June 2012

Summer vacation definitely started off with a bang at our house. Our days have been filled with outdoor fun, outings with family and friends, and household projects. Busy?--yes. Few skinned knees?--yes. And, a few sibling rivalries?--you bet. However, the first month of our family summer vacation, as a whole, has been wonderful. It was the new "summer schedule" (or lack there of) that left Jason and I feeling a little overwhelmed at first. But, once we were able to get organinzed with our calendar of scheduled summer events, and once we managed to get a "normal routine" in place for the kids, Jason and I feel like we can breathe a little bit easier! Even so, it has been difficult for me to find the time to blog; so, I've decided to post a summary of important June events: * First note-worthy event for the month of June--My daycare 2011-12 ended on a good note; we had a fun water day on June 6!

Here are the two "busy bees" at work during our water day at daycare...

* Second important event--Lia made an effortless transition from her crib to her big-girl bed. On June 11th, Jason and I decided to switch the kids' bedrooms around. Jessica and Lia now share, and Jackson has his own room.

Other "blog-worthy" important events for the month of June: *Jackson completed his first year of school with an excellent report card, several new friends, and a DVD filled with picture memories of his kindergarten year in school. Last day was June 5, 2012. * Jason completed his 9th year of teaching in West Salem. Two major changes underway for the 2012-13 school year - 1) Technology upgrade for all students to receive individual iPads, and faculty to receive apple TVs; and 2) Block scheduling - lengthening class periods from 41 mins to 85 mins. * We went to the Minnesota Zoo, which happened to be all of our kids first zoo experience...and they loved it! Komo zoo and Madison zoo are now on our "list of places to go this summer." * Our family celebrated three family members birthdays in the month of June: Uncle Ryan, Grandma Barb, and Grandpa Mark. Happy birthday! * Jason and I chose to do some re-decorating in our living room space--hung new curtains, new wall decor, new lamps, etc. * Jackson practiced his swimming skills in Grandma Barb's and Grandpa Terry's pool, and in a friends' pool. He is now able to swim independently across the length of a 20-foot pool, without any flotation devices! Way to go Jackson! All your practice is paying off. And, he is now able to retrieve diving toys from tbe bottom of the pool, and swim a short distance underwater as well. * Jessica has been practicing her swimming skills this summer too. She feels more comfortable wearing a life jacket, and with her life jacket on, she is able to swim independently across the length of a 20-foot pool. Jessica is also able to independently jump into the pool, and slide down a slide into deep water, while wearing her life jacket. This is big progress for her, considering she wouldn't set foot in the pool at the YMCA for her swim lessons last summer. We ended up taking a "credit" for our money loss in hopes we'd be able to sign her up for a free class this summer. Although we have not done that, we are very happy with the progress she is making on her own. Good job Jess! * And, our always-cautious-highly-reserved-Lia almost made it through the entire month of June without so much as setting foot in a pool! It wasn't until the final few days of the June she worked up enough courage to sit on the side of the pool and stick her feet in the water. Lia just began to feel comfortable being in the pool with an adult. Stay tuned for July's update...there's no stopping her now! I have a feeling she's going to surprise us all with her water skills next month! * On a more serious note, Jason's Aunt Rose passed away this month, after battling cancer for almost a year. It was our kids' first real-life experience with death. We went to the visitation and funeral services, which were both lovely celebrations of Rose's life. Jackson and Jessica blew kisses to her body, and they seem to have an understanding Rose is now up in heaven. Rest in peace, Aunt Rose. We will continue to speak to you in our prayers at night. * And finally, we decided to have a rummage sale on June 29th and 30th; stories and pictures to follow...