A Job Well Done........

True love with Build a Bear. She is my adventure Queen!

Of course his car is green ~ his favorite color. He was able to pick every accessory that he wanted for now, and customize his own car.

Sadly, you can't even see the TRUE soaking that happened. This is a teaser really.

My kids have worked REALLY, REALLY hard this year. When I went back to work that was adjustment #1. Going back to school, adjustment #2, and for Missy, going to school all day for kindergarten, was the biggest adjustment of all! Well, I quite honestly didn't know what to expect for this year according to grades. 3rd grade at our school is a HUGE jump from 2nd, as a Mom I was concerned for Bubba. How would he do, what could we expect, there was a lot of maturing that was expected and required from him. Then there was the start of kindergarten. Because we had already done this once, I was at peace with Missy going, but not sure how she would adjust. She is different from Bubba academically.

However, my kids shined!!! Yes, I am taking this moment to brag on my kids. They each learned the meaning of perseverance this year. They learned what it meant to really work, respectively on their own. The final report card for each of them was GLORIOUS!!! Truly I was amazed and proud of both of them.

So, Hubby and I decided that they deserved a bonus for all of their hard work. We took the kids to California Adventure, and let them make ALL of the decisions. They chose the rides, the shows, where and when to eat, EVERYTHING! I love days like these. It is fun to see them come up with compromises on their own, decide things together, and know that they have the run of the park. This meant that we rode on Grizzly Rapids ~ TWICE!!! WE go SOAKED!!! We played in the Redwood forest for a long time, just enjoying the play area. We ate pizza, popcorn, and indulged with Cotton Candy. Most important, was we laughed ~ a lot.

Then came the fun part.......Shopping!!! Bubba really wanted a remote control car that he got to build himself at Ride Makerz (think Build a Bear for boys). Missy split her money between Build a Bear and then saved some for American Girl store (future post to come). It was an incredible day spoiling our kids for all of their hard work.

Welcome Summer

Ah Summer is officially here! Not only is it officially here by the calendar status, but it is also here because school is FINALLY over. This has been a year of growth for all of us. Yet, we have successfully finished Kindergarten for Missy, 3rd Grade for Bubba, and College for me. WHEW!! Now, we can relax, look forward to the days spent at the beach, and as of today get assigned new chores.

My Mama is a smart lady! Here is one of my tricks I am stealing from her. When we entered school, our primary job was school. So although we had chores, there were some that were lessened, or forgotten during the school year because our focus was school. Then came summer. With summer came extra responsibility so that we ALL could play. In her wisdom, there was NO need for her to be doing the primary share of the chores, when there were helpers who could help and who wanted to do fun things. So alas, every summer we either learned a new chore working toward independence or regained a chore that was set aside during the school year.

This summer Missy is learning to make her bed. She was very excited this morning when lessons started. It is going to be interesting to see her progress since she is the littlest member of the family with the tallest bed in the house. What a hoot!

Bubba is going to learn the domestic lesson of loading and unloading the dishwasher. Now because of the design of our kitchen, there may be some I have to help with if I want any dishes left at the end of summer. But for the most part he should be good, and able to reach.

I am looking forward to days spent by my brother's pool (since we don't have one). Setting up the slip and slide, going to the beach, having picnics in the backyard with the dog. We are attempting to have a movie screen set up in the backyard for nighttime showings of fun family flicks, with neighbors and friends. I am looking forward to friends coming to eat on the patio, and listening to the sweet music of our children playing. I need summer in more ways than one, and am very excited that it is finally here!