A large pitcher of ice tea is on order today. I know I didn't drink enough yesterday.

Weekend Notes 6/26-6/28

Friday night Grandma arrived and we headed over to hang out with our cousins. We played a freaky game of Trivial Pursuit. We kept getting Michael Jackson related questions! 

Saturday we hiked part of the Sugar River trail through Albany. We must of chosen the boring route. It was pretty much a straight line hike, not very scenic, but the exercise was worth it.

Saturday afternoon Grandma treated us to Transformers II Revenge of The Fallen. It was a fun, summer time movie, however we are questioning the PG-13 rating. We think we heard a few F-bombs coming from the racist/stereotyped robots.

Sunday we hiked Magnolia Bluff. The weather was great except for the fact the breeze blew in the pig farm aroma. If you live in the country you know what I'm talking about. I'll take cow manure over pig any day! Part of the trail at Magnolia bluff was washed out with several large trees blown down. The boys had a great time climbing over and through the downed branches as we attempted to climb up the hillside. I was happy we made it up all the way. I'm hoping my MIL got good pictures since I had forgotten my camera.

The ants are back in my bathroom. Every summer they come in, I think looking for water. Hate to do it, but I'm leaving out Terro poison.

The wasps seem to be gone. I think I killed about a dozen or so before they finally got the hint a nest in between the doorway wasn't the best spot.

I'm so happy to have the air conditioning turned off! It feels so refreshing to open windows and air out. All this week we should be able to continue with this since our temperatures are back in the 70's! Yeah!

Looking forward to it being a 4 day work week for DH. I'm still working my same hours, but just having an extra day with him makes this week special for me.

I better get moving. I've made a vow that today is mine.  I don't want to spend all it sitting here, when its so perfect outside. 

This day has been given to me, and I'm taking it for all its worth!

Why is my offspring so good at already being on the computer whenever I get a free moment?

My attack wasps are not behaving. Last night one decided to get in my car and ride with me to work. Buy stock in Raid. I'm about to go medieval.

Wish I could walk around with my eyes shut today.

Wednesday's babble

Out with the old, in with the new. Really, I don't know what was wrong with our old town sign, but our village has spent the money to erect a newer one. Except for needing some weeding, the old sign seems fine to me. One of these days I really should become more active in my local government.

Have you read this article about the FTC monitoring blogs? I read this a few days ago, and it really concerns me. How can this not be a violation of free speech? The FTC is concerned that some bloggers are receiving free goods in exchange for writing about them and readers may not understand those bloggers were compensated. Why do we need government to regulate this? What ever happened to "buyer beware." Their argument is that when you walk into a store, you can identify the salesclerk. My response to that is what makes the salesclerk any more or less trustworthy than anyone else?

For the record, Emergen-C, Dandy Blend, or any other product I've written about, I've had to buy with my own money. I don't receive free gifts to blog, and my blog is just my opinion. I have not scientifically tested the products I review. Now hopefully the FTC won't come after me since I've disclosed this to you!

I'm trying to brain storm for things we can enjoy only in summer time. DH & I realized, since our boys are unschooled, they don't really see summer like we did as kids. Summertime to us meant freedom. Our boys never lose theirs. It made me think about how our life revolves around the seasonal calender rather than a school calendar. Its the seasons and holidays that bring change into our lives. I should focus on that and do a better job with our family traditions.

So what kinds of things do you only enjoy in the summer time? I know trips are the obvious, but I'm looking for life's little pleasures, keeping in mind money doesn't buy happiness.

There were half a dozen wasps in between our front door and the storm door. I broke down and used wasp killer. I was sorry to end their lives, but they can't set up shop on my front door!

The central air at my work was broken tonight. I had fun working in the dark, trying to keep the lobby temperature down. My boss was the best, bringing us fans! I'm glad I'm home now, sipping on a frozen banana strawberry smoothie.

My Nordic blood is not liking this heat and humidity. I can't imagine how our soldiers handle this in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today I am grateful for their sacrifice, and for the central air in my Sleepyhouse!

Dawning's Peanut Butter Kamut Cookies

Description:
Kamut is an ancient grain, related to wheat only its higher in protein, lipids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Kamut is the Egyptian word for wheat, meaning "Soul Of The Earth". The kernels are 2-3 times larger than regular wheat, and the plant produces high quality grains without the use of pesticides and artificial fertilizers.

