Just Keep Swimming!
The outdoor pool and splash pad at the Y is open! We've made it out there a few times, and we're looking forward to spending lots of time there this summer. We've also made it to the indoor pool on several occasions recently. Bug even earned her swim necklace on one of visits! This is a big deal because it means she no longer has to stay within arms reach of a parent and she can do down the big water slides outside. Monkey is very close to getting hers; she just needs to be ok with swimming without goggles on. We're working on it.

Mmmm....Cracker Barrel Brunch
Aunt A was visiting Grandma recently, and while we couldn't make it over for a real visit, we (the girls, Potato, and I) did meet her and Grandma halfway between for a long brunch at our favorite meeting spot. It's always fun to catch up with long-distance family! And the girls had a blast exploring the store as usual.

All Fenced In
We have a fence now! The girls were fascinated by the process (especially the electric post hole digger), and went out to observe the fence guys at work on a number of occasions. Even more exciting now that it's finished: we can get our dream dog--a retired racing greyhound! We attended a greyhound meet and greet recently and had a lovely time petting dogs and chatting with their owners.

We had a blast at luau and movie night at church.
Even Moana showed up!

Church Workday
The girls and I participated in a church workday a couple weeks ago (Daddy wanted to come but a recent shoulder injury kept him on the sidelines--he's getting better now). They were initially disappointed by the low kid turnout and the fact that we didn't get assigned to a group with any of them. However, once we jumped into polishing the sanctuary woodwork with a group of senior citizens, they rediscovered their enthusiasm. The worked out a cooperative system for polishing the pews and the four of us finished half the sanctuary. They were really excited about being trusted to polish/explore the chancel, including the organ with all its pedals and buttons. From their we joined their favorite children's minister in reorganizing the craft supply room. It was quite a task, but they were good little helpers!

Africa at the Zoo!
We finished up our study of Africa with a visit to the zoo.
Potato happened to have the day off, so he got to come too. The girls were especially excited about the big cats (we actually got to see the lions this time!), the white rhinos (new arrivals at the zoo; their habitat is still being worked on), and truly newest arrival--a baby giraffe! It was hiding out in a corner just under the viewing window, but we got to catch a glimpse of its head peaking out. On this visit we also discovered an "enrichment area" where the kids get to play with some of the big manipulatives they give the animals to play with.

Yard work with Daddy
Now that his shoulder's on the mend, Daddy's been very busy outside and that means he has a trio of semi-enthusiastic little helpers (and one big helper--Potato's been putting sweat into the yard effort as well)! So far, they've cleared the front flower bed and planted purple hearts, helped plant 7 trees, and dismantled an old ornamental bridge to nowhere. It's looking good!

You know you're a homeschooler when . . . 

after an hour of cheerfully playing at a friend's house, it gets
suspiciously quiet. You peek in only to discover they've all
settled onto the couches with books!