I think we have jam-packed our summer with more fun activities than ever before.
We had a wonderful church picnic on Friday evening. That kept us out late and needing baths after lots of sandy play for the little ones!
Then we got up bright and early on Saturday morning to meet some dear friends of ours at Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia. They were camping, but we just crashed their site. My husband and 2 older children, along with our friend and his 2 older sons took the 9 mile round trip trek along the Appalachian Trail to Mt. Rogers. I am amazed that 9,10,11, and 12 year olds were able to make such a hike. Actually I should probably be more amazed at the men. They said that the hike back was especially hard on the old(er) knees and ankles! After a much shorter hike, the womenfolk hung around the campsite with the younger children. We also made a big and delicious dinner. Although, I think anything would probably have tasted delicious after a 9 mile hike!
After another late night, we were able to get everyone up for church on Sunday morning. (We did have to miss Sunday school to allow for a little extra sleep time and baths.) That evening we went to our town square to watch the fireworks.
Since we had to get there early or be faced with no parking, we enjoyed a game of spades with my husband’s sister and husband. After a marvelous fireworks display, we walked the mile or so back to the car, after which we stood around and waited another 30 minutes for the traffic to clear a bit. Another late night!
On Monday, we were invited to my in-laws house for a lunch-time cookout. That was a lot of fun. We always get in the most interesting conversations. Finally a reasonably early night to bed. We were ALL in bed at 9:15!
Still to come this summer are a trip to the beach, a trip to Tennessee to visit old friends, and a family reunion in Ohio! I am wondering if I’m going to get any school planning done.
Sounds like like you had lots of fun, and lots of fun things still planned. Enjoy your summer fun. 🙂
JoAnn
Hi Kristen. I have been reading some of your articles on classical education and memory work. Have you heard of the Classical Conversations program and what do you think of it. Next year will be my first year of homeschooling my first grader. I am having a hard time deciding to go to a trtaditional classic coop or the Classical Conversations community where they do memory work with alot of songs. I would love to hear your opinion. please email me!! in christ, cindy
I have a sinking feeling that my school planning is going to happen the Sunday before school starts, if I do not set a time soon. Blessings to you in your efforts!
How fun! I KNOW my planning is going to be mostly done on the Sunday before school starts. We are starting this next Monday and I’m still sorting books! aaargh!
What a great time you are having. Our “Summer” is almost over. IT is almost time to hit the books. We really have to make it to Grayson Park some time. My kids would love the wild horses.
Blessings,
Dawn
Unfortunately I didn’t see ANY ponies this time. They were much higher up than the usually are. My husband and the kids who went on the long hike saw plenty of them. (And had their lunches almost stolen!)
Hi! I am following you from the TOS Crew. Please follow me back at http://www.alittlebooknook.com. I look forward to working with you this year! 🙂
I hope K’s ankles are feeling better! J’s knees are better, but he still walks around like an old man – of course, I shouldn’t be laughing. I know I’d be in much worse shape if I went on that hike! 😀
Loved your pictures. How did you get such a good one of the fireworks? Great job!
I’m with you on the fun and busy summer. I have yet to do any planning! It does need to happen soon though. Hope you have fun on your adventures!
Blessings
Leslie
Thanks Leslie. I put my camera on the fireworks setting. I really needed a tripod I think.