Some more random summer shots

Boppa came for a visit (and to help with some stuff that needed fixin').  The kids enjoyed roasting marshmallows while he was here.  They always have a fun time in the backyard.

Summer Activities

John and Evan shooting with their friends.

Audrey spent two weeks (two hours each morning ) at Safety Town.  It was such a great experience and she loved every minute of it.  Not sure how it will work out here but on graduation day she was one of the chosen children to say the Pledge.

Evan spent a week at Cub Scout camp.  On family day, I stopped in and took a few pictures.

John and his friends held their annual "camping" trip in the luxury of the house in Franklin.  This was their 24th year.

Audrey at fireworks night at the Greensboro Grasshoppers baseball game. And Evan and Connor chillin at the pool.

Great Wolf Lodge

Six is the last year we do a big tadoo party for the kids.  After that they can choose one or two friends and we will do an activity.  This is the second year in a row that Evan chose to take his best friend Connor to the Great Wolf Lodge.  He even let Audrey come along.  I got more pictures of Audrey than the birthday boy though. 

Summer.........

I think our children are part fish.  Or Mermaid (the term Audrey prefers).

Our babies....

Audrey wanted to "grow" butterflies.  We ordered the kit and  was not sure what to expect.  We got a cup in the mail with 5 larvae.  It looked a little disgusting and not very promising.  The instructions promised at least 3 butterflies would be produced in about 2-3 weeks and it described the cocoon process and how to transfer the cocoons into the habitat.

It was so exciting for all of us to watch as the larvae turned into caterpillars which ate and grew for about 10 days before taking the journey to the top of the cup to form their crysalis.  After about 7 days Audrey came running out screaming "they're here, they're here" and three of them had become butterlies.  Within the day a fourth came.  The fifth is still in his/her cocoon.  Not sure if it is going to turn or if it is a dud.  We are hopeful that he/she will still make it.

After keeping and feeding them for 3 days, Audrey decided they wanted to fly.  She was right as their activity had increased a great deal by day 3 of being butterflies.  So we released them yesterday.  We were thrilled that they seem to be hanging around our yard.  But it is tough letting go...... :)

End of Year Pool party..............

End of another year of academics.....

Audrey finished Pre-K!  I get a raise!!  We have been paying for preschool for 7 years so it is going to be nice to add that extra money back into the budget.  Both kids suggested it go into our "cruise fund".  I didn't shed any tears at Audrey's final day but I was very proud of her.  Her teachers went on and on about her strengths and what a great friend she is.  I know she is so ready to move into Elementary School.

Evan received the Principal Award today.  He was only one of three in his grade.  In order to get the award, a student had to make straight As all year on their report card.  We are so proud of him.  He worked so hard and learned so much.  He got a special pin from the principal and a gift certificate to the book store.