Summer!

Our first week of summer vacation has been a great one.

Last Saturday we went down to the Lummi Reservation for their Stommish celebration.  We got to catch the end of the canoe races...

...while picnicking on the beach.  We also got to see the parade, which consisted of four entries - definitely Garreth's kind of parade!

We enjoyed walking around and looking at all the booths, which had some amazing crafts and jewelry... and this great T-shirt:

Last summer was such a crazy one with the move into the new house, and it flew right by, especially since we changed school districts and Grace and Liam ended up with only two months vacation.  I decided to prepare a little more for this summer and make the most of full days with all of my incredible kids.  I am aiming for a good mix of:  exercise, chores, math and reading practice, and plenty of fun.  I stole this whiteboard idea from Liam's teacher and the kids and I have loved having a plan and some structure in our day.  (It also keeps me on track - if I write down "Mommy's workout" the night before, they will make sure I workout, even if I don't feel like it when it's actually time to do it!)

The kids and I spent the first day of vacation swimming in Lake Whatcom.  A little cold for me, but the kids loved it!

Yesterday, after three painful hours of running errands, we spent some time at the fountains.

I have had so much fun with all of them home.   There is still a little fighting, but not enough that more chores won't fix...  (insert evil laugh here)

Have I officially turned into my own parents?!?!