Summer, Summer, Summertime

Well, we are finally into summer in New England! So far, so good. It's not the scorching heat that I'm accustomed, so that's a nice change. But, not for long, since we are headed south very soon! The four of us will drive to VA over the 1st day of July (sh don't tell the girls it's 11 hours in the car) and then board a plane bound for Dominican Republic on the 4th (thanks Mom and Danny). What a great way to spend Grace's birthday! We'll be sure to celebrate once we arrive. Although, it might be a little weird to be out of the country for the 4th, I'm sure it's a sacrifice that we can live with - all inclusive style!

We all come home on the 11th of July, bummer. Brett heads back up to Boston and back to work, bummer number 2. But, the girl's and I will stay in VA for the month of July and catch up on some much needed friend and family time. I've missed the barbecue and the sweet tea, too! I cannot wait!

In the meantime,

Grace geared up for the summer by completing another round of swim lessons. She did really, really well and now I'm even more comfortable with her "swimming" instead of drowning. It gives me some relief, as the mom and all... She's lost a tooth, finally, jeez it was killing her to be the only kid in class,teeth intact. Her report Card was superb, as always. She's smart as ever. All she wants to do is read... We could think of far worse things for her to want to do! And last but not least, she has a surprise for the Richmond crew - wait till you see her!!

Ava just finished a class that allowed her to try all sports, literally, any you could think of. She LOVED it. She was the only girl, but she jumped right in there and payed better attention AND had better balance. I was proud to watch her! Ava spends most of her free time feeding chipmunks and turkeys. She's named them and everything! Ava and I started our preschool-at-home lessons too. Hopefully next year at this time, she'll know how to read! Watch out!

Brett and I are plugging away, trying to keep everything peaceful, prosperous and clean! The last seems to be the hardest. He's still working his tail off and is somewhat relieved that we stay in VA for a month so he can stay late at work and get more done. Blah.

I've picked up the guitar and am trying to learn it. After more than a month, my fingers still do not have the illusive callouses. I hope I'm not still waiting the next time I blog... Now, I'm off to pack the house into 4 suitcases!


Yesterday we spent the day on the beach, New England style, which translates into:
a. we (the kids) didn't go into the water beyond our waist because it's frigid
b. I kept my dress on the whole time because I was chilly on the 23rd of June
c. spraying bug spray every 15 seconds because of the things we call "no-see-ums" were absolutely nerve wrackingly annoying, to put it mildly

The North Shore: Wingaersheek Beach

Ava getting warmed in the tidal pool.

I would have shown a picture of Grace, but didn't want to ruin her surprise for the Richmond peeps!

So, summer's here! In spite of all the sibling-rivalry-bicker each day, all day, I love summer vacation! Two whole months without having to pack a lunch or come up with whatever goes into that packed lunch. No rushing here and there because all activities seize, unless you sign up for "summer" ones. YAY for me being smart enough to skip that step! And, this year, summers even more sweet because we are the proud owners of a Cuisinart ice cream / frozen yogurt maker (thanks Courtney for cleaning house and selling it to me).

So, dog days of summer, c'mon! AND, please let me be smart enough to savor it since Boston winter is just around the ... bean.