I freshly grind our own flour. 48 hours after grinding, flour begins to lose nutritional value. You can prolong the shelf life by storing freshly ground up wheat in your freezer. If you buy flour from a store, make sure it is freshly ground otherwise, your buying nutritionally dead flour, or worse, the natural kernel oils could go rancid. Perhaps this is one reason why more people today have a gluten intolerance? We eat too much dead wheat.

DH loves when I add peanut chips or even chocolate chips. DS10 is a purist and prefers no chips. I'm just happy my family enjoys a healthy cookie. I've also used soft pastry whole wheat in this recipe with success, but the cookies come out less puffy. Either way they are delicious and you would never guess you were eating a whole grain treat.

Ingredients:
1/2 C unsalted butter
1/2 C peanut butter
1 1/2 C brown sugar
2 eggs
1 t vanilla
2 t baking soda
3 C Kamut flour (or soft pastry wheat flour) FRESHLY GROUND

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375F

Cream together the butter, peanut butter and brown sugar. Add in the eggs and vanilla. Add in the baking soda and flour.

Drop by spoonfuls onto a silicon lined cookie sheet or use parchment paper.

Bake for 11 minutes or until lightly browned.

Our Father's Day 2009

Why does my family make me feel like I'm the paparazzi? I did bring the camera but didn't get any shots because they moaned every time I asked to take a photograph.

We took DH to Outback Steakhouse. We went early, skipping breakfast, and it was still crowded. The manager gave DH a $10 off coupon for our next visit. Hmmm.... next month's date night?

After lunch, we took DH shopping at Preplayed, a used movie and video game store. He picked out a few cheesy movies. We then headed over to a used book store, Frugal Muse, but unfortunately, didn't find anything worth while. They are getting ready for a move, so it seems inventory is low.

Our last stop was to try the new Sonic for dessert. I had the new bundt cake sundae, DH a rootbeer float, DS13 a Reeses Blast and DS10 a cherry slushy. It was all very tasty and the only strange thing was when the car hop later came and asked us if we wanted ketchup. We don't normally enjoy ketchup with our ice cream. I was pleased to see they offer flavored ice teas and during "Happy Hour", 2-4pm, they are half price! I may just have to plan a detour on my next drive to work.

I can't decide whether I should try two shorter, outside walks today, or just resolve to work out indoors, which bores me. How long before Autumn returns?

Happy Father's Day!!

Our Saturday the 20th...

When we came across this tree, my boys wanted to turn back. I admit, it is creepy.

Yesterday we decided to hike at Picnic Point. This park is popular, located near the UW University in Madison. Its really beautiful and on certain trails, you can see the lake all around you. The area historically was camped in by Native Americans and an Indian burial mound is marked along the path.

I haven't picked up citronella oil yet, so I haven't had the chance to make a home made safe alternative to mosquito spray. I am going to do this very soon! For some reason, when we are getting bit, we're getting these giant welts, not like normal bumps. Yesterday's bite left a 3 inch welt on my arm. Hope those weren't West Nile mosquitoes!

The humidity made the hike less pleasant too. With my asthma it felt like someone was standing on my chest, but the boys seemed excited about the baby frog migration going on, so I pressed on.

It was a challenge to walk the paths. There were so many baby frogs hopping around. I felt bad for them, because many were getting squished by people riding bikes on the path. We came across one section where the trail was marked, encouraging people to take a different path to allow the baby frogs to remain unharmed, but when we carefully walked that path hoping to see many, we saw almost none. They need to move the sign!

After our hike, we picked up bagels for lunch and headed home. I had a Diva Sister outing to prepare for.

The boys enjoyed a boys only night with dad, our cousin, and our cousin's X-Box. I enjoyed my Diva sisters, gourmet chocolate at Daniel's followed by supper out at Pearl's. It was a repeat of our last Diva outing, but Daniel's and Pearls are two great places worth repeating.

Today I'm afraid will involve more food, but it Father's Day and how can we not take him out to his favorite place? The plan is lunch at Outback, another hike, followed by dessert at Sonic. We have yet to try Sonic, and the commerical for those new bundt cake sundaes is working on us!

Come Monday I will have to find my workout DVDs or kick my kids off the Wii so I can try Wii Fit again. With summer's humidity and the ozone lately, I feel like I can get a better workout breathing indoors.

