asking, "who hasn't gone yet?" and she would always raise her hand, and then the other kids who had already gone started raising their hands again, so some kids went twice and she never got a turn. But, she did fabulous at not getting upset (even though I know she was) and going with the flow.

They have 10 different groups the kids rotated through The sixth graders ran the stations, which I thought was pretty cool.

Camille had an absolute blast! You can see it in the huge smiles on her face that she had all day long!

Birthday With 16 6 -Year-Olds

Audra was NOT happy about it, but Ben had the day off so we did Camille's Birthday party on Audra's Birthday. Well, that's the way it goes sometimes.

With 24 kids invited, we had no choice but to do the party at the park. The weather was threatening- thunderstorms loomed. Ben's outfit choice didn't make me feel better about the park working out:

Nevertheless, the timing was perfect. The party ended at 2, and at exactly 2:06 we heard thunder. Phew! We made it!

Anyway, the party was very similar to Claire's party last year: A scavenger hunt that started with pizza.

They started with an obstacle course, then started getting clues to solve.

In this one they had to pop balloons to find a map of where the next clue was:

They found a cooler, and inside were water balloons.

Underneath the water balloons were shovels to go dig for their next clue:

They found their prize: A summer sand bucket.

Then, it was time for presents!

And then play time on the playground! I LOVE Camille's face on this picture:

Clean up was easy!

We survived! And, thankfully, this is the only party we need to do this year as it is an odd year for the other girls!

Audra Turned WHAT?!?

I am pretty sure it is just Audra that gets older. I certainly haven't gotten any older, have I?

She picked out this ice-cream cake. She liked the pretty colors.

She got lots of new outfits for her beloved Skye, a watch, and the Wrinkle In Time Series.

Look closely at the picture above. She is almost FIVE FEET tall! WHAT?!?!?

She is turning into such a beautiful young lady- inside and out. 

Here's some things about Audra at age 11: 

-She still LOVES  her American Girl doll Skye. I love that she still plays with dolls. I see no reason for her to grow up.

-She also LOVES little kids. I have people ask me all the time if she is old enough to baby-sit. While she baby-sits for our girls, I don't think she is quite old enough to baby-sit others

-She still has the "obedience" gift. 

-She is so kind to others! I really don't think there is any possible way that anybody could not like her.

-She is a great writer.

-She is an even better reader. She reads almost a book a day. If it weren't for her sisters bugging her to play, she would probably spend all of her time reading.

-She has a great ear for music. Within one measure of a song she knows exactly what song it is. She always asks Google to play music for her, and she loves most genres.

-Even though she would love to have her own room, Claire won't allow it so they continue to share.

-Her main chore is putting the dishes away after the dishwasher runs. She doesn't love this job, but she does her work and then continues on with her life. She takes after Ben with the mantra "work first, then play."

-She is an excellent student.

She really is just an amazing person. I know my kids are still young, but I often think that perhaps the greatest joy in life must be knowing that you raised good people. With Audra, she is just a good person. She is so pure and sweet. I can't explain it- and she certainly doesn't get it from me! She has the gift of goodness, and we sure do love her!

Dance Recital

Camille had her dance recital. As usual, it was the cutest thing on the planet. It may be her last time, I'm not sure if we will go back to Ms. Muffy or not next year, which breaks my heart, but at the same time I know we need to simplify our lives.

Oh, the joys of parenting!

But, anyway, like I said- she was SUPER cute. I love her so much!

I simply can't handle her cuteness! Seriously. She is SOOOOOOO cute!