Mid-Summer Update:

 

Can you believe that summer is almost over? I mean we are only a few days away from August. Where did it go?

 

While we have had some pretty funky weather of lots of rain, then extreme heat, and now some relatively decent temperatures.

So, while we have struggled to keep our lawn mowed. (It became a jungle a few times) Was extremely late in getting our garden in, though its coming along nicely. We have had time to go on a trip, enjoy some swimming with friends, have some BBQ’s and play with friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One thing we do every summer is go to the local library for their summer program. It breaks up our week, and gives the kids a chance to see some local friends. This week we went to see a program put on by Chewonki. Which does some really cool programs. They did one on owls last year, and this year they did one on tales and scales. So you guessed it, they brought with them a lizard, turtle, snake, and alligator. The kids loved this! Plus we could count it as a science class for the day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have followed my facebook page at all, I’m sure you saw that we also got some bad news this week. My stepfather lost his long time battle with Alzheimer's. He has been progressively getting worse over the last year. The kids have done very well, with helping us with his care. As he was in our house (we live with my mom, so we could help care for him) for the last two weeks of his life. I was touched by the compassion my kids had. Little Monkey used to go in every morning and talk to him, even though he couldn’t talk back. She especially loved feeding him breakfast. They have had a rough time with his passing, but they all know he is in a better place.

 

Then this Saturday we are celebrating the wedding of my best friend. The kids are really looking forward to this. We are excited to have something to lift our spirits.

 

What have you been up to this summer?

Prepping for summer…

 

 

Are you ready for summer to be here?!

I know I am.. I am ready for that warm sun, flowers, playing in the water, and just plain having fun.

 

I think that I am in a big slump lately. I have been struggling with lots of areas in my life. I have not wanted to go to any of our extra activities, homeschool co-op, or anything. I just want to stay at home, and hibernate.

 

Which means I really need summer to get here. We have been on our break from school for a bit now, but we are getting ready to start back up soon. I need us to get back on our routine. What is a routine in summer? That is a good question. Normally we just add in some summer fun everyday.

 

Here in the northeast we have been getting some decent weather. Meaning cool mornings but really nice afternoons in the 70’s. We have really been enjoying it. The kids love being outside most of the day. Playing on the playground, prepping the garden, cleaning out the garage, or playing softball. Yup, we have found plenty of things to keep us busy in the nice weather.

 

We are anxious to go camping this year though. Do you like to camp? Do you go often? We haven’t been in a few years, so we are really hoping to get that opportunity this year.

 

Summer means. . . .

Camping
Swimming
Hiking
Playing
Balloon fights
BBQ’s
and time with friends.

What does it mean for you?

 

Our summer is cranking right along…

 

Have you gotten a look at our Summer Bucket List lately? We have been knocking things off really fast this summer!

 

I had to go to the big city yesterday to pick up some awards and patches for my Girl Scout troop. We are having our end of the year BBQ this weekend. Since we were going two hours away anyway.. we decided to make a day of it.

 

What did we do you ask???!!

Headed to another State Park of course!!

 

First we stopped at Two Lighthouse State Park, and did some sight seeing. The kids looked for star fish, crabs, and whatever else they could come up with! I looked for some good photo’s to take!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then we headed a half mile down the road, to Crescent Beach State Park. The kids got to take a swim, and play on the beach. They were super excited to play in the sand. The water was a bit cold in my opinion. Again I was just looking for some good photo’s to take!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then today… the kids played, and did school at the park.. and then we went to see Smurf’s at the free movies. Took a pit stop at the playground and had some lunch. We are absolutely enjoying our summer! How about you??!

 

 

Another one bites the dust…

 

so far we are having a fantastic summer… Our bucket list is getting smaller and smaller. Over the last couple weeks we have been to Small Falls…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rangley State Park….

 

 

 

 

Seen two movies.. Journey 2 at the summer movies, and Brave! Both very good movies!

We caught lighting bugs!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Took grandma on an adventure.. were we went to Grafton Notch State Park…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Railroad Museum….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and went up Mt. Washington!‘

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What have you been up to?

Plans for the summer…

 

Do you have any exciting plans for the summer?

 

I love trying to make really fun plans for the summer. Gives us something to work towards, and cross off our list!

 

Here is a list of things we are looking to do this summer…

 

• Go to as many State Parks as we can… There are 38 (we will update you on how many we make it to)
  
• Catch Fireflies
  
• Go to Small Falls
  
• Visit a lighthouse
  
• Hike at least 5 Trails
  
• Dance in the rain
  
• Go to the Drive-in
  
• Have lots of Play dates!
  

 

We would love to know some of your plans!

First State Park of the year…

 

 

This year I decided to buy the State Park Pass. Why? Well, last year our summer was mostly working in the garden, or mowing the lawn. (not that this isn’t important) We didn’t get out nearly as much as I wanted too.

 

Therefore, my thought was if I spend money on the pass. I will actually make an effort to get to these places. Making it our goal this summer to see how many State Parks we can visit. I will do a bit of background on each one with the kids, so they can get a bit of school out of it of course. (part of being a homeschooler, your mom is always thinking school LOL)

 

Monday was our first visit to a State Park for this year. We decided to visit Damariscotta Lake Park. It is a very nice little park. There is a playground, picnic area, and a beach. I of course surprised the kids with this, they did not know that we were going there. Their faces were priceless! I love still being able to surprise them.

 

 

 

 

 

I invited a friend of mine along with us, so we were able to visit, and enjoy a conversation while the kids played in the water. Which I think was still a bit chilly for me. Plus I got in some pictures…. you know me, always got the camera ready!

 

Did you know there is over 30 State Parks in Maine? I did not know this until I started looking. I can’t wait to visit most of them. Stay tuned for our adventure!