July is almost over? How can it be?

July is hands down, for sure, my favorite month. It's unbelievable how quickly this month has passed!  I have to say, we've had a nice balance of activity and down time.  We've taken full advantage of the pool for sure!

Our month started with a visit from Becky and her crew from Texas on July 4. It was a hot and humid day (although, according to them, we know NOTHING about heat!!) that started with the parade in town. Cassidy entered into the kids' bike parade after some awesome decorating of her bike with help from Daddy-O!  Maddy marched with the Girl Scouts. In the afternoon, we partied in the pool.  It was a large crowd (probably over 30) but it was great: so fun to have everyone in the same place!  The day ended with some wicked thunderstorms so the fireworks in Concord were cancelled.  We ended up going with Aunt Donna and Aunt Gina the following night in Concord.  Cassidy was a little skeptical at first, but ended up enjoying them!

The girls are enjoying the relaxed bedtime schedules this month too.  It's been nice to not have to go to bed but want to go when we are tired. 

The second week of July was when I took a math class all week.  The girls got to go to Flipz gymnastics camp each day.  They LOVED this!  They even roped Gram into buying them leotards so they look just like regular gymnasts!  I can't wait to watch the Olympics with them and show them those gymnasts.

We filled the third week of July with playdates, swimming and going to the library program.  Maddy even got to sleep over at the library one night!  She also did some horseback riding during this week. One of her friends had a birthday party that involved riding.  She loved that. Then, she got to go with another friend and ride at the farm where she normally goes.  Of course, now she wants this to be regular thing.  We'll see about that!  We also hiked our first mountain at the end of the week.  It was great and now both girls want to try another one. 

Finally, this past week, both girls participated in British Soccer Camp.  The town rec. department puts this program on.  The coaches are from Britain and Scotland complete with thick accents and all! They run a fun program for all ages.  The girls always enjoy this camp and this week was fun for them.

It's Summertime, Summertime, Sum Sum Summertime

School's been out for a week and we've finally settled into a summertime mode. The first few days that we were home were very HOT..... all we did was sit by the pool.  It was just what we all needed to decompress.  Maddy, of course, was busy with playdates and pool parties.  She is quite the social butterfly!

Cassidy got the news that she will be going to morning kindergarten and she got the teacher she wanted.  She had to go to the doctor for her kindergarten shots.  She was a trooper!  Barely any crying.  I was so proud!

In the beginning of June, we celebrated Cassidy's fifth birthday at the local ice cream farm.  She invited four friends (all boys!) from her class and her one neighbor friend.  The kids had fun playing in the sand and looking at the animals. I think it was all Cassidy hoped for.

The following weekend was Youth Sunday at church. The girls were in a dance to the song "Let There Be Peace on Earth" (posted here).  It was put together quickly and we missed the weekend before when it was practiced. The girls did a great job picking it up that morning. They made the t-shirts they are wearing out of fabric markers.

Also in June, T-Ball and softball ended.  Both girls earned medals for the season. It was very successful.  Both teams made a lot of progress from the beginning of the season. Nice to see improvement.

Finally, we went to an event that the town library hosted called the Balloon Glow. Many people came out to see a hot air balloon lift into the sky.  At the beginning of the night, kids were allowed to run around inside the balloon as a fan propped up some of it.  Then, the kids got out and they lifted the balloon off the ground.  It was a fun event for the girls.

June 8, 2012

There has been so much that is going on this time of year. It is hard to update every weekend.  Since the last post, we've swam in the pool, planted the garden, walked in the Memorial Day parade, played softball games, and practiced T-ball!  There is still so much to do before school gets out on June 19 and our summer vacation begins!

Maddy continues to excel in softball. She loves to play third base because "you can get someone out on their last run" and "also because I have a good arm and can get someone out at first base."  She has quite the swing too. Her hits always go to the outfield!  It gets more fun to watch with each game.  For one game, our opponent didn't have enough players so Maddy volunteered to play for them so the two teams could scrimmage.  What a good sport!

Cassidy is turning 5 on Monday, hard to believe. She will have her friend party tomorrow at the local ice cream farm with 4 of her closest boyfriends!  She has invited 4 boys from her class and our second grade neighbor down the street. We'll be happy eating ice cream and playing in the big sand pile for a few hours.

Both girls helped Gram and Gramp plant the garden on Memorial Day. We've got tomatoes, basil, squash, beans and corn. The whole family has made a pact to try to stay ahead of the weeds this year! Easier said than done, I think.  We planted after we walked in the town parade. The girls both marched with their softball/T-ball teams.

Busy Busy Busy

We have been busy the last two weekends.  Last weekend on Saturday, we went to the Fun Fair at HMS.  This fair is the PTA's largest fundraiser and is a load of fun.  I worked the ticket booth so Gram took Cassidy around to the different activities while Maddy went with her buddy.  It was beautiful weather and we stayed the whole time! Maddy won 2 cakes and Cassidy won 1 cake at the Cake Walk. Maddy had a softball game at the same time as Cassidy's T-ball so we had to split and watch each game. 

On Sunday, we had a full Mother's Day.  It started at 5:30AM with coffee and cake (yes, cake from the Cake Walk) in bed for me. We went to breakfast at one of my favorite places.  Next was a noon cookout with the Follansbee's.  Finally, we visited with Gram and Gramp at their house. Phew! 

Maddy was in the Second Grade Play called "Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock".  She was a zebra.  We had that on Tuesday night.  It was a great production.  She even had a speaking part which she did loudly and clearly!