Well, I better get moving. Hope you have a great Father's Day!

I should probably unplug today.

Look out weeds! You're getting a little too close to my baby melon plants. I'm coming for you!

Climbing Back On My Box Today....

My choice today is continue to feel helpless, cry my eyes out some more, sink into depression and over eat, or I could embrace my anger, moving into action.

DH wants me to be careful and remember this is a public forum. Perhaps this is a risk I shouldn't take here, but I think better when I can write, and this is something I must put my mind to.

Our health insurance most certainly will be changing. I can understand the frustrations on an employer's side with rising costs, but I feel insulted when dollar signs are more important than acknowledging the hard work, dedication and sacrifice my husband has given.

We currently pay out of pocket about $300 a month for our current PPO/HMO. DH's employer pays the rest and soon the rate is going up about $300. Rather than ask DH to contribute more, his employer has decided to shop around for new health insurance.

Now its a small office, and of the 4 men that work there, only half use the insurance. The others are covered by spouse plans. Of the two that use the insurance, only 1, my husband, needs family coverage. Keep that in mind. We're talking only ONE employee that would cost an additional $300 to insure. The single worker increased cost, I'm guessing, would be half that, but lets just say for argument sake, its another $300 a month, bringing the total to an increase of $600 or $7200 a year.

The business is an engineering design firm. Depending on the work required, projects could range from $5,000 to $50,000. If this business owner could bring in one more project a year,  this increase in health insurance would be paid for. The best answer here is bring in more business through the door. Get out there and sell this company's services! 

Instead of approaching it this way, he is shopping for new health coverage, but he's not shopping so far too wisely. The option presented to my husband yesterday made me sick to my stomach as I realized it was NOT an option and we would basically be without coverage.

On the "Americare Plan", our family's deductible per year would be $20,000. If we break our arm, that is covered, (after the deductible), but if we get strep throat, its not. MRI's & CAT scans, are not covered and we may even be rejected if we have pre-existing conditions. I can tell you right now our son will be rejected having been diagnosed with a Chiari malformation. Americare doesn't really seem to care at all now does it!

My husband is already working for less than most in his field because he feels a sense of loyalty to the business owner. My husband has taken on more work than he was originally hired for, picking up the slack, to ensure that this small company succeeds. He's worked with this business owner since 1991. Its not just a paycheck to him. He has vested 18 years trying to help this man reach his goals. I can't help but feel spit upon by the offer of a health insurance with a $20,000 deductible. 

Maybe I shouldn't whine. So many have no health insurance. So many are unemployed. I just can't help but feel like the company my husband has given so much to, is turning their back on him.

A very wise woman taught me to never bring complaints to the table without suggesting solutions. So today, instead of baking chocolate chip cookies and eating them, I am researching and shopping for health insurance. I'm praying for answers, for peace, for security, but I'm also the type of person who has to do something while I wait for those prayers to be answered. I hope I can find realistic alternatives and convince DH's boss to embrace our concerns and suggestions. 

Depression is anger without passion. Anger without action is cowardice. I will not go down with out a fight!

I will not get through this night without a sprinkling of tears, and lots of prayers. A giant stress ball has landed in my lap, and I can't find peace tonight.

Gaps Don't Scare Me

On a homeschooling newsletter list I belong to, one mom wanted to know which tests she could administer to see if her children had any gaps. Another mom offered a response that nailed it. She pointed out how it is not possible, to NOT have gaps. No one can know it all.

She used the example of history/geography. Pointing out that there are over 200 countries in the world, if you were to study each one of them over the course of a 12 year education, you would need to spend only 2 weeks studying each country. How much detail could you retain studying a country for only 2 weeks?

What also came to my mind is how the borders, leadership and cultures of those 200 plus countries are going to change over the course of 12 years. Education is an eternal process, because change is a fact of life.

With so much out there in the world to learn, a person has to decide what's important to know. My personal conviction is that you should be free to follow your God given curiosity. Each one of us is unique. We aren't all born to be gardeners or brain surgeons or song writers.

(Of course if given the chance, our government would like us all to be good consumers, but that's another soapbox.)

So getting back to testing for gaps, why is it important to see if you know or don't know, what someone else thinks you should? Why allow someone else to tell you what it is that you need to know, unless you want to fit into their mold? Wouldn't you be giving up your freedom doing so?

