Happy Friday!

First, I would like to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my beautiful Grandma Margie!

I don't know her age, but I can tell you that this woman has not aged a day in the last 20 years!

 It makes me so hopeful!

Speaking of birthdays, Ben has the birthday that just keeps on givin'!

Today, we had a package on our front step from Uncle DJ and Aunt Melissa.  Boy was he happy!

Today was day 1 of our summer, and I think it went pretty well.

We started off the day with some art.

Then some math games on the computer.

Then a trip to the gym.

A mango smoothie.

And finally, a trip to the library.

This photo of Ben is totally staged.

This is what he was really doing.

Sadie was somewhat interested in the books.

Yes, that's a lobster in her hair.  Yes, I have a strange addiction to eclectic hair clips.

I am more than determined to not let Ben's brain/body turn to mush over the summer, which is why I have set up some guidelines (I'm only posting this to hold myself accountable):

1.  No Wii unless its the weekend.

2.  Only educational computer games and shows. One non-educational cartoon may be watched in the morning.

3.  Read, Read, Read:  I have ordered the books on his summer reading list and plan a trip to the library every week.  Today, we checked out four.

4.  Art/craft daily.

5.  One reading, one math worksheet per day if we are home.

6.  No choices regarding meals.  I have already enforced this for a few weeks now.  New foods are tried daily, and there have been no meltdowns thus far.

In all fairness, Ben's summer is packed with outings, so he won't be stuck with "home school" everyday.  And if I didn't give him these guidelines, he would watch inappropriate cartoons and play video games ALL DAY.  Ok, I'm done.

And what would the morning be without a near-death newt experience.  This morning I picked up their cage to clean it, and the top came loose.  Water, rocks, plants, and newts went everywhere.  Those guys are FAST, but I was able to rescue them before they fell to their death.   And I was just starting to establish their trust...  They are safe and sound now.