We have had a great summer. We went to Charleston for a week in June. We usually go to visit our dear friends the Beam's, however they were out of town (and graciously allowed us to stay in their house) so we did all the touristy stuff. Which was not cheep but I had my Mom with me who was determined to make it an "educational and cultural" trip so she helped out a lot. We saw Cypress Gardens where they filmed a scene from The Notebook. It was cool. We also went to Magnolia Plantation, there we did a swamp tour, a tour of the house, a trolley ride and walked in the gardens. My brother said the only way to see more of the plantation was to fly over it or tunnel under it. My brother moved to Charleston a few years ago and we don't see him often, we saw him everyday we were there. We also saw Transformers at the Hipadrome. We had so much fun, however next time we go I'm looking forward to seeing our real favorite attraction, The Beam Bunch.
We have also went hiking at South Mountain twice, Picnicked in the mountains, under the Peach in Gaffney and various other places, we have been to Kid Senses museum, rode our bikes in the driveway, Swam in various pools, played in sprinklers, and done yard work.
We have been sunburned, tanned, bug bitten, skinned knees, bit by a cat (ME), tortured our siblings (them), bit by ticks (EW!), caught frogs, spent the night everywhere (Katie and Emma), had people over to spend the night, watched movies, stayed up late, slept late, and learned one bible verse REALLY well. I'm exhausted!
As far as my summer goals. The kids did do their chores everyday, however reluctantly. Some days it took threats, and teeth pulling, but it did get done. We did not sit and eat breakfast together ever morning while having a devotion. However we did learn a bible verse Philippians 1:6 being confident of this that he who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. I hope it is hidden in their hearts. Katie finished a few chapter books and wrote me a few book reports, but she had to be threatened to not have anymore sleepovers until she finished Judy Moody saves the world. We did do a lot of free things but we also spent more money that I would have liked, mostly at Wal Mart. That place is dangerous for people on a budget.
I hope you have all had great summers and will enjoy your last two weeks of free time. We plan to do some fun things this week if they can remember how to act. Then next week getting back on school time sleep schedules. It is easier to be a zombie when they don't have school to deal with too. Wish me luck.
