June IS busting out all over....

Wow, summer has just started, but seems to be going fast. The boys and I traveled downstate to visit my parents immediately after they finished school. They had a 1/2 day on the 10th and then we "hit the road" for 10 hours of driving time. Andrew and Aidan are good travelling companions. They did not have any electronics on this trip, so just books, themselves and lots of imagination. We arrived in SCS around 10:30(ish) in the pm. The next day, well evening, my 'rents had a "graduation" party for Andrew, since he "graduated" from Elementary School and is off to Middle School next year. Saturday, I had lunch with some friends for high school, which was great! Then that evening we spent with my cousin Scott Dawson and his boys for his youngest son's birthday. We played laser tag and video games and all kinds of craziness. The boys and I had a fun time. Then on Sunday, my 'Rents, my niece Miranda, the boys and I went to the Toledo Zoo. Sorry to say this, but enjoyed it more than the Detroit Zoo (and I like the Detroit Zoo). After all of that, Monday we got together with a friend of mine from college and her kids at Metro Beach Park. It was a bit rainy, but enjoyable. Finally, came back home on Tuesday, again the boys did wonderful.
So, all-in-all, the long weekend trip was successful; we were needing to get-away and that was just enough.
Last weekend was Bridgefest, 2010. Mies' Mom and Step-Dad came into town for that and stayed with us. We all had a great time. Too "great" for me on Friday night...the wine went down a wee bit too easily that night. But by late Saturday morning I was good to go!! We enjoyed the car show, the water skiers, and other vendors. Sunday we watched the Cardboard Boat Regatta. I cannot explain that, you would have to experience it on your own. :)
Now, this weekend is camping! Cannot wait, almost packed! A little bummed it may rain, but such is life. We will have fun regardless. :-) AND next Wednesday, is Andrew's 12th Birthday, he's been counting down the days...

More summer events to come...

Summer Vacay...

I have to admit that I wasn't looking forward to being home with the boys this summer; I was afraid I couldn't keep them busy, so to speak, and give them some structure to keep up on their studies. Mostly I was nervous, because they are almost 5 years apart and have different interest, but here we are, and it is not as bad I had anticipated. So far, we are having fun. I try to organize one main daily event; a walk, playing soccer in the backyard, lunch-time picnics with Dad, going to the library, etc. I am only one week in, but so far so good(ish). There have been meltdowns and moodiness abound, but with some gently guidance, they push through it. I'm trying to instill in them a sense of perseverance. They seem to give up too easily and that saddens me (and Mies). We are working on it.
For the most part, despite their age difference, the boys get along. There are times when Andrew gets overwhelmed or over stimulated and he needs some down time from everything which is hard for Aidan to fully understand. Aidan feels rejected. I try to explain that sometimes people need some quiet place to retreat to, but Aidan may not be old enough to fully comprehend this. He is learning and I've been helping Aidan by taking Andrew's times for quiet as time that Aidan and I can have together. Time when we can work on writing letters and numbers, reading story books and laughing. Aidan has a belly laugh that is indeed infectious. Please don't misunderstand, I do have time alone with Andrew, too. We share many funny stories, too. And don't get me started on his laughter... :)
So, I have to say, that for all my trepidation, things are going well. And I'm looking forward to see what tomorrow brings.