Tuesday Night Hike

We have been trying to exercise more. Sunday afternoon we went to a park and hiked about 2.5 miles. I was a little concerned since we started out by seeing a black snake and had to see it again because we missed where the trail started. Monday night we walked around the church parking lot. The kids walked with us for awhile (their PE), then they played on the playground. Last night, Aubree opted to stay with Grandpa and Grandma while the three of us went and hiked a trail at the lake.
And Bryce talked the WHOLE time!!! I don't know how he did it!! The trail had several up and downs. He would say, "Mom, Mom." I explained to him I was breathing hard and had to catch my breath to answer. And he went on....He told me about the chapter Grandma had read to them in Strawberry Girl; he told me how it would be neat if Mario Kart had a track like this on the Wii; we talked about vacation - trying to convince him he would probably love a water slide park if he would just try. Newman even asked if I needed a 'mental break.' (He stayed in front of us and knocked down spider webs - such a good daddy and husband!!) Later, I told Newman we needed one of those clicker-things like they have at Costco to count people, so we could count his words. It would have to count by 5's or we'd never keep up!!
I think Aubree enjoyed her porch time with the grandparents, too.

Soccer Girl

Today was Aubree second practice with her soccer team. She found out today her team name is Kit Kats. As expected, she's pretty aggressive and stays busy the whole time. We're excited to see how she continues to learn the game.

Be Quiet!

Bryce's reader this week was Frog and Toad Together. He does a great job reading with expression. As we were finishing up the book on Friday, I noticed his next sentence.

"Shut up!" screamed Toad.

Without missing a beat, Bryce read, "Be quiet!" screamed Toad.

It would have fine if he read it as written. But I was quite impressed how he substituted.

Background: Growing up for me, saying "Shut up" was like saying a curse word. It was not said to us nor were we allowed to say it. Even today when I hear it, I inwardly cringe. Bryce and Aubree have been taught the same. It's a cute book, but I do wish different wording was used.

First Day of School

We officially have a 3rd grader and Kindergartner!!

We started school on Monday.

It wasn't the day I imagined, but we survived.

This year, we're working on Bryce becoming more independent and responsible for his work.

Aubree's goal is learning to read and write.

Big goals, but God is able!! I'm thankful to spend the days with them and praying God blesses all of our efforts.

The Talk...

I love simples answers.....
In the van yesterday, we listened to a story about twins. Aubree asked about how twins were born - was one born one day, then one born the next day. I told her I thought they were usually born within a few minutes of each other. Aubree then correctly concluded that two babies are in the stomach at the same time. I thought we were done...
Aubree: So Mom, how do they get there?
Mom: Uh, uh, uh, what do you mean?
Aubree: How do the babies get in your stomach? Does the doctor put them there?
Mom: Well, God puts them there.
Aubree: How?
Mom: A very special way.
Aubree: How do you know the baby is there? Does your stomach hurt?
Mom: Wow, Aubree!!! Mommy has a book we can look at one day when you're older.
(Thankfully that was the end of the questioning...for now.)

Bryce has asked and may understand a little more BUT doesn't want to know anymore. Each time the subject has come up and I've offered for me and him to talk more, he has politely declined. Thankfully, we have a great series of books, so we are as ready as we can be when the time comes.

Our last couple of weeks in pictures

Our mini-vacation with Aunt Karen and Uncle Scott.

A Bulls baseball game with friends and yummy snow cones.

A picnic at Eno River.

Sunflowers Aubree planted in our "Garden of Weeds."

Summer is quickly coming to an end. We've been blessed with great times with family and friends!!

Kindess

By Aubree. (Yes, I DID write Aubree.)

We read a story about Ruth and Naomi yesterday. They focused on the kindness of Ruth and Boaz in the lesson. The kids' application was to do something nice for someone.

All on her own, she asked could we take some water to the telephone company men who were here working (we finally got DSL.) Once she got outside, only one guy was working. Aubree said he really needed the water because he had sweat running down the sides of his face. I was really proud of her.

PS - there are still plenty of other Aubree stories....