Maybe some don't want that freedom? For them, it may be easier to choose to follow someone else's path. Maybe its a desire to fit in, to belong and maybe that stems from an insecurity? Too bad,  because I believe we are born to be creators and trail blazers. Fear and insecurity will keep us from soaring achievements.

Testing isn't perfect either, and it often fails to match action methods needed to accomplish a goal. (But this too is another soapbox.)

I'd much rather my children pass life tests. Can they show respect for others? Can they be self motivated? Do they demonstrate strong work ethic? Do they practice healthy judgment? Have they figured out that God has a plan designed exclusively for them? Can they forgive? Can they love?

The gaps will always be there, for everyone, whether you attended a traditional school, schooled at home, or unschooled. You can worry about the gaps or you can choose to build bridges over them when the time comes you need to get across. Life is a journey of discovery. Its your journey and you should decide the destination, when you want to go and how you'll travel.

"Stretching us before strawberry picking didn't help." - Message from my legs this morning.

Death by Strawberry Picking

Wisconsin strawberries are ready for harvesting. We headed to Hazeltine's to self pick. We collected two baskets and to be honest, there is no way we could have picked anymore. All of us broke out with itchy rashes on our arms.

Quickly paying for our berries, the young man working had no idea what was used to spray the plants. I drove to the next town over, pulled into a Burger King, and we ran into the bathroom to scrub up.

The rashes thankfully went away, but I started to feel other symptoms of chemical sensitivity. I bought a Diet Coke and sat down to rest, hoping it would go away enough for me to drive home. My stomach started cramping up, feeling like knives were stabbing me. I called DH and continued to sip on the Diet Coke. After hearing his voice, I calmed down and felt well enough to make it home, where thankfully the pain stopped, but I'm fatigued.

I'm grateful we didn't consume any while picking! I can only imagine what my reaction would have been if I had eaten a few without washing them.

Next time, I will pay the extra money, make the longer drive and find an organic farm! (Or just stick to buying them in the store.)

I have such fond memories of strawberry picking throughout my childhood. This is the first time something like this has happened to me, and I'm a little freaked it happened to the boys as well. I'm usually the sensitive one and the fact we all broke out has me wondering what kind of toxin that farm used!

I soaked and rinsed the berries like crazy, and the first batch of jam is done. The rest are chilling in the freezer ready for future smoothie days.

Pull

"I live more than what you'll ever know, and I'll give you more than what l'll ever show..." (woke up with Pull in my melonhead)

My Neighbor's Going to Hate Me....

Yes, I'm a nosy neighbor. The kind that watches everything. I guess I'm home during the day, and I like to keep my neighborhood safe. I take Neighborhood Watch seriously.

A young man came to my door claiming to be participating in a magazine contest. I asked him for identification and to see his solicitor's permit. In our village, you need a solicitor's permit if you want to go door to door. He told me he didn't have one, and he was just dropped off by someone else to canvas our neighborhood.

I told the young man politely, he needed to go to city hall and get a permit. He left my doorstep and walked directly to my neighbor's house. So Bee-atch that I am, I called the village to report him.

In our small town, the police are quick. They were at my neighbor's house within 3 minutes ringing her doorbell asking to speak with the solicitor. I'm sure my neighbor is pissed and thinks I'm a busy body, but I don't care. I'd rather my neighborhood be safe.

Part of my beeatchiness is coming from the fact just a few years ago, one of these crack pot magazine sale companies crammed a bunch of teenagers into a van which over turned on the highway. The driver at the time didn't want to be pulled over, so he attempted to switch drivers while going 65mph. Several young lives were senselessly lost that day and now in Wisconsin, we have laws regarding these traveling magazine sales companies.

This neighbor is not directly next to us, but around the back corner. I'm sure she's freaked out to know someone was watching and then called the police. Frankly, I'm shocked she invited the young man into her home.

When strangers come to my door, I step out to meet them, closing the door behind me. My children wait and watch from inside, ready to pick up the phone if needed.

Last summer, while playing in the back garden, to my surprise two Mormon boys decided since we didn't answer the doorbell, it must be ok to walk around to our back yard. Upon seeing the strangers, my youngest decided to run and hide around the corner of the house. He later told me he was watching to see if they were going to harm me, and he was ready to run to the neighbors to call 911.

Yes, I guess DS and I can be a little paranoid, but I'd like to think we are just cautious.

