Winner, winner!

 Guess who won the Summer Reading Program drawing at our library?  This guy!  Did he get the best loot or what?!

4-Hers

 I bought my kids a little something with a gift certificate I had.  

A good way to renew their energy for 4-H. Not that we really need to renew our energy, we have been having 4-H 4-6x a week in the summer with their online summer classes.  Our club met last week to plan for next year and the fair. My kids are gathering their fair submissions, filling out their entry cards. 

I had a sign outside my childhood home when I was a 4-Her. My dad gave it back to me a couple of years ago. I put it out front of our house for a little, but it was getting more rusty. I brought mine in and gave them a sign that is officially theirs. 

Proud to be third generation 4-Hers. Interested in 4-H? My 4-H co-leader said it's the best kept secret.  I agree! Go ahead and call your cooperative extension office and ask about joining.  We are big fans of 4-H! 

Afternoon books

This summer, I have started something new that may just be my favorite thing I have done in a long time. I had each kid grab a bag and fill with books. Not just any books, a medley of books.  I read Sally Clarkson's Awaking Wonder and she suggested different genres.  I gave the big kids a checklist and had them add the following:

* A book of their choice

* A book of my choice

* A science book

* A history or biography 

* A crafty book

Given my vast collection of books, we have plenty to choose from! They can read as much as they'd like, in as many books as they'd like. I asked them to at least work on two books during our afternoon book time.  If they finish a book, they can feel free to search for a replacement. 

Although they complained at first (we are too old for naps, this seems like a nap!), it has been marvelous.  We get time apart with no sibling squabbles. We get quiet. We relax wherever it feels most relaxing. (Screen porch, hammock or hammock swings have been hits.) We pick a pet to snuggle (thankful we have plenty). They are picking up books (and enjoying) ones they haven't picked up before.  I have been making a point of joining them with my own stack. 

I am thinking that this afternoon book rest is not just for summer reading. I am thinking this is a new addition to our life when we are home sweet home. It just might be my favorite part of the day.

Summer eats

 Berry season is the absolute best.

Thrifted

 A beautiful stack of books at a vintage shop.  A bit more expensive than usual, but still a steal at $5 a piece.

Two brand new lamp shades, Keens for ME!! Four vintage homemade chair pads. Sneakers for Audra.  Books. Always books. Ralph Lauren sheets for me that are like new and so soft. $32

And books. More books. A rubber band game and preschool water painting. $5 for the lot. 

Salty waters

 New day, different beach, same resident town beach pass. We live in a bustling vacation town, but have learned the tricks to finding our own beach, even during the height of tourist season for our daily dips. Thankful to live here.

Summer nights

 How our clothesline looks so many summer nights, tonight included.  (Although minus the full moon tonight).  These kids talk about going on vacation, they don't even realize their everyday is like a vacation to so many.  More ocean pics forthcoming.