This past weekend, we enjoyed the lovely weather by being outside. First, there were the normal softball and T-Ball games on Saturday.  Maddy volunteered to play for the opposing team since only 4 of their players showed up.  Such a good sport!  Then, the girls swam in the pool on both Saturday and Sunday.  Lloyd and I even got in today!  The temp was chilly (a mere 70 degrees) but it felt good after being in the hot sunshine!  We're ready for a Memorial Day Weekend party!  Woo Hoo!  Bring on summer!

The Weekend

Well, school's back in full swing.  We're in for the last stretch.  Each Sunday night, Maddy lets me know how much school is left. Although she loves her teacher, she will be happy when summer is here.  Cassidy? Not so much.  She wishes she could go to school everyday, have homework like Maddy and ride the bus.  She'll have her turn soon enough.

Spring weekends mean softball and T ball.  Cassidy had her first practice/game on Saturday.  It was hysterical.  The kiddos were so cute.  She reviewed some basics, like where first base is and how to field a ground ball.  She is on a team of primarily boys with one other girl but that was fine by her.  One of her besties, Ryan (pictured above) is there and she is thrilled.  I will include a few pictures of her playing.  When they actually got around to playing a game, the entire team squatted down super low to get ready for the ball.  When the ball was hit, the entire team ran for it.  All of the parents just stood on the sidelines laughing and cheering for our children.  Very funny!  Gram and Gramp were there and Gram assured me that it was the same when Maddy did T ball.  Funny how I can't remember that now. 

After Cassidy's practice/game on Saturday, it was on to Maddy's first softball game of the season.  She played in New Boston which was a bit of a hike from us.  Once we found the field, Maddy was good to go.  The sun finally came out and the girls did a great job.  I think our team had some great hits and some good plays in the field.  Maddy got to play first base in the first inning.  She belted a hit out into the outfield in the last inning.  She was impressive.

On Sunday after church, Maddy went with Gram shopping while Cassidy and I took a ride on the tag-a-long.  It was a beautiful day to be outside and we took full advantage of it.  The pool is just about ready.  We are waiting for hot weather to arrive.  Black flies are here, sadly but we were able to put some bug stuff on and enjoy the sunshine.  Back to work/school tomorrow.  7 weeks left.....

The Last Part of Vacation and Back to School

We enjoyed the rest of our week with playdates, sleepovers and lots of playing outside.  Maddy and Cassidy went to Krazy Kids, an indoor gym with climbing structures and blow-up slides.  We met some friends there after lunch on Friday and then we went out to ice cream! Even though it was cold, we still had fun.

Today we went back to school.  Maddy had art camp after school.  She's been making some amazing creations and will share them on video to the right!  Enjoy!

Vacation Week

It has been a busy week of vacation.  Even though we haven't gone anywhere, we've had some great fun so far!  On Friday night, we went to Opening Day for HYSA (Hopkinton Youth Sports Association) spring sports.  Cassidy met up with her friend Rian and found out they are on the green T-Ball team together.  Maddy also is on the green softball team.  The kiddos had a frozen treat and hung out with their friends on the high school ball fields.

On Saturday, we met some friends at the local book store in Concord.  The author of the Fancy Nancy books came to read one of her books and promote a new chapter book series.  Cassidy got to be a part of the 'show' by demonstrating how to work on your balance using a banana on your head!  The girls got dressed in their fancy-wear and had a great time.

On Tuesday, we got a chance to go with our good friends and neighbors to the farm where they ride horses.  Both Maddy and Cassidy rode a horse called Bella.  Of course, both girls are now bugging me for a horse of their own!  After our adventures at the barn, we went to a Red Arrow Diner for some good old fashioned diner food.

Maddy Meets Kevin Skarupa

Kevin Skarupa, local celebrity and weather forecaster, came to second grade today.  Maddy had the chance to give him the class gift and meet him.  (Nice perks when your mom is a teacher in your school!)  She was very excited to meet him since he had to reschedule his visit 3 times! 

It's a Family Affair

Maddy, Daddy and Cassidy work on Maddy's math homework.  They did a fun game involving subtraction and rolling dice.  It's nice when homework is fun!

Sunday

Maddy and Cassidy learned the names of the 12 disciples for church.  They actually learned a song to help them memorize them for this year's Challenge. So today, they got their reward: waffle sundaes for lunch and a movie (The Muppets).  They enjoyed being down in the youth room of church today. Usually only kids in fourth grade and higher can go in there!  Here are a few pictures of them enjoying their reward.

Saturday, what a day!

We love Saturdays in our house.  It's the one day where we can sleep in and not have to rush around to places.  Today, we did a lot of cleaning: laundry (hung it out on the line) but better, cleaning out stuff we don't use!  We took a trip with 5 garbage bags full of stuff to Goodwill! Woo Hoo!  We are on the look out for used cleats for Maddy because hers are too small.... no luck though.

We stopped at our favorite lunch place: Friendly's.  Then, Gram and Gramp were waiting for us at home.  They came to put up a new bird feeder and watch Maddy at softball practice.  It was a beautiful day for softball.  Maddy rocked the practice!  She is a great hitter and has an awesome arm!  I can't wait for the games to begin. 

The Beginning...

So I keep a blog of the daily happenings of my classroom.  This was inspired by my friend Pam who keeps a blog of the adventures of her two children.  I decided, why not do this for Maddy and Cassidy? It makes sense.  I will start today.  It's a good goal!

Tonight, after a long week, Maddy had a playdate at her friend Reese's house.  Cassidy and I hung out and played addition war with cards.  We are working on her addition facts with her to build her number sense.  After that, we decided to turn on some music and dance.  I have a video of Cassidy dancing to "Boom Boom Pow" and "Who Let the Dogs Out?".  She is so funny when she dances.  She lets it all hang out!  I love it!