First Day of School

The boys started school this year on July 23rd.  I wasn't sure I would like such a short summer, but honestly I was ready for them to start learning again.  I always have such big plans for the summer to have these great schedules and learning routines, but it just didn't work this summer.  The kids read fairly consistently, but we didn't do any math or spelling or art or science or history things like I wanted to.  I was relieved to have them back in a learning environment.  I also love that they have Fridays off.  Somehow it makes the week so much shorter to have that free day with the kids.  At our house Sundays are church days, and Saturdays are mostly work days, so it is so fun to have a play day every Friday with the kids.  

  

The other thing I love about their school is UNIFORMS!  I didn't have to do a single school shopping trip this year.  Their shoes from last year still fit.  Their shirts still fit.  Nicholas fits into Thomas's old pants/shorts.  I just ordered a few pairs of pants online for Thomas and that was it!  HOORAY!

 

He Strikes Again

I have several pictures of Estella doing this very thing with my makeup.  You think I would have learned and moved it before Alexander got to this stage, but I didn't.  I still keep my bag in the bottom drawer in my bathroom, which is the perfect place for two year old's to find it.  He also had lipstick all over his lips, but you can't see it very well in these pictures.

Armenian Cucumbers

We planted Armenian cucumbers in the garden this year instead of the regular kind.  WOW-are they big and DOUBLE WOW-are they delicious!!!  Usually when you find a cucumber even half this size you throw it away because it is bitter and mushy and yuck.  These babies are crisp, sweet, and delicious...all 5 pounds of them!  I don't think one has made it inside without several bites taken out if it :) 

4th of July

 On the 4th of July, Jackson and I threw together an impromptu family party.  There was a firework ban, so we set off pressured water rockets and dry ice bombs.  The kids all entertained us with the hula hoop.  Grammy even got in on the action :)  She is developing a form of Alzheimer's and is quite humorous sometimes.  Michelle and Julia were holding the hula hoop up for her, but she really thought she was doing it herself.  It was so funny!  We love Grammy!  After Grammy, I'd have to say that Brynne was the most entertaining with the hula hoop.  She is seriously spastic and was hilarious to watch.  Hooray for fun family gatherings!

Harriman State Park

 Early this summer, the Berry clan trekked north to Idaho for several days of memorable family fun.  Jazzy was the mastermind.  She planned, booked, organized, and took all of these pictures!  Thank you Jazzy!  Unfortunately, I couldn't go because of past experiences traveling while pregnant.  Jackson was so brave and took all four kids by himself.  He was very tired when he got home :) 

Sleeping on the Trampoline

 Thomas and Nicholas were so excited to sleep on the trampoline for their first time ever!  I wasn't sure if they would last all night.  I thought they might get scared and come inside in the middle of the night, but they stayed outside all night.  Their only complaint in the morning was that it was noisy outside.  We live pretty close to the interstate and I agree...it is noisy. 

Building and Destroying

 Alexander has started enjoying building things. 

I think though, the reason he builds anything is so he can knock it down.  Boy, does he LOVE to knock things down :)