Summer Summary

We consider Labor Day to be the final day of summer and, accordingly, we begin formal lessons on the day after Labor Day. As a way of sharing with others and reviewing for our own sake the activities and accomplishments of the summer I am writing a summary of these summer events (and if all goes well I will be including pictures). I acknowledge that it might turn out to be a rather lengthy post but I believe that it will do our family good to see where we have been and what we have done. It might also serve as a way for others to get to know us better.

Library programs attended - up to 5 (Maceo/5; Bishop/4). At the library they created coffee art, learned how to do improv, and learned more about ligers, reptiles, and vultures. Just an interesting tidbit of info: When vultures feast on carcasses they eat until they are entirely stuffed thus inhibiting their ability to fly. This leaves them vulnerable to attack by predators. They defend themselves against these predators by projecting vomit on them. This also empties their stomach allowing them to take to the skies. Fascinating!

Reading Programs participated in - 2. Both Maceo and Bishop participated in the reading programs offered by Barnes and Nobles and our local library. It is through these programs that the boys were able to acquire (for free) 3 of the Percy Jackson and the Olympian books that delighted us throughout most of the summer. We logged more than 100 hours of reading together.

Drama Camps attended - 3. Maceo attended a week-long drama camp at a local church and had a blast making new friends. He also attended 2 sessions of summer institute at our community theatre and each session culminated in a full-fledged production. He was a town crier in Cinderella Kids! and the father wolf in Jungle Book Kids!. Delightful!

Vaction Bible Schools attended - up to 5 different ones were attended at least in part. Some highlights include: one church set up Roman marketplace complete with costumes, marketplace booths, Roman-era projects, and the apostle Paul preaching. Another church ended their VBS with a fireworks show produced by some congregants who have an established business doing such shows. It was fabulous!

Fireworks displays attended - (speaking of, fireworks) 4. Fabulous summer fun!

Zoo programs attended - 2. We discovered that our local zoo offered educational programs at the zoo itself. Bishop participated in 11 hours of activities learning more about the animals and how a zoo operates. Among other things, he was able to speak to various zookeepers and feed the warthogs.

Trips to the fair - 2. Much to my delight Maceo and Bishop decided to enter some items in the fair. Much to their delight they won some ribbons and took home some cash. Also, this was the first year that they were big enough to ride any ride that they desired. Maceo only did the bumper cars. Bishop discovered he loved rides with a little bit of speed. However, he mostly rode the water ride - approximately 24 times.

Auditions attended - 2. Maceo auditioned for Alice in Wonderland Jr at our local community theatre and was cast as a creature and a royal cardsmen. (He is at rehearsal even now as I type). Keegan auditioned for a locally produced independent film and was cast. Some film shooting has taken place. No other details for now.

College credits acquired - 6. Christian studied for and took two CLEP tests, American History 1 and 2. He passed with flying colors and is now studying for the two Western Civilization CLEPS.

Jobs attained - 1. The employment search was arduous but Keegan is now employed as a receptionist at a day spa and salon just down the road.

Birthdays celebrated - 2. I turned 42 and Maceo turned 10.

Husbands who have returned from Iraq - more than I can possibly count, but 1 that is particularly meaningful to this family. DH returned to the United States on August and we look forward to seeing him for his one month block leave.

Other activities include: Keegan organized a creek clean-up that Christian and I, among others participated in; trips to the zoo and Wild Animal Safari; Keegan acquired a new agent and participated in a fashion show; bowling; celebrated the one-room school house at a local farmstead; Maceo and Bishop were on the church float for the 4th of July parade; ceramic painting and glass fusing at a local art studio; the Yugioh Ancient Prophecy sneak peek and Maceo and Bishop's first tournament; swimming at the YMCA and at the community pools; free art day at a local art center; fun in the fountain at the park; family art night at the YMCA; visiting the history museum; harvesting countless tomatoes, serranos, and bell peppers; etc., etc., etc.

I do believe that we accomplished a bit this summer. That is good to know!