When can we get another dog?

It's been over a year since Jazmin died.  While the year has gone by quickly the memory of having her around remains.  Just recently Leah was eating at the counter and she dropped a piece of food on the floor.  Without hesitation she yelled for Jazmin to come eat it.  The look on her face was of shook followed by tears streaming down her face after realizing what she had done.  Both Tim and I still check for Jazmin around the house.  The other day he was careful not to spill her water dish carrying a package into the house and I went downstairs to make sure she was in her kennel before heading off for my sister's house for an overnight visit.  Ironically while the girls and I were there the neighbor's beagle had a litter of puppies about 5 weeks prior that we all enjoyed seeing.  For now, even though we miss having a dog around, we are content not to add another one to our family. 

How was your school year?

Ah, another late post...

Both girls had a GREAT school year at Great Lakes.  Leah enjoyed her 3rd grade teacher's personality and he really challenged her to become a better student.  She also had a male student teacher from Hope College that she enjoyed.  The kids in her class were super and she was able to spend 2 years in a row with a bunch of them.  When school was over she commented about how fast the year went!  Elizabeth absolutely loved her teacher this year.  She really grew as a reader and writer.  She got along with everyone in class and was always trying to keep the peace when needed.  Elizabeth had no idea school was almost over until the last week.  She is looking forward to being in 2nd grade in the fall.

Is is summer yet?

I finally feel like it is summer.  All of my school responsibilities (tearing down my room, completing report cards, entering data into the computer) are finished and I've officially checked out of school for about 3 months.  Since the last day of school I've also cleaned and organized a few areas in my home, caught up on some laundry, and just plain relaxed. 

Below are just some of the things that I am looking forward to doing this summer:

• sleeping in
• staying up late
• relaxing in a rocking chair
• spending time at the beach
• reading for pleasure
• making crafts found on Pinterest
• pinning on Pinterest
• catching up on scrapbooks
• attending my 20 year high school reunion
• spending almost a week in Illinois
• picking Leah up at camp in Wisconsin
• watching the girls take swim lessons
• living without a schedule

What have you been up to lately?

I am a bit late on posting about some of the recent activity with the girls, but better late than never! Leah ran in the Girls on the Run race in the middle of May and came in first for the school.  The girls and I enjoyed our school's annual field day on the last full day of school on June 7.  This past Saturday Leah participated in her first triathlon at Camp Geneva. 

Elizabeth getting drenched on Anchors Away.

  Leah anticipating the cold water.