I'm wondering who gave my cat dork juice, as I sip what may possibly be, the greatest glass of iced tea I've ever brewed.

"All I can do, is read a book to stay awake, but it rips my life away, it rips my life away, it rips my life away, but its a great escape..."

What's Up on Wednesday

Its so beautiful out, what am I doing inside?

School is officially out in our village, so I once again have a basement full of boys. Fed them hotdogs and watermelon so they are happy. I'm going to have to get used to flying solo. At least the boys are still sharing their mornings with me.

I made chocolate covered strawberries after deciding the berries were too big. I broke down and bought California strawberries at the store, but truthfully, I like the local smaller berries we should be able to pick in a few days. The tiny ones taste better to me. When I see a humongous berry, I naturally think it needs chocolate. I'll serve them to my homeschool posse moms tomorrow.

I'm taking baby steps to making over my bedroom. My original goal was to prime and paint this coming weekend, but I'm discovering there is just way too much junk to move first. I want a true love nest to share with my husband.

Yesterday we moved book shelves, including all the books stacked on them, from our bedroom. DH found room for them alongside the treadmill in the Mancave. My first reaction upon seeing the empty space in our bedroom- HEY! We could buy more book shelves to fit there! No, no, no, Dawn. You are building a Love Nest, not a library.

I'm trying to take inspiration from the forest, but choosing paint colors is difficult. I want it earthy, but not too brown, not too dark. I should just go for it and remember its only paint.

Well, I better get back on task. Hope you're enjoying your week! 

I know I'm only days away from picking fresh, locally grown strawberries, but I caved in at the grocery store. Couldn't pass up the sale and the chance to eat fresh berries this very day.

There are days I regret introducing my children to Youtube. "Monkey Cheese! Monkey Cheese!"

IS IT TIME YET? IS IT TIME YET? I keep checking daily to see if strawberry picking has begun.

Need More Monday....

I'm enjoying this day too much and it needs to be longer.

Accidentally bought another Father's Day shirt for the dad in law.

When will I learn to use my cell phone to call DH and check before I buy things?

I found both a large & small Pampered Chef micro cooker at Goodwill for $1 each! To buy these from Pampered Chef would cost over $18. Score! They are fantastic for quick steaming veggies in the microwave.

Picked up the primer but once again, was over whelmed by paint color choices. I probably won't know what color to use until the day I paint.

Thunderstorms rolling through in between bouts of sunshine.  Windy, cloudy, sunny, cool, I love it!

Rabbit fence is around the SFG. Thinned out the Romas & lettuce. Wishing we could find some basil and oregano to plant. I'd love a "pizza" garden.

Moved junk off of a shelving unit in the basement, and the boys and I moved it into their room. What a different storage makes! You can actually walk in there now. Can't say the same for the basement storage area.

Supper is half way done. Only need to make tortillas and rice.

Tea break is now over.

Let the day filling continue.

Its starting out to be a strange day. I woke up and cleaned my ceiling fan. I better call my Dad and make sure he is ok.

Bunny bite marks on the lettuce. :( Time to put up more poultry fencing.

The beginning of our weekend...

Our Pizza Oven lovin days may be coming to an end. Second time in a row they've screwed up on service. The first time they messed up, we spoke with the owner and were granted a free pizza on our next visit. This visit our free pizza was fine, but they had forgotten our appetizers, and we ended up getting them after the pizza was consumed. 

After pizza we headed out used book shopping. Ended up coming home with a used movie instead. A really good cheesy Japanese horror film in which a demon, unearthed by an archeologist, begins attacking school students.

Today I'm up early, waiting for our cousins to be dropped off. We're babysitting for the day, and I get to play soccer mom. Wish me luck. I'm so NOT a soccer mom.

I'm actually relieved my boys aren't into the organized sport thing anymore. Our extended family is big time, and we rarely get to hang out because they always have games or practices. My nephew at one point had organized sport practice or games every single day of the week. My sister would have to spend every weekend away at tournaments.

I suppose if my children enjoyed participating in organized sports, I would have no other choice, but I'm glad they are cool with spending time with us, hiking on weekends, shopping used book stores and watching cheesy horror films. With dad having to work full time, when he is off, its fantastic we get to share our time together doing something we all enjoy.

We found area 51

Walking through Target, DS10 found area 51. He wanted me to take a picture. All it takes is a sense of humor. I'm not kidding- LOVE THAT BOY TO PIECES!

