Where Did the Summer Go?

It feels like the girls just got out of school for the summer, but somehow they're headed back to school in less than two weeks. This summer has been unbearably hot, and there's no end in sight. I wish the weather would take a hint and start cooling off as we get ready to head back into our school routine. Although, I also wish I could keep my kids home just a little longer. 

We spent three weeks (the girls spent four) in California during the month of July. In June we were anxious to head out to cooler weather and our family, but we stayed occupied while we waited. I'm really good at planning out chores for my kids, but I'm not really good at making sure the chores get done. We've gone through many chore charts that kind of worked but were soon forgotten. It's not that my kids hate chores (they actually enjoy the responsibility). It's mostly that we get busy and forget. I decided this summer would be different. I searched online for chore chart ideas and combined some of the things I liked into a very prominent, there's no way you're going to forget me kind of chart. I thought it turned out pretty cute. The kiddos take turns picking chores each week. They love moving them to the "done" slot once they're finished. They've all done a great job learning new skills and remembering (sometimes with a little help) to finish their chores each week.  

Ainsley learned to clean one of our bathrooms entirely on her own. She also learned how to do laundry. Kaylee, who is not much of a cleaner, has been a good sport and even taken on extra duties like organizing their play kitchen. Landon was excited to take on some responsibility and loves picking "clean the windows".  

We do like to sprinkle in some fun while we works, so we take dance breaks. The Wii game "Just Dance" has become our source of dancing material. It's a nice break and a great workout! 

At the beginning of the summer Ainsley and Kaylee started having daily tea parties with their American Girl Dolls.  They usually brought out the tea set for breakfast and lunch. This lasted pretty much up until they left for California. Once they got to California they planned a tea party for their grandmas and got to use Grandma Gadd's china.

The kids have been wanting to tie dye t-shirts since last summer. We decided to give it a go this summer and bought a tie dye kit. Their t-shirts turned out so cute that I think I'm going to buy another kit so I can make one for myself.

Ahhh summer vacation. I love it. I look forward to it all year. I mourn it when it's over. But, it's time to get back into the daily grind. I think this year will be exciting. The girls are going to a new school (we decided to try out a charter school), and Landon will be going to a three day a week preschool. It's amazing how quickly these kiddos are growing up. Being a mom isn't always the easiest or the most glamorous but I am trying my best to savor every moment of raising these three awesome kiddos.