Eva's writing samples

Eva came home with a binder of writing samples, in a journal type of format. Some were from writing prompts, others were freestyle, and she even wrote a few original poems.

These are the things I cherish most because they are so honest and heartfelt. Unfortunately I have to pick and choose which things I save, but being able to save them digitally is almost as good.

Here is a peek at my very favorites.

Spring plants

I missed the peak of our spring flowers, unfortunately, but this is what's happening in the yard now.

Tulips, planted last fall

Planted last fall 

This was blooming on the day we closed on our house - 3 years ago this weekend.

Our new Fire red azalea - most of the flowers are already gone

Irises, planted last fall 

Peony 

Another peony

Magnolia - it only had two blossoms, but it's the first year we've had it so hopefully next year will be better.

Amanda's Dogwood tree - it was full of flowers this year!

Memorial Day weekend

The kids kicked off the summer early with a chilly swim in the new pool (Temp was only 65*!)

Post-swim picnic lunch on the deck 

All ready for a party with our friends

At the annual Memorial Day party - adults are outnumbered by the kids now! 

Sunday: a playdate with Amanda's friend, more swimming, a yummy dinner of Rigatoni and fun game of Scattergories

Captain Jack

Liam has been on a pirate kick lately. He came out wearing Dave's giant black boots and hat, wielding the homemade sword that Dave made him. The sword comes in especially handy when scaring away the turkey that is always hanging around our yard....

Meet Captain Jack!

Pool

After much thought, we decided to go ahead and put up a larger pool this year. The kids could not be any more excited about it... They all willingly helped with the project, although some (one) was a bit more eager than the others.

We spent the entire weekend on the project, with all hands on deck.

The first step was building the platform so the pool would be on level ground. Then we filled it the square with rocks, gravel and sand.

The kids were VERY helpful with shoveling the gravel.

Amanda was such a hard worker! She just kept plugging away, never complaining. Load after load, she helped shovel gravel and sand into buckets and the wheelbarrow. 

The other two helped for a while...

Now for the sand...

Leveling it off..

This picture shows what was left of the sandpile after we filled in the pool area - just enough to play in!

Once the area was level and covered with the tarp, it was time to bring in the pool. 

The kids didn't quite understand how long this process would take. Not to mention, the temperature was only in the 60's - so not exactly swimming weather. That didn't stop them from being prepared with swimsuits and goggles.

Waiting ever so patiently...

Still waiting...

The next day - almost full..

Finally done!!  

Maybe this weekend it will be warm enough for our first dip. 

Dancing: Beyond the Sea

Tonight Eva taught Liam how to dance. I don't know know where she learned these moves, but somehow she managed to choreograph an entire dance routine to "Beyond the Sea."

For two kids who have never seen "Dancing with the Stars", I'd say they did pretty good!

And bravo to Liam for learning his role so quickly - for taking it so seriously.  I can't wait to see what they do next. 

Amanda: Postcard of Georgia

This year Amanda has been studying the US states. For her first research project, she was assigned the state of Georgia.

This is the postcard she made. I hate to throw it away, so I am 'preserving' it by way of the blog!

More recently for their second project, each student got to choose a state. The assignment was to research and create a PowerPoint presentation of their state. Amanda chose Wisconsin, of course, and got a 98% on her presentation. I am impressed because I don't even know how to do PowerPoint!  

I remember doing this project when I was in 5th or maybe even 6th grade, and I researched the state of South Dakota. Fun stuff!