So Long, Summer

It's 8:00 in the morning on this, our last day of summer freedom.  This is the first time in over five years that the ending of summer break has been a real bummer.  Probably the biggest bummer of my life.  Tomorrow I have to hand my little Junie over to the public school system.  Kindergarten just snuck right up on us, and I don't feel prepared for this change at all.

It's been a great summer, filled with family reunions, swim parties, barbecues, ball games, and more hot dogs than I'd like to admit to.  Although, if you ask Kolby, his summer vacation was  a joke - two weeks with the family and then back to the grind on July 6th.

But today I have a sick feeling in the pit of my gut.  I'm worried.  My girls are my whole life.  In fact, you could probably count the days we have spent apart on one hand.  I don't know how a parent does this school business.  Everyone keeps telling me to be excited and enjoy the little bit of free time I will have now that June is off to school.  I won't.  I know myself well enough to realize that I'm just going to be a nervous wreck wondering if she is safe going to the bathroom, or in danger on the playground where the kids can be ruthless, and strangers could be lurking.  

June was worried about this day, too.  She was worried until she got to visit her bright, colorful classroom filled with toys, puzzles and art supplies.  And it only took one look at the playground to convince her that school is the place to be.  I know she's going to hop out of the car tomorrow, head for class and never look back.  I know I did.  I loved school!  And I want her to love it, too.  But chances are, I'll be the one lurking in the parking lot, just to make sure she doesn't need me.  June did give me permission to linger.  Yesterday she told me, "Mom, it's okay if you want to sit in your car and cry for a while."  So I think I will. 

Our Little Slugger

June started t-ball when we got home from Utah in June.  She had been practicing in the back yard for months to prepare for her first team sport, and even got in a few training games with Papa Lee while we were visiting, but I just can't believe how well she doing.  

I really love the YMCA sports programs - the kids say an oath before each game and promise to be good sports.  All of the parents are helpers on the field, but the kids do all the work.  It is so nice to watch these little guys have fun, learn to play the game, and not worry about making mistakes.

Here's a little video of June at her game last monday night.

 

never saw it coming . . .

June, good little writer that she is, decided to jot down a quick story about Sea Princess Ariel, and her adventurous discovery of mankind.

Her illustration, however, must be depicting "The Little Mermaid Gone Terribly Wrong," as it is a graphic drawing of an alligator eating a human arm.  She gets this morbidity from her father, I swear!

Independence Day

We made it home from Utah just in time to enjoy the Fourth of July in Oklahoma.  The fourth has always been one of my favorite holidays.  I'm not sure if the color scheme has something to do with it, but I'm sure my pyromania is a contributing factor.  I guess I just love having a real family holiday in the middle of the summer.  My mom sent some very cute and patriotic outfits home for all her kids so we quickly got them all together for a picture before they got ketchup and mustard all over everything.

Our town had an awesome parade.  To be honest, it was a little lengthy, but we lucked out with an overcast, cool day so it wasn't murder by sunshine.

And out of all of the floats, marching bands, and mini-cars buzzing around, this was by far my girls' favorite parade entry.  Rerro Raggy!

Here's a little something we whipped up for our afternoon picnic.   We are so lucky that all of our friends share their pools with us!

We finished the night off with the big fireworks display.  Winn may have gotten over her fear of water this summer, but she sure hasn't warmed up to the idea of booming explosives.  After a major meltdown, she and Daddy enjoyed the fireworks from inside the car, while June, Sofie and I gave Disney princess names to each sparkling blast, based on their shape and color.  Perfect end to a perfect day!

Utah Trip: Part 2

Family Reunion Extravaganza!

Memorial Day 2009

We enjoyed Memorial Day at Steph and Spencer' s pool this year; followed by a BBQ with all our best buddies.

 

I don't know when it happened, but Winn is no longer afraid of the water, AT ALL!

She just barrels to the edge and takes the plunge!  Even the deep end doesn't scare her.  I'm going to have to keep a close eye on this one this summer!

Here's a good on of the Ivies.  That Lyra just chilled in her tube, but Amos got a little daring and did some dog paddling with the big kids.

Here's the Crums.  I wish you could see how cute Ella's swimsuit was!

And here's the "Other Johnsons."  Sofie was too cool in her pink shades.  It's a good thing we have friends with pool connections.  Otherwise, we would be spending our summer in the backyard sprinkler!

The Ivie boys.

Dad and Winn taking a dip.  June spent a little time "laying out."  Who knew a 5-year-old could be so worried about getting a tan.  Good luck to her through that 5o spf!