Believing that birds of the same species can understand each others chirps, DS10 would like to know if birds communicate across species lines with other birds, or is it like trying to understand a foreign language. Do birds have accents and dialects?

I thought these are excellent questions, and I look forward to helping him figure out the answers. Unschooling Rocks!

Have a great weekend!

Dandy Blend Banana Soy Frap

Description:
This tasted so good!! Very refreshing and healthy. I think it tastes better than using coffee actually. No whipped cream is needed as it naturally ends up with a frothy topping after blending.

100 calories

Ingredients:
1 spoonful of Dandy Blend
1 C ice water
1/2 c light vanilla soy milk
1/2 frozen banana, chopped into chunks

Directions:
Add everything to your blender and mix until frothy. Enjoy!

"In a world full of people, only some learn to fly. Isn't that crazy?"- Seal. Yes, Seal. That is crazy. I plan on spreading my wings today.

I was just asked on a date to Pizza Oven tomorrow night! I can't wait!

Trying my best to stay away from the pecan Kringle left in my kitchen by Mr. Sabotage.

Wondering on Wednesday.....

Why do salads always taste so much better away from home?

Why do drinks taste better in Styrofoam cups? (Curse you McDonald's Sweet Tea)

Do I really want to allow my children to have an ongoing garage sale every Friday until they make enough money for an X-Box?

Should I micro chip the escape artist previously known as Yumi?

Why can't I choose a paint color for our bedroom?

What can I use other than paint, other than paneling and other than fabric on a bedroom wall?

Why do I refuse to close the window even though I'm freezing?

Why can't I figure out what cottage business is right for my family?

Why do I miss him so?

Do I have to pull the whole weed or can I get away with just chopping off the top?

Can rabbits move rocks?

Do certain finger nails grown faster than others?

Strange Things In My Kitchen

Knowing I love the unique, DMIL gifted us this egg separator. DS10 took one look at it and thought it was scary looking. How Grandma came to buy it, is a scary story in itself. Just remember not to go antiquing alone, and always have your cell phone handy!

This egg separator was handcrafted by Jim Leadbetter of Sedona, Arizona. How it ended up in a scary, back woods antique store in Wisconsin, I don't know, but I couldn't wait to see if it worked.

Deciding we needed cupcakes today, the occasion for separating egg whites presented itself. In went the first egg and then as we poured, out came the white. Needless to say, after witnessing this action, I'm no longer in the mood to eat a cupcake.

Its now June....

I'm cured of my graham cracker/smore obsession. Here's a quote that will stick with me from my boss during our re-certification CPR training.
"You may break ribs administering chest compressions. It will sound like your crushing graham crackers."

Since today is the first day of June, its time I change our home schooling calendar. In our state, we are required to keep attendance records for our home based private schools, and I do this by marking each day "P" for present, or "S" for sick on a calender.

I'll tell you right now, we have perfect attendance. If my children are conscious, they can be read to or watch a video. When any amount of learning happens, I consider that being present in our "home based private educational program." Even the act of being sick brings learning experiences my children never forget!

I log our school year from June 1st though May 31st, knowing that learning happens each and every day. Our state law says our home based private educational programs must provide 875 hours of instruction a year, but I get to choose how that year is scheduled. Divide 875 by 365 and you get a little under 2.5 hours a day. Its very easy to meet and exceed that 875 hours if you share learning experiences each and every day with your children.

In many ways, it seems like our home school follows more of a seasonal schedule. This is especially true when it comes to science. When your "classroom" isn't a room at all, but the world around you, the seasons tend to lead you.  Spring and Summer mean botany and biology. Of course thunderstorms or blizzards can peak interests in meteorology at any time of the year. 

A few things our family has decided to focus on this summer are the summer night sky, (constellations), the effects glaciers had on Wisconsin, (Ice Age Trail), gardening, (botany), poker, (math/probability), have a garage sale & develop our Zazzle sites, (business/entrepreneurship), and lots of day trips.

Near the end of this month, we hope to visit Old World Wisconsin for the Scandinavian Midsommer fest, (history & social studies.) If DH's work schedule permits, we'll also make our yearly summer pilgrimage to the grandparent's house in the north woods.

Today may be the first day of June, but I know how quickly the summer goes. I just hope we can get our fill before its gone.