Botany, Bible School, and Books

It's amazing to me that we are approaching the end of June already!  I feel like summer just started, and yet with all the activities we are doing, it's flying by!  Here's a little re-cap:

Cody did two weeks of morning sports camp at his school and now this week he is attending Vacation Bible School with a buddy of his.  We are also continuing violin this summer as well, and we're making an effort to step up his practicing.  In addition to all of that, we started a science book and we're studying Botany. (A friend suggested we do it this summer as this is a great time to be outside and explore nature with everything in bloom.)  I will be honest and say that I was never a science lover in school, but this book does such a great job to make it fun and educational through hands on learning.  The best part for me is the biblical perspective that you get in the book...it's all about seeing the world and all God made through HIS eyes.  I'm loving that! Cody is really receptive to the "work" we're doing this summer, and I'm thankful for that. He seems to be really enjoying it.  Praise the Lord!  Also on the agenda soon is a trip to the Botanic Gardens.  I love that place...it's absolutely beautiful.  And free!

I am glad that we decided to do some school this summer, just to get in the "groove" of what it feels like to do school at home.  I'm trying to keep it low key and fun, as we both feel our way through this whole thing.  We also signed up for the summer reading program at the library yesterday and checked out a bunch of books that were on a reading list I found in a book called "Honey for a Child's Heart" by Gladys Hunt.  This book is such an amazing resource with book lists for every age and stage of readers.  I wish I'd known about this book when Cody was tiny...it starts with lists for ages 0-3!  I'm glad to be reading these to Caden.  I had never heard of "Animalia" nor had I ever read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."  I know.  Where have I been?

We're not traveling this summer (except to see my mama!) or doing anything particularly spectacular, but we're enjoying the time together.  My hubby hasn't been home for a summer with us since we were married.  He worked every summer until he started graduate school, and then he was in school for the past three years.  It's great having him home, watching him coach Cody and his team in baseball, and just hanging out...whatever we happen to be doing at the time.  I've been trying to assist him as much as possible on our major home improvement project this summer: We're painting the house.  Yes...it's quite a job, but we knew it would be.

I hope you're getting some time to enjoy the beautiful weather and your families.  From the sounds of your blogs, it would seem that you are!  I have loved reading about Tonya's wii, Steph's baby shower, Kari's upcoming trip to Boston, my sister's bonfire and all the tales of "Thing 2's" antics, Lori's adorable boys, and Jaime's family of four with the addition of baby Bryce...just to name a few!  

You all are such fun and I'm grateful for this thing called blogging.  Who knew it could be such a wonderful way to connect with all you fantastic people?  : )