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Today was Bethany’s first official day of summer vacation!  She is so happy about that.  The girl loves school, but I think she loves swimming and having tons of fun much more.

So what are our plans?  The usual stuff, swimming, playing outside, lots of marshmallow roasting.  Don’t forget the beach at least 2 times and a trip to Fantasy Island.  And something new this year.  We’ll be heading to Jellystone for some camping in July.  If you’re interested, click the link here: www.wnyjellystone.com/amenities.html

This past Tuesday, Bethany had her awards ceremony.  She won the “Presidents Award For Academic Excellence.”  It’s the highest academic award at her school!  WOO HOO BETH!!! 

This is Bethany’s principal.  That’s the lights from the projector on his head, lol.

And this is her 1st Grade Teacher.  She was a terrific teacher and Bethany already misses her. 

As for my little man… We took a ride his “Big Boy Preschool” today.  This is the school he will be attending everyday in the fall.  It’s part of the school district here.  I was a little nervous about it because it wasn’t the school that Bethany went to for preschool (it’s a lottery system and we got our 2nd choice).  Just so happens that all the doors were open, so on a whim, we stopped in.  We got to see his class and talked to the teacher!  Unfortunately, she is moving to Beth’s school and a new hire will be teaching Ben’s class.  But she told me all about the process and what will happen in the Fall and I can honestly say that the school sounds great!  I think I feel a little better about it now.

That’s it for now, thanks for reading!

What a time we had!

Those Girl Scouts sure do know how to camp!  The place was amazing and the activities for the girls even more so.  The whole day was pirate themed.  The girls made treasure chests and swords.  They learned to fence and shoot a bow and arrow.  There was a bounce house and blow-up slide.  They also did a scavenger hunt, learned camp fire songs and so much more!  The best part, Bethany had a BLAST.  She wants to go again next year.

Originally we were suppose to sleep in cabins.  At the last minute that fell through and we had to spend the night in tents.  ACK!  It didn’t help that the forecast was predicting lots of rain and thunderstorms.  But we made it!  I was so proud of Bethany.  She was amazing.  The day had completely wiped her out so she fell asleep first!  Yes it rained.  Poured actually.  And there was lightning and thundering.  But all the girls did great.   And yes, I did manage to get some sleep but it wasn’t much.  But was it worth it?  ABSOLUTELY!  I loved spending time with my sweetie girl and she made me the proudest mommy ever!  I think I realized all at once, that she is growing up pretty fast but I couldn’t be happier about the young girl she has become.  In two short years, she has gone from a shy, scared girl, to a smart, confident young lady.  I’m one lucky mama!

So today was the day!  It started off great.  Here are some pictures of my little man with his backpack.

When we got to his the classroom, Ben took his teacher’s hand and went right over to the carpet for story time.  He didn’t even look back!  Kris and I didn’t know what to do!  We just stood there.  Finally, I went over to him, rubbed his head and told him we’d be back after lunch.  He gave me the “two thumbs up” and off we went.

Now of course, I’m not handling this too well.  Didn’t matter that he did great, I still cried.

Anyway, fast forward to after lunch.  We had the WORST thunder storm I’ve ever seen!  It was raining and HAILING so hard that my wipers couldn’t keep up.  People were pulling off the road left and right.  It was frightening but I was on a mission to get my boy!  I enter the school and hear someone crying.  This cry is very familiar to me so I pick up the pace.  Just as I am about the enter the room, I hear the teacher say “Ben, why are you crying?”  That is followed by his reply… “I-WANT-TO-GO-HOME!”  I guess I came just in time.  My poor guy.  He wasn’t happy.  Miss Kim reassured me that he did great up until the storm.  Still, it was hard to see my little man so upset.  Of course, he calmed down pretty quickly and he’s fine.  I asked him if he wanted to go back on Wednesday and I got a weak “yes.”  I guess that’s a good sign.

Grandpa B. in Arizona sent this picture to us today along with a cowboy outfit for Ben.  Ben received his first cap gun, holster and red neck-kerchief.  So now they can be cowboys together!

Doesn’t this look like a scene for the Old West?  That’s actually Grammy and Grandpa B’s backyard!  So cool.  Grandpa also grew a beard for a short time.  It was for a role in their Church Play.  I believe when it was over, Grammy made him shave it.  I must say with the beard, Grandpa B. and Uncle Frank REALLY look alike.   They are twins after all!

Most of you probably don’t know this, but Ben sleeps with a picture of Grandpa B. on his bookcase headboard.  I don’t remember how it started, but the picture is there and he won’t go to sleep without it.  One night I found him asleep with the picture resting on his chest.  He woke up in the middle of the night (only to find that I had moved it) and cried until I gave it back to him.  Awwww…

Beffy also received a red accordion from Grammy and Grandpa.  Grammy says she had one just like it when she was a kid.  Tonight, Mom, Dad and Ben were all summoned to a “show” as Beth played for us.

Thanks again Grammy and Grandpa B!  Can’t wait to see you in October!

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!  I hope you are enjoying your day.

And a special Happy Dad’s Day to Kris, Grandpa B., and Grampa Sielski.  The three finest dads I know!

Kris was awakened this morning to breakfast in bed.  The menu included homemade pancakes with strawberries and cool whip (or a choice of boysenberry syrup), turkey bacon and a tall glass of orange juice.  Daddy’s response to the breakfast was “phenomenal!”  Of course!  The kids helped make it!  He was also barraged with many cards and other goodies Beth made at school.  Ben made his own card and was able to write out”Happy Father’s Day” all on his own (OK, well Bethany told him how to spell everything).

The rest of the day was spent relaxing and swimming in the pool.

For dinner, I’m making Kris’ favorite b-b-q pork chops.  Normally I make ribs, but since we’re still trying the lose weight, the pork chops were a less fatty option (hence the turkey bacon for breakfast as well).

Last night we were outside and the kids asked Dad to do “chalk outlines” of them.  LOL.  CSI has nothing on us!

And then decorating them…

And as a side note, yesterday I cut the front yard for the first time!  I know, nothing special to you girls who do it all the time, but I usually don’t.  I’ve been known to cut the backyard on occasion, but generally it’s Kris’ job.  Although I must say, I did a fine job!  Maybe that’s not a good thing since Kris told me I was hired for the rest of the season.  ACK!

Once again, thanks for visiting!