Summer Lovin'

This past week was our first full week at home for summer. We have a bucket list we're working on for summer, and we were able to cross a few things off.

We made more popsicles just like the ones Aidan and I made the week before.

We set up a redneck water park in the back yard and had a water balloon fight. This was a huge hit. Allison said, "This is the best day ever!" Of course she says that most days, but it was still sweet.

 

 

We spent Tuesday and Friday at the pool, and Aidan is officially done with the puddle jumper! (Allison was trying to grab the phone while I was video taping, so please excuse my annoyed tone in one section.)

Yesterday we went to see Monsters University. There has been some major counting down in this house for months.

Today Daddy is off shore fishing again, so we'll probably head up to the pool. Next week Allison has golf camp Tuesday - Friday. She's ready to hit some great shots! Summer is the best.

Rocky River Ranch - On Her Own

This past week Allison spent her first week away at summer camp, and it was a complete success. What we really wanted her to gain from camp was independence, self-confidence, and a memorable experience like no other. Boy did we get what we asked for. Miss Priss is quite independent and self-confident coming off of her five-nights at RRR. Be careful what you ask for, right!

Seriously though, I could not be happier that she had such a great time. When she saw us she came up to me, gave me a huge hug, said, "I really missed you.", and then said she wanted to come back next year. Her counselors tell me there was not one moment of homesickness among the eight soon-to-be second graders. They said it was a first. Usually each girl has at least one moment of one day when they are sad, but not last week.

Throughout the week the camp uploaded photos for the parents to purchase. I went through and found Allison as much as possible, and of course bought them all.

Sunday Evening

 One of the first things they do at RRR is draw colored circles to find out which tribe you will be in. This is your tribe for life. There are Cowpokes and Wranglers. Allison drew a yellow circle, and she is now officially a Wrangler.

Monday

Monday was her first full day, and she went to her four classes she had chosen. Doll Making, RRR Girls, Archery, and Anything Goes.

Free Time at the Pool

The Wagon Yard Girls

The top middle two counselors were in the yellow wagon, along with the top row of girls. Two to one ratio of counselors to girls at this age is amazing!

Tuesday - Tie Dye Tuesday (each day had a theme)

Archery Class - She said this was her favorite class. On top of it being her favorite, an older girl that we saw in the Canteen Friday afternoon was telling her "bye" and told me Allison hit tons of bulls-eyes, and then archery teacher told us how great she was a little while later. Daddy was beaming with pride.

Miss RRR - This was a silly skit the counselors did, and the wagon yard girls helped participate.

Wednesday - Wacky Wednesday

Archery Class

Allison with her big sister. Each girl is assigned a big/little sister. They were giving each other big hugs Friday afternoon. It was her big sister's last year to go to RRR. 

(No Thursday Pictures)

Friday - Closing Ceremonies

Cook-out

Wranglers Singing

Allison was awarded the bead for "friendly".

After picking Allison up at camp we went by Grandma Renee's to take another Ranger ride and for Daddy to see their amazing new house. Grandma Renee was sweet enough to keep Lilly for us while we went to the closing ceremonies. 

We then headed to Concan to visit Omie and Papa Fred. It was a cloudy weekend, but it didn't stop these two from having a blast in the river! 

Allison absolutely loved camp! She was tired, dirty, and her bag was full of roly-polies, but I'm pretty sure it was well worth it. (I'll take those roly-polies. Her friend Addison brought an enormous, live roach home in her bag.)

While You Were Away at Camp

Aidan and I have been having our own fun while Allison is at camp this week. We headed to Wimberley to take her to camp on Sunday. Before we went we stopped by Grandma Renee and Papa Denis's for lunch and to drop off Aidan and Lilly.

A Wild Ride on the Ranger

Allison was so excited to go to camp. I will do another post about her week, but she hardly even wanted to tell me good-bye! She was ready to have some fun, so Grandma Renee and I left her and headed back to their house. Aidan and I stayed three nights and were treated to all sorts of fun.

Sunday night Aidan was a huge help around the house.

Working in the Shop

Making Chocolate Pie

Lilly was an instant hill country fan as well. She loved playing with Max and Kiera.

On Monday Aidan had his very first real train ride on Amtrak. We went from San Marcos to Austin. Grandma Renee dropped us off and then drove the car to pick us up. This was so special for him!

We then went to Zilker Park for some playground time and to ride the kiddie train. The park was great. I really miss living in Austin. Aidan even said at one point, "Austin is awesome Mommy!" I know little guy.

For lunch we went to Hula Hut. Aidan wanted to sit by the "big fish eye". Here is his fishy face.

Monday evening we went to feed deer. I have never in my life seen so many in one place. My guess is around thirty were right there ready for some dinner. It was amazing.

Tuesday we were treated to Schlitterbahn. I don't have any pictures, but Aidan loved it. He rode wild tube chutes and had a blast. He didn't want to leave. Grandma Renee and I had a great time also. I had not been since high school, and it was just as much fun as I remember.

Thank you so much Grandma Renee and Papa Denis! Aidan and I had a wonderful three days, and I really appreciate you putting up with us. :)

End of First Grade

Allison is officially done with first grade. How did that happen? Here she is with Tye, Lauren, Olek, and Henry waiting on the bus the morning of their last day.

The first day of summer break she made sure Daddy kept up his end of the report card bargain. He owed her $115 for all of those A's! She stuck with her original plan and we went straight to Target to buy Olivia's House. The price had gone down, so she has plenty of cash left for something else later this summer. Aidan was really excited for her after hearing her talk about it all school year. It was so sweet.

She started on it Thursday morning, and by Thursday night, after taking play date and gymnastics breaks, she finished!

We are really proud of Allison's first grade year. She made amazing grades, learned a ton, and had fun. She was actually sad that she wouldn't see her teacher and friends for a while. Today we are headed to Wimberley to drop her off at Rocky River Ranch. Five nights, and boy and I going to miss this girl!

Abstract and Impressionism

Our little artists have been hard at work replacing the faded paintings in the playroom. I guess when you use Crayola paint, fading is expected. Oops. Oh, and we used Crayola paint this time. Oops, I did it again. (Britney reference)

Here are the original pieces the kids did when we first moved into this house.

Aidan's Artwork

Allison's Artwork

Don't they look great!