We got out and supported our local lemonade stand today. It was quite picturesque with the table and chairs under the shade tree, kids eating hot dogs & sno cones. (In real life it was sweat dripping down your back, give me more sno cones now...I don't care if I have to spend a dollar for shaved ice, hotter the Hades.) 
I'm trying to ween Dallin off of naps to get ready for all-day kindergarten. It's been kind of nice having some quiet time with just the two of us. This was today's creation...they are magnet mosaics...they take a while, but the end result is pretty fun!
This summer I set up a little "candy land" type game all down the hallway. When the kids listened this first time, were especially nice, or did anything that they should pretty much be doing anyway without all these incentives...they could move their little game piece forward. When they reached special markers along the way they had special rewards... movie night, extra stories, trip to the Jr. high pool, basically all things we would be doing anyway....but because it was on the game it was even more prized! (I love the psychology of kids!) The favorite spot on the board was "Craft with Mom". Both favorite of the kids as well as of mine. We had a great afternoon painting and the house miraculously just seems more peaceful when we're sitting down creating something together. 
Swimming lessons together were hilarious to watch (and apparently traumatic to go through from all the crying & screaming beforehand). And we especially loved our "girl day" when Kacy came to visit. Somewhere in between all the fun Brookelynn got a hold of my camera.. not bad shots girl!
We started off the morning with flag ceremony where Dallin led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. He didn't even ask who "Richard Stands" was! (When Whitney was little she asked Mom that question in reference to ..."& to the republic for "richard stands", one nation, under God....")
And as all good summer holidays end.. swimming & a barbecue at Mom & Dad's! 
