Day Camp

This past April, I was making plans for the summer, and noticed a a couple empty weeks, right after school got out, and before our travel or any VBS's would really begin.  I'm the type of person who needs a full calendar, something going on all the time (no rest for the weary, right?  I thrive on chaos!).  I wanted something scheduled for my kids during that time.  So, my brilliant idea: do a day camp!  I talked with my friend Teresa, who leads the Las Cruces Playgroup (found on meetup.com), and she agreed to help me make it happen.  We scheduled it for the first week of June, came up with themes for each of the five days, enlisted help with snacks and crafts and activities, and invited everyone we knew with kids.  It turned out to be such a great week!  Our first day, we had 40 kids!  The numbers were a little lower during the middle of the week, but by Friday (Water Day), I'd estimate 50 kids at least.  Sure, there were a few snafus along the way, and it turned out to be a LOT more work than I'd originally anticipated, and I hardly slept that week out of anxiety... but, from the feedback I heard, all the kids (mine included) had a blast.  Which was my goal.  So I'm happy.  And already planning for next summer!  

One of my favorite pics from the week: Kate, in the middle, enjoying chocolate pudding from her "dirt cup" on Farm Day.

"Adventurous Eater" Chart

I'm sure I am not alone in my exasperation with my picky eater.  Much of the time, if what's on his dinner plate looks a little different, Jack refuses to even touch it.  So, our "Adventurous Eater" chart was born!  Every time he finishes his plate of something "new," he earns a sticker.  Ten stickers down, and we get to enjoy a meal out, at a restaurant of Jack's choice.  So far, it's working!  He's still a picky eater, just a little less reluctant.

The End of Jack's Preschool Career

We are so proud of Jack and all he accomplished this past year in school.  Here are some of my favorite of his school projects.

An end-of-the-year portrait done with his teacher Miss Molly.  Black-and-white picture, colored with pastels.  I think it turned out super cute.

Last Day of School

Jack is officially a kindergartener!  He missed his preschool graduation ceremony due to a 103-degree temperature, but was able  to join his class for a water day on the last day of school.  The girls came along for the fun!  Jack's "Elephant" class in the pool with teachers Miss Jen, Miss Diane, and Miss Molly in the back. Kate snuck in there, too.

Love how, even when there are scores of other kids around, my two oldest still gravitate toward each other.

Tons of mud... always fun.

SPLASH!